The writing was always on the wall for the Hawkeyes after dropping another recruiting battle for a 2027 running back prospect.
Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes have picked up multiple recruiting wins this offseason, recently adding three-star prospects Kyler Van Maanen, Bariyus Allen, and Jonathan Harris, but they have also fallen short on multiple occasions.
Iowa has recently lost out on multiple talented players in the 2027 class, including three-star Lundon Hampton (Michigan), three-star two-way athlete Brady Scott (Indiana), and four-star wide receiver Lawrence Britt (Missouri). You win some, and you lose some on the recruiting trail, and Iowa just lost another to a Big Ten rival.
After cancelling his OV, 3-star RB Kenyon Norman committed to Northwestern
Iowa has been on the final list for multiple talented 2027 prospects this offseason, but haven't gotten them across the finishline. Obviously, you won't sign every prospect you offer, but that still doesn't take the sting away.
Iowa's latest miss isn't a surprise.
🔔COMMITTED 🔔@NUFBFamily @CoachAT23 #blessed @NUFBRecruiting @BlairASanderson @AllenTrieu @247Sports @gmcsports @LakotaWestFB @CoachBWestbrook @Coach_Huls @CSarkisianNU #agtg @DavidBraunFB @PetersNUFB @WildcatReport @Smith_D55 pic.twitter.com/BMsXyIWRDd
— Kenyon Norman (@n0rman_keny0n) June 13, 2026
Three-star Ohio running back prospect Kenyon Norman announced he has committed to Northwestern after recently setting his recruitment date. Norman was scheduled to make an official visit to Iowa City during the June 5 to 7 weekend, but canceled it. Even though he canceled his official visit, Iowa was still in his final three.
After recently visiting Northwestern and ultimately canceling his visit to the Iowa program, it was clear that Northwestern was the frontrunner and his first choice, and he made it official. The Hawkeyes might have lost out on another target, but this loss won't make them lose any sleep.
Norman was always going to choose Northwestern, and Iowa's history of developing running backs will earn them more chances to sign other prospects in the class. Without a running back committed in the 2027 class, Iowa must pivot to other options, and it has two major selling points: a run-first offensive scheme and traditionally elite offensive line play.
The program has offered 17 running back prospects in the class, and even though they haven't earned a commitment yet, they are not short of options. The program also has an official visit scheduled with Keyon Thomas this weekend.
The one good thing that has come from all the recent recruiting failures is that the program continues to reach the final choice list of multiple talented prospects, and they can continue building on that to win more of those battles in the future.
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