On April 18, it was reported that three-star prospect Messiah Tilson visited the Iowa Football program as he narrowed down his list of preferred schools. Tilson is a two-way star for Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois, playing safety and wide receiver.
Iowa Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach Phil Parker has been heavily recruiting Tilson to join the Hawkeyes' secondary. If Tilson commits to the Hawkeyes, he would be the only safety recruit and the second defensive recruit in the 2026 recruiting class, joining Hudson Parliament.
On Tuesday, Tilson narrowed down his top choices to six schools.
Iowa made the short list of Tilson's preferred destinations and will battle in-state rival Iowa State, Kansas, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Wisconsin for his services. Tilson has not released when he will make his final decision.
On3 Sports ranked Tilson as the No. 40 safety and No. 485 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. With his size and athleticism, Tilson can succeed on both sides of the football field, but is currently projected as a defensive back or safety at the next level.
Iowa added depth in the secondary after signing Shahid Barros and Ty Hudkins from the transfer portal. After the 2025-2026 season, Xavier Nwankpa and Barros graduate, leaving holes in the secondary at the safety positions.
If Tilson stays on defense as a safety prospect, he can battle Hudkins for one of the safety spots and immediately impact the Iowa secondary. If he is better suited for a defensive back role, he might have to wait longer to make an impact or begin his career on special teams.
Tilson has the speed and athletic ability to make an impact for the Iowa defense, and Phil Parker always gets the most out of his recruits.