Iowa Recruiting Heats Up with Spring Visits

Hawkeyes target top talent as spring practice approaches

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As Iowa's football team prepares to open spring practice on March 25th, the Hawkeyes are already hosting a number of top recruits for visits. The program is making strong pushes for several highly-touted prospects, including offensive lineman Mason Halliman, defensive lineman Tommy Riordan, and in-state receiver Landon Blum. The Hawkeyes are also in the mix for several other Midwest standouts who will be visiting campus in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

Iowa's ability to land these blue-chip recruits will be crucial to the program's long-term success. The Hawkeyes have built a reputation for developing offensive linemen and defensive talent, and continuing to attract top talent from the region will be key to maintaining that pipeline. These spring visits give the coaching staff a chance to make a strong impression and solidify their standing with these elite prospects.

The details

Among the top targets the Hawkeyes are pursuing are offensive tackle Mason Halliman from Illinois, whose relationship with the Iowa staff has the Rivals Prediction Machine favoring the Hawkeyes. Defensive lineman Tommy Riordan, the younger brother of incoming Iowa offensive lineman Gene Riordan, is also high on the Hawkeyes' board. In-state receiver Landon Blum is another key target, though Penn State is also making a strong push. The Hawkeyes are also hosting several other notable visitors, including Cleveland receiver Trey Haddad, Minnesota linebacker Blake Betton, and Ohio offensive lineman Reilly Newman.

  • Iowa will open spring practice on March 25th.
  • Trey Haddad will visit Iowa on April 25th.
  • Declan Heying will visit Iowa on April 4th.
  • Will Slagle will visit Iowa on April 3rd.
  • Blake Betton will visit Iowa on March 31st.

The players

Mason Halliman

An offensive tackle from Frankfort, Illinois who has a strong relationship with the Iowa coaching staff and is favored to join the Hawkeyes' 2027 recruiting class.

Tommy Riordan

A defensive lineman who is the younger brother of incoming Iowa offensive lineman Gene Riordan. Iowa has built a good relationship with Tommy through recruiting his brother.

Landon Blum

An in-state receiver from Iowa who is a top target for the Hawkeyes, though Penn State is also making a strong push for his commitment.

Trey Haddad

A 2027 receiver from Cleveland St. Ignatius who is the younger brother of Iowa transfer safety Cody Haddad.

Blake Betton

A linebacker from Shakopee, Minnesota who is drawing interest from several Big Ten programs, including Iowa, as he takes spring visits.

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What they’re saying

“I am going on an official to Iowa to have the full experience of Iowa City. I also want a chance to meet current players and see how life is like as an Iowa football player. My relationship with Iowa is very good and I could definitely see myself playing there.”

— Tommy Riordan (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Iowa's ability to land these top Midwest recruits will be crucial to the program's continued success. The Hawkeyes have built a reputation for developing offensive and defensive talent, and maintaining that pipeline will require them to win these recruiting battles against other top Big Ten programs.