Iowa's transfer portal strategy under Kirk Ferentz is limited at best.
The program adds pieces here and there, but has not made a big splash in the transfer portal market to this point in Ferentz's tenure.
Quarterback Mark Gronowski has been one of the few exceptions that have come in and made an immediate impact for the program, and for the Hawkeyes to continue succeeding, Ferentz and his staff must utilize the portal to fill some key openings.
Iowa's philosophy under Ferentz has always been skewed towards recruiting and developing players in the program, but with the changing landscape of college football, the program must adapt.
After the Hawkeyes wrap up the 2025-2026 season, there are three main areas of concern the program must address in the transfer portal before next season.
No. 1: Wide receiver
It does not matter who the new Iowa starting quarterback is next season if they do not have anyone to throw the ball to.
There is talent returning next season in the form of Reece Vander Zee, Dayton Howard, and KJ Parker, but there are question marks surrounding all three options.
Vander Zee has struggled to stay healthy, and if he can do that, he is Iowa's No. 1 option heading into next season.
Both Howard and Parker are young and have shown flashes of what they can be, but with a new quarterback under center, Iowa has to go out and add more talent to the wide receiver room.
Ideally, Iowa will add multiple receivers to the room, starting with another outside threat that can coexist with Vander Zee.
If the Hawkeyes can add some talent on the outside, that makes their running game even more lethal.
Iowa must also add a proven route runner that can add another dimension to the passing game.
Throughout much of last season, Gronowski had to rely on his legs because he wasn't on the same page with his receivers, or they weren't getting open.
If Iowa can snag a proven route specialist, it will provide some much-needed security in the passing game if they have at least one receiver they can rely on.
No. 2: Defensive line
Iowa normally has a stout defensive line that puts a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but that area was not as strong this season as in past seasons.
The Iowa defense was better against the pass than the run this season (No. 24 against the run versus No. 7 against the pass), which is different from what we are used to.
Ranking top 25 in both categories is still phenomenal, but the Hawkeyes will lose three key players up front after this season.
Max Llewellyn, Aaron Graves, and Ethan Hurkett are all out of eligibility next season, giving Iowa some massive holes to fill.
In a perfect world, Iowa should add at least two interior defensive linemen and two edge rushers to replace some of the talent they are losing.
No. 3: Linebacker
Iowa traditionally has solid linebacker play, but for that to continue, it will need to dip into the portal.
There is talent returning next season that the program is high on, including Cam Buffington, Jayden Montgomery, and Landyn Van Kekerix.
Outside of Montgomery, none of those players have extensive experience at the college level.
The Hawkeyes need a field general at the center of the defense with college experience who can guide a young linebacker group.
Iowa does not have to go crazy here, but adding a talented middle linebacker and one or two outside linebackers will improve its chances to maintain its status as a stout unit.
The Iowa program is better known as a development program, but to stay relevant and competitive, it must dip into the transfer portal to fill some essential roster holes.