"Holy" transfer portal signing, Batman!
Iowa Football capped off a stellar 2025 campaign with an upset win over Vanderbilt, and the program is now fully invested in adding talent through the transfer portal.
After the transfer portal opened, the Hawkeyes lost a handful of players and have key positions in desperate need of attention.
Iowa's traditionally stout defense is losing multiple starters and contributors from last season, especially on the line.
Ethan Hurkett (graduation), Aaron Graves (graduation), Max Llewellyn (graduation), and Brian Allen Jr. (transfer portal) are exiting the program, leaving huge gaps up front.
Iowa filled another need by signing Villanova transfer safety Anthony Hawkins, and on Monday morning, added another transfer to the defense from Holy Cross.
Committed! Thank you Coach Ferentz and the rest of the Iowa Staff. Let’s work🐤… @HawkeyeFootball @CoachK_Bell @Coach_Niemann @CoachParkerIowa @CoachSWallace @TylerBarnesIOWA #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/xsprMlImqi
— Brice Stevenson ✟ (@BriceStevenson4) January 5, 2026
Former Holy Cross star defensive tackle Brice Stevenson announced he is leaving the Crusaders and signing with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Stevenson enjoyed a prolific career for Holy Cross after receiving immediate playing time for the Crusaders.
In his three seasons with the Holy Cross program, he compiled 84 total tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss in 32 games (24 starts).
Stevenson was immediately impressed with the Hawkeye program, telling On3 Sports that he "loved" his visit, and the Iowa program gives him the best chance to succeed at the next level.
He also said that the facilities and coaches were amazing and it "blew him away."
Iowa was in desperate need of interior defensive line help, and Stevenson provides that after spending three seasons with Holy Cross.
The Hawkeyes have multiple young returning players on the defensive line next season who should contribute more, including Iose Epenesa, Kenneth Merrieweather, Bryce Hawthorne, and Devan Kennedy.
Even with all those young options, Stevenson gives Iowa a veteran presence with multiple years of experience, and he should compete for meaningful snaps right away.