Breaking: “Finally” Iowa Football Lands Red-Hot Commitment From 2026 Quarterback Sensation
Iowa has landed its quarterback commit in the 2026 class.
Iowa football has secured its second commitment for the 2026 recruiting class.
On Thursday, Cash Herrera, a three-star quarterback from The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California, announced that he will be joining Iowa. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 180 pounds, Herrera received offers from UCLA, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and several Ivy League schools.
Iowa extended an offer to Herrera this summer following his participation in a camp with the Hawkeyes.
Iowa has secured two quarterbacks for the 2025 class: Jimmy Sullivan, a three-star player from Fort Wayne (Ind.) Carroll who is on scholarship, and Ryan Fitzgerald, a three-star from Wilmette (Ill.) Loyola Academy, who will join as a preferred walk-on but received several full-ride offers from FBS and FCS programs.
Earlier this fall, Herrera attended Iowa’s Cy-Hawk game against Iowa State.
“The trip was fantastic,” he shared. “The conversations with Coach Lester were excellent, and we’ve definitely built a strong relationship.”
What impressions did Herrera have of Iowa’s offense during the Cy-Hawk game?
“The passing game wasn’t very effective on Saturday, but they were taking advantage of what the defense allowed,” he noted. “There were definitely some pass plays that were available but not executed.”
Herrera had more to share about Iowa’s offense this summer when he received an offer from the Hawkeyes.
“When they offered me, Coach Tim Lester praised my performance, saying my footwork, rhythm, and timing were excellent,” Herrera recalled. “What really attracts me to their offense is how pro-ready it is.”
“Coach Lester’s experience with the Packers and under Coach Matt LaFleur means he brings a creative offense that prepares players for the pros while still in college.”
According to 247Sports, Herrera is ranked as the No. 43 quarterback in the 2026 class nationally.
As a junior, Herrera completed 123 of 187 passes for 1,686 yards, recording 21 touchdowns and three interceptions, according to MaxPreps.
“He’s a strong athlete with an impressive arm,” said 247Sports’ Greg Biggins about Herrera. “San Diego has produced some strong quarterbacks in recent years, and Herrera definitely looks like a Power Four prospect.”
The Significance: Securing Herrera early in the cycle is a significant win for the Hawkeyes. Quarterback commitments tend to happen more quickly than for other positions, and Herrera aligns well with Iowa’s offensive style. While he may not be a pure running threat, his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to deliver the ball quickly make him a fit for what Coach Lester seeks in a quarterback.
One college coach commented on Herrera’s skills:
“He releases the ball quickly, is very accurate, has average arm strength for that level, and plays in rhythm.”
Who else is in the class? Herrera is the second commitment for Iowa’s class, joining Waterloo West four-star offensive lineman Carson Nielsen.