The Chase Is Over: 5-Star Phenom Just In Addison Bjorn Delivers Her Verdict, Cancels Her Last Trip to Kansas, and Astonishes the Nation with a Strong Verbal Promise to Iowa
One of the country’s most sought-after 2026 prospects, Addison Bjorn, has abruptly canceled her much-anticipated final trip to Kansas and announced her verbal commitment to the Iowa Hawkeyes in a stunning twist that is rocking women’s college basketball. On September 27, the Missouri native traveled to Iowa to watch Iowa football play Indiana from Kinnick Stadium with several Hawkeyes women’s basketball players.
Programs vying for Bjorn’s commitment include Notre Dame, Texas, Connecticut, Duke, and North Carolina in addition to Iowa and Kansas. Although McKenna Woliczko, a current Hawkeye commit, played alongside Bjorn in previous Team USA national tournaments, the two families have a close relationship.
Fans and recruiting insiders have been speculating about the 5-star forward’s potential destination for weeks. Many thought there would be a dramatic finish between Kansas and Iowa in Bjorn’s recruitment. But when Bjorn announced her future in black and gold on social media on Thursday morning, the tension was over.
In her post, Bjorn wrote, “It just felt like home.” “Iowa City has everything I’ve been searching for—the people, the coaches, the energy.” Bjorn’s choice brings an end to a fierce and fast-paced recruitment battle. The 6-foot-2 dynamic forward from Overland Park, Kansas, has received recognition for her poise beyond her years, basketball IQ, and versatility. Almost all of the nation’s top universities have expressed interest in her, including Notre Dame, Stanford, UConn, and South Carolina. However, Iowa’s unwavering vision and familial culture won her over when it counted most.
Jan Jensen Strikes Again
Many of the program’s recent stars were recruited by Iowa associate head coach Jan Jensen, who deserves all the credit. Once more, Jensen’s capacity to establish a personal connection with the players was crucial. Jensen’s success with Bjorn further solidifies Iowa’s increasing standing as a destination for top prospects, following commitments from top players like Jenica Lewis and Leelee Bell.
Bjorn’s dedication represents more than just another well-known hire. It’s a statement: Iowa’s 2023 national runner-up campaign and the Caitlin Clark era have permanently changed the recruiting focus of the program. The Hawkeyes are a brand that young athletes want to be a part of; they are no longer underdogs.
What This Means for Iowa
This is a huge victory for Iowa supporters, one that increases hope for the program’s long-term prospects. Bjorn could have an immediate impact as soon as she gets to Iowa City because of her size, skill set, and leadership potential.
One Midwest scout told Hawkeye Insider, “She plays with a combination of finesse and fire you don’t see often.” “Bjorn is the type of player who can stabilize a whole system; she improves everyone around her.”
Let’s face it, Iowa supporters have every reason to be thrilled. The coaching staff of the Hawkeyes keeps bringing in players who fit their high-tempo, selfless system in addition to superstars. Bjorn is a perfect fit for the program’s changing identity because of her versatility, ability to defend multiple positions, and ability to score at all three levels.
Kansas Left Reeling
The abrupt cancellation of Bjorn’s visit is a setback for Kansas. By hosting her several times and highlighting the chance to remain near home, the Jayhawks had made significant investments in her recruitment. Her last-minute change of heart caught many off guard and served as a stark reminder that things can change drastically in the world of college recruiting these days. Nevertheless, Bjorn’s choice highlights a crucial fact: Iowa’s influence is expanding and its message is having an impact well beyond state boundaries.
The Bottom Line
Addison Bjorn’s dedication is a turning point in Iowa’s ongoing rise on the national scene, not just another story. The Hawkeyes’ 2026 recruiting class may rank among the best in program history with Bjorn joining the team. Yes, the chase is over. And it went exactly as planned for Iowa, as another future superstar decided to live in Iowa City.
