While the Hawkeyes have not hit any "home runs" in the transfer portal, the program has brought in multiple players with tremendous upside.
A week into the transfer portal opening, the Hawkeyes have strengthened several areas of the program, mainly on defense.
Three of the five transfers Iowa has signed are on defense, including safety Anthony Hawkins (Villanova), defensive tackle Brice Stevenson, and edge rusher Kahmari Brown (Elon), as the program has a clear focus ahead of the 2026 season.
Outside of the three players who have already signed, the program has been actively hosting other talented defensive players.
After a quick meeting with an intriguing transfer defensive lineman from Northern Illinois, the program got some great news.
Iowa football has landed a commitment from Northern Illinois transfer Lance
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) January 9, 2026
Ingold. The defensive end posted 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman last season. pic.twitter.com/jh69FUFvsg
According to the Des Moines Register's Tyler Tachman, Northern Illinois transfer Lance Ingold has committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
We recently learned that the Iowa program would be hosting Ingold at some point this week, and after a quick meeting on Thursday, Ingold immediately decided to join the program.
Ingold, a six-foot-five edge rusher from Rochester, Illinois, was a three-star prospect coming out of high school and unranked as a transfer according to 247Sports.
As a redshirt freshman last season, Ingold compiled 17 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in a primarily reserve role for the Northern Illinois Huskies.
Outside of the numbers, Ingold gives Iowa more depth on the defensive line and has intriguing upside in Phil Parker's defense.
Iowa may have found a diamond in the rough after signing Ingold
Ingold is not going to make a lot of headlines outside of Iowa City, but he has the raw talent and size to succeed in Phil Parker's defense.
It does not matter whether a prospect or transfer is ranked high or low; Phil Parker and defensive line coach Kelvin Bell get the most out of what they have.
Ingold is a huge prospect, standing at six-foot-five, and has the potential to be a great run stopper and take up a lot of space on the line.
He might not make a big impact next season with multiple players vying for more snaps, but Ingold's potential is clear, and this isn't the last time we will hear his name.