The traditionally stout Iowa defense under Phil Parker has been elite at identifying and developing talent in the middle of the field.
The linebacker position has been stout for multiple years, with Josey Jewell, Jack Campbell, Jay Higgins, and Karson Sharar anchoring the middle of the defense, with Cam Buffington poised to be the next in line.
As the coaching staff continues to push for the next elite linebacker, the program recently offered an intriguing two-way prospect who took snaps at linebacker and tight end as a sophomore last season.
Blake Nesbitt could be a hidden gem for the Iowa Hawkeye defense
Iowa loves recruiting versatile, multi-sport athletes, especially on defense, and one of the most recent offers the program gave out stayed true to that.
After a great visit and conversation with @CoachSWallace I am blessed to receive an offer from the University of Iowa pic.twitter.com/eFjXwVcZow
— Blake Nesbitt (@BlakeNesbitt32) April 11, 2026
2028 Kirksville, Missouri, native Blake Nesbitt announced he received an offer from Iowa after speaking with linebackers coach Seth Wallace.
Nesbitt was a two-way star for Kirksville High School as a sophomore last season, lining up at tight end and linebacker.
Nesbitt displayed good instincts and ball skills on defense, as well as solid pass-catching abilities, but Wallace, as his primary recruiter, suggests the Hawkeyes value him more on the defensive side of the ball.
Rivals industry currently ranks Nesbitt as a three-star prospect, Missouri's No. 5 overall prospect, the No. 30 overall linebacker prospect, and the No. 405 overall prospect in the 2028 recruiting class.
Nesbitt has the potential to shoot up recruiting rankings in his final two years in high school as he continues to develop, and he has the potential to be a solid addition to Iowa's linebacker room in a few years.
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