This Iowa Hawkeyes transfer portal addition has received a rather disappointing projection heading into the 2025 college football season.
The Iowa Hawkeyes made several notable additions through the transfer portal this offseason, with quarterback Mark Gronowski headlining the class. However, another intriguing acquisition was wide receiver Sam Phillips, who brings proven playmaking ability.
Phillips spent the last three seasons at Chattanooga, where he consistently impressed. In 2024, he recorded 49 catches for 803 yards and three touchdowns—averaging an impressive 16.4 yards per reception. At 5-foot-9, Phillips is a speedy target expected to inject some explosiveness into Iowa’s passing game. The bigger question, however, is whether he’ll get the opportunity to showcase that skill set.
According to Kyle Kommes of Dear Old Gold, Phillips currently projects as a backup heading into the 2025 season, behind Reece Vander Zee, Jacob Gill, and Seth Anderson on the depth chart. All three were part of the Hawkeyes’ 2024 roster, which gives them an edge in terms of familiarity and experience. That said, Iowa’s receiving corps didn’t exactly shine last season—Gill led the group with a modest 35 receptions for 411 yards and two touchdowns.
So, was the lack of production due to poor quarterback play or a lack of talent at receiver? The answer likely lies somewhere in the middle. That’s why Phillips deserves a real shot to break into the top three during fall camp. None of the returning receivers have locked down a starting role based on last year’s performance.
While Kommes labels Phillips a “dark horse,” the Hawkeyes are undoubtedly hoping he becomes a key contributor this fall.
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