The Hawkeyes might have lost one talented Allen to the transfer portal this offseason, but they are adding another via the 2027 recruiting class.
In some shocking news, very shortly after Iowa's victory over Vanderbilt in the 2025 ReliaQuest, talented defensive lineman Brian Allen Jr. announced he was leaving the program to enter the transfer portal, later signing with Vanderbilt. Allen's departure created another void in Iowa's defensive line depth, but some reinforcements are on the way in 2027.
Iowa secured a commitment from three-star DL prospect Bariyus Allen
The defensive line is one of the biggest question marks for the program heading into the 2026 season, and with Iose Epenesa and Bryce Hawthorne as the only projected locks for a starting spot, the line needs some help.
The group has talented players ready to push for more snaps, including Devan Kennedy, Kenneth Merrieweather, and Luke Gaffney, as well as transfers Brice Stevenson, Kahmari Brown, and Emmanuel Olagbaju, but adding to the talent pool is never a bad thing.
— bariyus allen#WEBALL (@BWeball14592) June 7, 2026
Iowa's first big official visit weekend this past weekend produced results as three-star defensive line prospect Bariyus Allen announced his commitment to the program. Even though Allen was not at the top of Iowa's commitment watchlist, his potential is nothing to scoff at.
According to Allen's Hudl profile page, he runs a 4.49-second 40-yard dash and can deadlift 500 pounds, demonstrating explosive potential on the defensive line. Last season for the Belmont High School Bison in Dayton, Ohio, Allen racked up 73 total tackles, including 20.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.
After visiting the program on June 5, the Hawkeyes offered him a scholarship, and he accepted almost immediately. He chose the Hawkeyes over Boston College, Miami (OH), Kent State, and many others. He joins a 2027 recruiting class that features two other DL prospects, including Tommy Riordan and Jerrence Knoblock.
Allen fits the profile of an under-the-radar prospect, something that the Iowa defense has excelled at developing in the past.
Allen's explosivity and potential was too high for Iowa to pass up
247Sports' composite ranking has Allen as a three-star prospect, Ohio's No. 23 overall prospect, the No. 73 overall DL prospect, and the No. 611 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, but he has all the tools to play better than his ranking.
Allen has the size (six-foot-five, 300 pounds) the Iowa defense loves to have on the defensive line, and he showcased his ability to explode to the ball last season. Allen spent most of his junior season for the Bison in the opponent's backfield, swallowing up the ball carrier with ease.
Even though he is a bigger guy, he is quick to the ball, and when he wraps someone up, they do not get away. He is a big kid with a lot of potential, and with some tutelage from Kelvin Bell and Phil Parker, the program might have found another diamond in the rough. Allen will have to develop some moves to get around defenders at the next level rather than primarily relying on his size, but if he does, watch out.
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