After the 2025 season, the Iowa secondary is looking a little worse for wear.
The Hawkeyes have lost both of their starting safeties, Xavier Nwankpa (graduation) and Koen Entringer (transfer portal), as well as defensive backs TJ Hall (graduation) and Kael Koalrik (transfer portal).
The program does have some talent returning at cornerback, including projected starters Deshaun Lee, Jaylen Watson, and Zach Lutmer, as well as Rashad Godfrey, but all the other options are unproven.
Iowa's focus during the January transfer portal window has been heavily skewed towards the defensive side of the football, and rightly so.
The program has signed five transfers from the portal, but only one has been in the secondary (Anthony Hawkins).
With eight days left in the transfer portal window, the Hawkeyes have ramped up their efforts to sign more depth in the secondary.
Iowa has a handful of transfer defensive backs on its radar, including a talented FCS safety who is looking to make an immediate impact for a bigger program.
Robert Morris transfer S Xavier Styles is visiting Iowa today and plans to visit Pitt on Saturday, per his reps @WeGetYouOffers.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) January 8, 2026
The 6-2 190 sophomore had 36 tackles, 6 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles and 1 INT this season. pic.twitter.com/7OrmYLo62y
According to ESPN's Max Olson, transfer safety Xavier Styles from Robert Morris is scheduled to visit the Iowa program on Thursday.
Styles played sparingly as a freshman for the Colonials, but became a staple on the back end last season.
During his sophomore season, Styles compiled 36 total tackles, six passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
The tape speaks for itself, and Styles would give the Hawkeyes a potential starter at either safety position.
Xavier Styles is a ready-made player who can contribute right away
In his first full-time starting role for the Colonials' defense last season, Styles displayed his versatility on the back end.
He has the perfect size (six-foo-two, 190 pounds) to play safety at the Power Four level, but he also showed the ability to help in run defense.
According to Tier1Recruiting, what separates Styles from others in the transfer portal is his tremendous upside, his production, and his competitive mindset.
He also does not want to sit on the bench; he wants to join a program where he can contribute right away.
With Iowa's losses in the secondary, Styles could easily compete for snaps at either safety position or the CASH position if he commits to the program.