We have just five days left in the transfer portal window for players not in the College Football Playoff, and Iowa continues to add talent to the back end of the defense.
Players have until January 16 to decide where they will go, with an exception for players who played in the CFP
Iowa has been connected to multiple defensive transfers, and have focused on the secondary.
The program has already signed four defensive transfers, including DB Anthony Hawkins (Villanova), DT Brice Stevenson (Holy Cross), edge rusher Kahmari Brown (Elon), and DE Lance Ingold (Northern Illinois), to strengthen Phil Parker's unit.
While most of the players Iowa have signed are not household names yet, they have been productive for their respective teams, and the secondary got even stronger with Iowa's latest signing.
Just In: Iowa has landed James Madison safety Tyler Brown. The productive DB should be an immediate player for Phil Parker’s defense. Ended last year with 80 tackles, five TFLs and six pass deflections: https://t.co/l1AFy1JlLN
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) January 9, 2026
Sophomore defensive back transfer Tyler Brown is James Madison's second transfer to join the Hawkeyes, following offensive lineman Trent Wilson's commitment earlier this week.
Brown was a very productive safety for the Dukes' defense over the past two seasons, guiding them to a CFP appearence this season.
Brown tallied 80 total tackles, including five tackles for loss, and six pass deflections this season for James Madison, and he will be able to potentially fill a void for the Hawkeyes after safety Koen Entringer entered the portal.
Brown will make an immediate impact for Phil Parker's defense
While Entringer's loss hurts for more than one reason, Iowa has brought in some talented defensive backs from the portal to take his place.
Along with Anthony Hawkins, Brown should compete for snaps immediately, as the Hawkeyes could potentially have both safety spots occupied by transfers to start next season.
According to 247Sports' David Eickholt, Brown's versatility was on full display last season for the Dukes as he posted a coverage grade of 80.1 and was an elite tackler, with a 86.6 grade.
Brown can fill multiple holes in the Iowa secondary, but should get one of the first looks at either safety position with Zach Lutmer starting at the CASH position, and Jaylen Watson and Deshaun Lee starting at cornerback.