Iowa Football continues to impress on the recruiting trail. The Hawkeyes have a solid 2026 class that continues to get stronger. During this recruiting cycle, the Hawkeyes have heavily focused on the offensive side of the football.
Iowa currently has eight recruits committed for the 2026 class, seven playing on the offensive side. The lone defensive commit is a three-star prospect, Marcello Vitti. Vitti can play both sides of the ball, but was heavily recruited by defensive coordinator Phil Parker to bolster the Iowa defense.
According to On3 Sports, the Hawkeyes' recruiting class was the No. 11 overall in the Big Ten (No. 33 nationally) going into Monday morning. On April 21, the Iowa program bolstered its offense and 2026 recruiting rank after adding a commitment from a four-star prospect.
Blessed to announce I have committed to continue my academic and athletic career at The University of lowa!@CoachBarnett_OL @TylerBarnesIOWA @HCRedDevilFB @rymcq65 @OLMafia@Spauldingiowa @MattRiordan1972@SWiltfong_ @BlairASanderson @AllenTrieu @EDGYTIM @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/lhYd4F6kCq
— Gene Riordan (@riordan_gene) April 21, 2025
Four-star offensive line prospect Gene Riordan announced his commitment to the Hawkeyes for 2026. The six-foot-five, 290-pound Riordan plays for Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, Illinois.
According to On3 Sports, Riordan is the No.1 prospect from Illinois and the No. 5 overall interior offensive lineman (No. 69 nationally) in the 2026 recruiting class.
He joins fellow four-star prospects Hudson Parliament and Carson Nielson, and three-star prospects Owen Linder and Colin Whitters.
After adding Riordan's commitment, On3 has ranked the Hawkeyes' 2026 class as No. 5 in the Big Ten and No. 33 nationally.
Before committing to the Hawkeyes, Riordan had 22 offers from other programs, including Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern, Penn State, Wisconsin from the Big Ten, and rival Iowa State in the Big 12.
Riordan has always spoken highly about Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes throughout the recruiting process.
"I feel I will reach my greatest potential as a Hawkeye."Gene Riordan, 2026 Iowa Football recruit