It may have quieted down a little bit, but Hawkeye Football has stayed active on the recruiting trail.
The lull between spring and summer practices is a good time for coaches to go on the road and recruit prospects who best fit their system.
The Iowa program is well-known for its defense, and that starts with Kirk Ferentz and Phil Parker. With Parker at the helm, the defensive unit is consistently formidable, but that might be in question this season.
Iowa finished the 2025 season ranked No. 9 overall in total defense, but lost multiple starters on the defensive line and in the secondary.
No one questions a Phil Parker-coached defense, but there is a clear need across the defensive line, and the program is trying to fill it with its latest offer.
2028 DL prospect Julian Dwyer could give the Hawkeyes a versatile option
The Hawkeyes lost Aaron Graves (graduation), Ethan Hurkett (graduation), Max Llewellyn (graduation), and Brian Allen Jr. (transfer portal) after last season, leaving multiple question marks on the defensive line next season.
There is still talent on the defensive line, but Parker and the program never rest on their laurels.
The 2027 recruiting class already has three committed players on the defensive line, and now the program is attempting to add another in the 2028 recruiting class.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Iowa. Can’t wait to get down there. Go Hawkeyes!@CoachK_Bell @CoachParkerIowa @Coach_B10 @CoachNickSharp @CoachGray70 pic.twitter.com/EwoYCm56QX
— Julian Dwyer (@jjdwyer_91) May 13, 2026
2028 DL prospect Julian Dwyer announced he received an offer from the Hawkeyes, and he provides some unique upside for the program.
He played all over the defensive line last season for Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati last season, potentially giving the Hawkeyes a versatile DL prospect.
Dwyer is a little undersized at 240 pounds and was held in check by some of the bigger offensive linemen he faced, but he displayed good instincts and the ability to get off blockers.
He showcased good hands and quick-release skills, and has the height (six-foot-four) to be disruptive on the line if he can bulk up.
If he doesn't bulk up, Dwyer might be better suited to a linebacker role, but if he sticks on the defensive line, he will have to improve his moves to get around blockers more quickly.
There is definitely talent there, and the Hawkeyes would not have offered him if they didn't like what they saw.
Iowa currently has no committed players in the 2028 class, and adding Dwyer would give them a good start.
Rivals' industry ranking currently has Dwyer as a three-star prospect, Ohio's No. 22 overall prospect, the No. 63 defensive line prospect, and the No. 635 overall prospect in the 2028 recruiting class.
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