Iowa has recently shifted its offensive scheme to utilize more mobile quarterbacks, and its recruiting strategy has reflected that.
The program locked up its quarterback in the 2027 class after dual-threat quarterback Brayden Santibanez announced his commitment, and their focus has now shifted to the 2028 recruiting class. Kirk Ferentz and company have already offered five quarterbacks in the class, and recently added to that by offering a rising dual-threat talent from St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, California.
Iowa has jumped into the recruiting battle for 4-star QB Jaxson Carper
Rising star Jaxson Carper has started racking up Power Four offers and after recently adding an offer from rival Nebraska, he picked up an offer from Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes.
AGTG After a great conversation with @CoachFerentz blessed to receive my 11th division 1 offer to the university of Iowa @CoachVandeMerkt @TylerBarnesIOWA @CoachTimLester 🐤🐤 @thrilll_32 @SeraphFootBall pic.twitter.com/AoProyBnAN
— 4⭐️ QB Jaxson Carper (@JaxsonCarper) June 12, 2026
Carper announced that he received an offer from the Hawkeyes after a conversation with Ferentz, bringing his total to 11. Iowa isn't the first Power Four program to offer Carper, and it certainly won't be the last as he continues developing. He has a rocket arm, and even though he prefers to stay in the pocket to make throws, he can escape and use his legs.
During his sophomore season at St. Bonaventure, Carper tallied 1,642 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 250 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Even though he has a gunslinger mentality, Carper can make tough throws and fit passes into tight windows. He has not fully showcased an ability to throw on the run, but he can make all the throws from inside the pocket.
He gets the ball out quickly and has a solid ability to escape pressure by using his legs. Carper has a lot of raw talent that is only getting better, and Iowa wanted to jump on his recruitment immediately. The quarterback room is full of talent, but adding Carper makes it even better.
If the current roster remains intact, Carper will have an uphill battle for playing time during his first few seasons, but he has the talent to make an impact. Rivals industry ranking currently has Carper as a four-star prospect, California's No. 21 overall prospect, the No. 19 overall quarterback prospect, and the No. 278 overall prospect in the 2028 recruiting class.
If Carper chooses the Hawkeyes, he gives them a polished, accurate passer who can regularly put the ball downfield. He did struggle with some interception issues as a sophomore, throwing six, but it isn't a huge cause for concern. Carper will surely go through some growing pains (literally and figuratively), but the talent is there for him to be successful at the college level.
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