The college football landscape has drastically changed over the past few seasons. Name, image, and likeness deals have pushed athletes to jump to other teams, using the transfer portal. The transfer portal has few restrictions, and athletes take advantage of that flexibility.
After Iowa Football's first spring practice at the beginning of April, Kirk Ferentz spoke to the media regarding the program's status and future. Ferentz was extensively asked about using the transfer portal.
He noted the transfer portal is a big part of college sports, but he does not want to build a program that way. He was adamant that the program would succeed by recruiting and developing the right players.
Iowa has a solid 2026 recruiting class, but they failed to make a big splash during the 2025 transfer portal window. The Hawkeyes added a top quarterback in the portal, but did not make other significant additions.
Hank Brown, quarterback (Auburn)
Iowa picked up a mid-year Auburn transfer quarterback Hank Brown before the 2024 TransPerfect Music City Bowl. Brown practiced with the team ahead of the bowl game, but did not play a snap.
In his first season with Auburn (2023), Brown only saw game action in the Music City Bowl against Maryland. He completed seven of nine passes for 132 yards, including a long 53-yard throw.
In 2024, Brown appeared in three games (two starts), tallying 403 passing yards and six touchdowns. On3 Sports ranked Brown as a three-star transfer.
Jonah Pace, defensive line (Central Michigan)
The Hawkeyes also added Central Michigan transfer Jonah Pace ahead of the 2024 TransPerfect Music City Bowl. Pace joined the Hawkeyes after spending four seasons with Central Michigan.
In 37 games (12 starts) with Central Michigan, Pace tallied 55 total tackles (30 solo), including 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, and one forced fumble. He also blocked one kick.
Pace logged all 12 of his career starts for the Chippewas last season. He joins the Hawkeyes with one year of remaining eligibility.
On3 Sports ranked Pace as a three-star transfer.
Bryce Hawthorne, defensive line (South Dakota State)
Adding to the trenches‼️
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) January 4, 2025
Welcome home, @hawthorne_bryce #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/lYG7P3RJU1
January was a huge month for the Hawkeyes in the transfer portal. The first January transfer addition was redshirt sophomore Bryce Hawthorne. Hawthorne joined the Hawkeyes after spending two seasons with South Dakota State.
After redshirting his freshman season (2023), Hawthorne played 14 games in 2024. In 14 games, he recorded 22 tackles (nine solo) and had two quarterback hurries.
On3 Sports ranked Hawthorne as a three-star transfer and has three years of remaining eligibility.
Mark Gronowski, quarterback (South Dakota State)
In the January transfer window, the Hawkeyes added a top transfer quarterback, Mark Gronowski. Gronowski was a top transfer prospect heading into the 2025 offseason. Before transferring to the Hawkeyes, he was a star for the Jackrabbits.
In four seasons with FCS-level South Dakota State, Gronowski compiled 12,075 total yards (second all-time), including 10,308 passing yards (second all-time) in 49 career starts (tied for first all-time). He also threw 93 career touchdowns (second all-time).
Gronowski hopes to turn around a putrid Hawkeyes offense. Iowa has ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten over the past few seasons due to inconsistent quarterback play. Gronowski is a seasoned veteran who with tons of success at the FCS level.
After last season, he had surgery on a lingering injury he suffered during the 2024 season with South Dakota State. He recently began throwing for the first time since suffering the injury.
Gronowski is the projected starter for the Hawkeyes during the 2025-2026 season. On3 Sports ranked Gronowski as a four-star transfer
Sam Phillips, wide receiver (Chattanooga)
Wide receiver Sam Phillips was the final transfer addition for the Hawkeyes in the January transfer portal window. After spending four seasons (one redshirt) with the Chattanooga Mocs, Phillips transferred to the Hawkeyes.
During the 2022 season, Phillips started all 11 games for the Mocs and set the freshman record with a team-high 44 catches. He also led the squad with 661 receiving yards en route to earning All-SoCon Third Team and All-Freshman First Team selections.
During the next two seasons (2023 and 2024), Phillips tallied 1,427 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 109 receptions.
Phillips gives the Hawkeyes a veteran presence and a high-volume pass catcher to pair with starter Mark Gronowski. On3 Sports ranked Phillips as a three-star transfer.
Bryce George, offensive line (Ferris State)
Ferris State offensive lineman Bryce George has committed to Iowa, his agency @QCSports tells @SWiltfong_ and I.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 18, 2025
A D-II All-American and two-time all-conference selection. The 6-5, 315-pound OL has also won three national titles. https://t.co/wMrfFrcNOy pic.twitter.com/OcByqyBzhx
Ferris State transfer offensive lineman Bryce George was the first transfer addition during the spring transfer window. George transferred to the Hawkeyes after spending four seasons with Division II Ferris State.
The six-foot-five, 315-pound offensive lineman was a huge part of Ferris State's success. George guided Ferris State to three Division II National Championships and was named an All-American two times.
George made 41 appearances (38 in the last three seasons) in four seasons with Ferris State. On3 Sports ranked George as a three-star transfer.
Jeremy Hecklinski, quarterback (Wake Forest)
Jeremy Hecklinski was the third transfer quarterback, and the first quarterback addition in the spring transfer window. Hecklinski transferred to Iowa after spending his freshman season at Wake Forest.
After being a highly coveted high school quarterback, Hecklinski played only three snaps for the Demon Deacons. Hecklinski was the highest-ranked quarterback commit in Wake Forest history.
During his senior year in high school (2023-2024), Hecklinski threw for 3,835 yards with 50 touchdowns and six interceptions. After his senior season, he was named the 2023 MaxPreps Georgia Player of the Year.
On3 Sports ranked Hecklinksi as a three-star transfer.
Shahid Barros, defensive back (South Dakota)
Iowa added depth in the secondary with its final transfer portal addition. Shahid Barros joined the Hawkeyes after spending four seasons with the Coyotes. Barros made 23 starts over the past two seasons with South Dakota.
During the 2024-2025 season, Barros tallied 40 total tackles (24 solo), with one interception and one sack.
In four seasons with the Coyotes, Barros accumulated 91 tackles (55 solo), three interceptions, and one sack.
Barros gives the Hawkeyes a veteran presence in the secondary who can start from day one. Outside of Jermari Harris, the Iowa defensive backs struggled last season. Barros can complement TJ Hall and give Iowa another shutdown corner.