10 First and Second-Year Players to Watch at Iowa's Open Spring Practice
Between the early enrollees and other youngsters generating buzz, these ten first and second-year Hawkeyes are who we're keeping tabs on this weekend in Kinnick.
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You think Kirk Ferentz is slowing down because he's 70 years old? Think again, Ferentz just signed THE BEST RECRUITING CLASS in IOWA HAWKEYES HISTORY by AVG Recruit Ranking. The 89.38 AVG is also the first time the Iowa class averaged a 4 star recruit. The 2026 class is 1.05 points higher than the 2025 class. The class is led by 4 star CB Darion Jones who could contribute this season. 4 star Safety Marcello Vitti and 4 star LB Kasen Thomas are two other big time defensive pickups. The biggest recruiting win for Ferentz was landing 4 star QB Tradon Bessinger who ranked as the 11th best QB in the 2026 class.
Iowa has won 45 games the last five seasons but Ferentz needs to get the Hawkeyes over the hump and into the #CFP.
Much to the delight of host @ChelsieTBrown, the Hawkeyes pulled a top recruit from the class of 2026 out of Nebraska.
Darion Jones tore up Omaha high school football, and tonight at OnIowa Live, @EliotClough said he'll compete for snaps at Kinnick Stadium.
This amazing young man, Donovan Jones, #37 for the Huskers and former Saddlebrook student, came to Saddlebrook to read to the kindergarten classes! He answered every question and took pics with all! I couldn’t be prouder! @OPS_Saddlebrook@HuskerFootball@D1onovan4
“I'm pretty sure he sat in the Nebraska family section because his brother is on the team, wearing Iowa stuff.”
'This was my dream growing up': Darion Jones ready to make impact as a Hawkeye:
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Nebraska DB Donovan Jones explains how Phil Snow and Omaha North coach @CoachMartin52 share similar approaches and how @OPS_VikingsFB prepared him and Tyson Terry for college competition.
#nebpreps
Iowa now has seven 4⭐️ prospects in the 247Sports Class of 2026 rankings, including a massive jump for @dar11on, who is now the No. 105 prospect in the country.
Tradon Bessinger is also now ranked the 185th-best recruit and 12th-best QB in the country.
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@HuskerFootball@D1onovan4 Critics were loud last week… but Donovan Jones was louder on the field 🔒🗣️
Locked in vs. Northwestern and delivered the answer:
💥 Big hits
🧠 Smart reads
👐 Clutch INT
That’s how you silence the noise. #GBR 🔴⚪️🔥 #HuskerPride#BuiltDifferent
"Definitely a surreal moment."
Donovan Jones, an Omaha North grad who grew up a #Huskers fan, recorded his first career interception today.
Petition to get Jones, who said he didn't know how to celebrate, his game ball!
@KETV | @D1onovan4 | @OPS_VikingsFB | #nebpreps
📣Congratulations to the 48 students named 2025-2026 @GoCurrency Believers & Achievers! They’re leading the way as Nebraska’s future leaders!
🏅View the FULL list here 👉 https://t.co/VezLRENbGC