Iowa traditionally recruits very well in the Midwest, and that trend has continued this offseason. With the 2026 class already on board and the 2027 class following shortly, the Hawkeyes have stayed close in an attempt to convince some of the best talent in the Midwest to head to Iowa City.
Beyond keeping talented Iowa players in the state, the Hawkeyes excel at swiping talent from nearby states, with nearly 75 percent of the current roster coming from the Midwest. While it doesn't necessarily guarantee success, it is worth noting.
Recently, the Hawkeyes have heavily focused on adding offense to the 2028 recruiting class, but that hasn't stopped them from keeping tabs on a talented 2027 running back who has now locked in an official visit before his senior season.
Speedy RB prospect Keyon Thomas' recruitment is heating up with an OV scheduled
Hiring long-time head coach Jay Norvell has already started to pay dividends for the Hawkeyes on the recruiting trail, and shortly after the program offered a 2027 running back prospect with elite speed, he locked in an official visit.
Upcoming official visits for RB Keyon Thomas:
— Blair Sanderson (@BlairASanderson) May 22, 2026
Connecticut 5/29
Illinois 6/5
Iowa 6/12
Cincinnati 6/19@Keyonthomas08 https://t.co/EMv906QW0X
Warren Central High School product Keyon Thomas has locked in an OV to the Hawkeye program on June 12, two months after the program initially offered him. Thomas was extremely productive as a junior last season, tallying 1,337 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns.
Thomas stands out on film for his blazing speed and shiftiness in the open field, enticing the Hawkeyes to take a chance on him. After the 2026 season, the Hawkeyes are losing both Kamari Moulton and Lendon Phillips Jr., and Thomas could bring an element to the backfield that they don't currently have.
Iowa's 2027 recruiting class is rounding into shape, but it currently does not have a running back committed. If the Hawkeyes can convince Thomas to come to Iowa City, he has the potential to make an immediate impact on an already talented group.
Warren Central High School has a history of producing high-caliber football talent, and Thomas has all the makings of the next one. Iowa must lean into the fact that the offense consistently focuses on running backs, and who wouldn't want to play behind some of the best offensive linemen in college football year after year?
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