Iowa might have to change from "Tight End U" to "Linebacker U" after a crazy good run of sending linebackers to the NFL.
Iowa had seven players selected in the 206 NFL Draft, including linebacker Karson Sharar. Sharar waited his turn behind two former great Hawkeyes in Jay Higgins and Jack Campbell, but a staple of the Hawkeye linebacker group has been the next man up.
The program has pumped out extremely talented prospects lately, with Cam Buffington looking to be the next in line.
With how elite Iowa's linebacker development has become, it's drawing more and more talent from the recruiting trail.
Iowa's elite development was a key selling point for a top in-state LB
The Hawkeyes have been on a tear on the recruiting trail lately, locking up four prospects over the last month, headlined by 2027 quarterback prospect Brayden Santibanez.
That continued with another in-state prospects joining a growing linebacker class in 2027.
After a lot of consideration and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to commit to the University of Iowa! Go hawks! 🐤🐤#committed #GoHawks@PellaDutchFB @TylerBarnesIOWA @CoachSWallace @Coach_Niemann @CoachParkerIowa @Spauldingiowa @D1Apex @AllenTrieu @PrepRedzoneIA… pic.twitter.com/PtYbTGWZGF
— Kyler Van Maanen (@KylerVM27) May 5, 2026
After receiving an offer from the Hawkeyes near the end of April, it didn't take Kyler Van Maanen long to make his decision.
Van Maanen is one of the best in-state prospects in the class, tallying an impressive 92.5 total tackles, including 23.5 tackles for loss as a junior at Pella High School in 2025.
Van Maanen guided the Duth to an 11-2 record and a Class 4A Runner-Up finish, and was named a First-Team All-State selection last season.
Iowa was Van Maanen's No. 1 choice throughout his recruitment process, stating that the Hawkeyes "develop linebackers like no other program."
Van Maanen became the tenth player to commit in the 2027 class, joining fellow linebackers Gavin Stecker and Braylon Bingham in the class.
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