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Transfer defensive back Shahid Barros commits to the Hawkeyes

Barros joins Iowa after spending four seasons with the South Dakota Coyotes
ByJordan Underwood|
Aug 31, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Cody Schrader (7) runs the ball and is pushed out of bounds by South Dakota Coyotes defensive back Shahid Barros (4) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Aug 31, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Cody Schrader (7) runs the ball and is pushed out of bounds by South Dakota Coyotes defensive back Shahid Barros (4) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Iowa Hawkeyes had an average 2024-2025 season. In traditional Iowa fashion, the Hawkeyes' defense was stout against the run, allowing a little over 120 rushing yards per game (ranked No. 26 in the NCAA). Last season, the biggest question mark for the defense was in the passing game.

When healthy, Jermari Harris was the clear-cut number one defensive back. Senior TJ Hall and junior Deshaun Lee are returning, but were inconsistent. The Hawkeyes also return sophomore Jaylen Watson, who played multiple snaps as a true freshman.

Defensive Coordinator Phil Parker and the Iowa coaching staff know they need help in the passing game, especially after losing Harris (NFL Draft), John Nestor (transferred to Minnesota), and Kahlil Tate (transfer portal). On Friday, they added more depth through the transfer portal.

The Hawkeyes added veteran transfer defensive back Shahid Barros from South Dakota. Barros joined the Hawkeyes after spending four years with the Coyotes. Barros made 23 starts over the past two seasons for South Dakota.

During the 2024-2025 season, Barros accumulated 40 total tackles (24 solo, 16 assisted), with one interception and one sack. Barros is the fourth transfer to commit to the Hawkeyes in the spring transfer window.

Iowa also added Bryce George (offensive lineman), Bryant Worrell (long snapper), and Jeremy Hecklinski.

Parker is a defensive wizard and always gets the most out of his players. He has raved about Hall's progression during spring practice, but the Hawkeyes still need help to slow down their opponent's passing attack.

Barros gives Iowa a veteran presence who was successful at the FCS level with South Dakota. If Hall has made vast improvements from a year ago, that provides Iowa a good one-two punch at defensive back, with Lee and Watson filling in the gaps.

The Iowa pass defense needs to take a step forward this season for the Hawkeyes to be competitive, and adding Barros helps with that goal.

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