The Iowa Hawkeyes are competing with a fierce Big Ten rival for the same recruit.
Few matchups stir up more animosity for the Iowa Hawkeyes than their annual clash with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The fierce Big Ten rivalry, symbolized by the Floyd of Rosedale trophy, extends beyond the field—and now into recruiting battles.
Iowa and Minnesota are currently going head-to-head for three-star linebacker Braylon Hodge, a 2026 prospect from Englewood, Colorado. According to Brandon Huffman of 247 Sports, Hodge is scheduled to visit Iowa on June 20. However, he’ll be in Minnesota the week before, on June 13, and is also set to meet with Michigan State on May 30.
The 6-foot-3 linebacker is seen as a valuable addition for the Hawkeyes, who are looking to replenish a linebacker unit that lost key starters Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson this offseason. While Hodge wouldn’t suit up in Iowa City for a couple more years, landing him would be a significant step in rebuilding the position group.
Ranked as the No. 95 linebacker nationally and the No. 11 prospect in Colorado (per 247 Sports), Hodge could offer long-term stability at a crucial position.
Iowa has had the upper hand in its rivalry with Minnesota, winning nine of the last 10 matchups. Their most recent victory came in a 31–14 win last September. Now, the Hawkeyes will try to notch another win—this time on the recruiting trail.
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