After all the success of the Iowa defense last season, they have multiple holes to fill in key places.
Iowa ranked in the top 20 in four major defensive categories, and is losing four starting defensive linemen next season.
Aaron Graves (graduation), Max Llewellyn (graduation), Ethan Hurkett (graduation), and Brian Allen Jr. (transfer) are all headed out the door, and defensive line coach Kelvin Bell will have the challenging task of replacing them.
The program heavily focused on the defensive side of the football in the transfer portal, including defensive linemen Brice Stevenson (Holy Cross), Lance Ingold (Northern Illinois), and Emmanuel Olagbaju (North Dakota), and edge rusher Kahmari Brown (Elon).
Even with all the talent coming in and on the roster, that has not stopped Iowa from pursuing more talented players in the 2027 recruiting class.
2027 DL prospect Josh Johnson has Iowa on his final six choices list
Josh Johnson, an intriguing defensive line prospect from Key West, Florida, has the Iowa program on his final list of six preferred destinations.
Very blessed to be in this position where is home 🏡 ????? pic.twitter.com/t8RYmDRoAu
— Josh Johnson 3⭐️ D lineman ‘27 (@Josh65898) February 9, 2026
Iowa made Johnson's final list of preferred destinations, and the program will have to beat out multiple college football blue bloods for his services.
Johnson is a multi-sport athlete in football and track, becoming a state qualifier in the discus throw as a sophomore.
During his sophomore season for Key West High School, Johnson played on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Johnson has the size (six-foot-five, 260 pounds) and skill to be a productive member of the Iowa defensive line, and Iowa is working hard to get him on campus.
247Sports has currently ranked Johnson as a three-star prospect, Florida's No. 75 overall prospect, and the No. 79 overall defensive line prospect in the 2027 recruiting class.