Kirk Ferentz and company gained some momentum on the recruiting trail after a big recruiting weekend.
Almost a week removed from Iowa's first official visit weekend, June 5 to 7, the program has already secured two big commitments, with hopes of earning many more. Three-star defensive line prospect Bariyus Allen and three-star defensive back prospect Jonathan Harris signed almost immediately, but a bigger storyline could come from Nebraska very soon.
Iowa is 'high up' on Nebraska 3-star OL prospect Barrett Kitrell's list
The Hawkeyes have been extremely active in 2027 three-star OL prospect Barrett Kitrell's recruitment, and we even had him on commit watch after he traveled north to Iowa for an official visit.
4 prospects on commit watch for Iowa during a critical first official visit weekend
After Kitrell's official visit last weekend, he gave Iowa fans some great news about where the program stands in his recruitment.
The Hawkeyes are right in the thick of 3⭐️ IOL, Barrett Kitrell's recruitment -- even though he's a Nebraska legacy recruit.
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) June 10, 2026
"Iowa is very high up for me, and the official visit solidified that."
VIP:https://t.co/gwdrJTGTKE
Even though most of the information is behind a paywall, 247Sports Hawkeye insider Eliot Clough reports that Kitrell said Iowa is "very high up" for him, signaling clear interest in the program, even though the rest of his family probably won't like it.
Kitrell, an Ashland, Nebraska, native, grew up around Nebraska football with both his dad and now his older brother playing football for the Cornhuskers. Rivals currently ranks Kitrell as Nebraska's No. 8 overall player, and if the Hawkeyes can pry him away from the Cornhuskers, it would be a huge win for multiple reasons.
Nebraska is currently the heavy favorite to land Kitrell, and earning his commitment is a big statement win over a hated rival. Not only would Iowa be sticking it to a rival with his commitment, but they would also be getting a versatile prospect who can play on either the offensive or defensive line, similar to what Logan Jones brought to the program.
Pulling off this recruiting heist would be another blow to the Cornhuskers, especially since Iowa has had their number for almost a decade.
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