"Tight End U" took a hit over the weekend after failing to sign one of the best tight ends in the nation, and a top Iowa recruit in the 2026 recruiting class.
Under Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, the Hawkeyes' program has consistently produced top tight end talent for the NFL.
George Kittle, Noah Fant, T.J. Hockenson, Sam LaPorta, Tony Moeaki, C.J. Fiedorowicz, and Dallas Clark are a few of the notable tight ends to come from the University of Iowa and have success in the NFL.
A significant part of Iowa's recruiting strategy has been to attract top in-state talent or develop underrated prospects into All-Big Ten players.
The biggest criticism of Ferentz outside of his conservative offensive system is that he fails to sign top recruits year after year.
Ferentz recruits hard-working players and players that fit the Iowa mold, but fails to hit home runs on the recruiting trail. More often than not, the Hawkeyes are the biggest draw in the state of Iowa, but a recent recruiting blunder proves that not all of the top Iowa players stay in the Hawkeye state.
Woke up an Aggie 👍 pic.twitter.com/mUjdXzHSpY
— Evan Jacobson (@Evanjacobson12_) July 26, 2025
Evan Jacobson, a six-foot-five tight end prospect from Waukee High School, chose to head to the SEC to play for Texas A&M.
Jacobson is considered one of the top Iowa players in the 2026 recruiting class, ranked as Iowa's No. 1 overall prospect by 247 Sports, and Iowa's No. 2 overall prospect by Rivals.
Jacobson took four official visits to Iowa City, but the Hawkeyes could not secure his commitment.
Texas A&M was aggressive in its pursuit of Jacobson, making him a priority from day one. According to Sports Illustrated, the program remained in constant contact and did not shy away from Jacobson's interest in playing college basketball.
Team A&M's aggressive pursuit paid off, and added another top recruit to their already loaded 2025 recruiting class.
For Iowa, they will have to pivot to other prospects and are left to wonder how one of the top tight ends and in-state prospects in the 2026 recruiting class slipped through their fingers.