Iowa Football’s 2026 Signee Earns Rivals’ “Sleeper QB” Label as Hawkeyes Reload for the Future The Iowa Hawkeyes quickly turned the page to the future. The program is already reloading its roster and stacking talent in a way that indicates a change in ambition and identity, even though Signing Day is hardly over. The 2026 recruiting class is quickly becoming one of the clearest indicators that Iowa’s evolving offensive philosophy is resonating with players around the country particularly quarterbacks.
Tradon Bessinger, the four-star quarterback Iowa recently acquired from Boise State, is at the center of that discussion. His choice alone caused controversy because, not too long ago, quarterbacks weren’t exactly drawn to Iowa. However, things have changed, and Bessinger’s dedication seems like a declaration. It indicates that elite quarterback prospects are seeing a system where they can succeed, compete, and win, in addition to reflecting Iowa’s growing appeal under its current direction.
Rivals appear to concur. According to the recruiting outlet, Bessinger is the “biggest sleeper” among the top quarterbacks in the 2026 cycle. This means that although he may not be as well-known as he once was, he has all the potential to become one of the class’s best passers. It’s a significant distinction, particularly coming from a publication that is renowned for its critical assessments of quarterback talent.
According to 247Sports, Bessinger, a standout from Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah, is already ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in Utah and the No. 11 quarterback in the 2026 class. Although Rivals’ sleeper designation indicates that assessors think his ceiling may be much higher than where the rankings currently place him, that ranking alone demonstrates that he is by no means anonymous. And it’s understandable given his output.
During his last season of high school, Bessinger was nothing short of electric. He completed 76% of his passes and threw for an astounding 4,313 yards and 53 touchdowns—numbers that would be remarkable in any state, at any level. He totaled 10,908 passing yards and 127 touchdowns in 36 games during his three years as a starter, exhibiting not only skill but also durability and consistency.
Nor was he a statue in the pocket. With his 395 career rushing yards and seven touchdowns, Bessinger has just the right amount of mobility to prolong plays, get away from pressure, and keep opponents on their heels. He is the kind of quarterback who can pick opponents apart with accuracy, maintain composure in the pocket, and still hurt them when things go wrong. That adaptability is precisely what contemporary offenses seek.
Iowa wasn’t the only school that saw something special in him. Bessinger considered offers from Boise State, BYU, Hawaii, Appalachian State, Minnesota, and UCLA, among other schools, before deciding on the Hawkeyes. His recruitment attracted attention from offensive philosophies and programs in various regions, which only serves to highlight how popular he is. But in the end, he decided on Iowa, a choice that is indicative of the Hawkeyes’ improved offense’s rising stature. Over the past few seasons, the program’s dedication to changing its identity has been a hot topic of conversation, and Bessinger’s decision seems like another indication that elite prospects are on board.
Finding a quarterback with this kind of projection is more than just a recruiting victory for Iowa. The offense wants to be dynamic, effective, and able to compete with the best programs in the Big Ten and beyond, so this is an investment in the future. As the next phase of Hawkeye football continues to develop, Iowa has a foundation to build upon thanks to Bessinger’s combination of arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, and athletic ability.
Recruiting analysts love players who rise late, who keep improving, and who show glimpses of something more than what early rankings suggest. Bessinger is a perfect fit for that description. Although he’s polished, he still has room to grow. Despite his productivity, he still exhibits upside. He’s confident, but he’s not yet fully discovered on the national stage. Because of all of that, he is among Iowa’s most intriguing quarterback prospects in recent memory.
Bessinger will continue to be an intriguing plot point as the Hawkeyes hone their offensive strategy and build their 2026 class. If Rivals’ analysis is accurate, Iowa might have acquired a quarterback who is not only capable but also has the potential to become one of the key players of his entire recruiting cycle. But for now, the Hawkeyes can just take advantage of the momentum. They made a bold move by flipping a promising quarterback, and now they have one of the most intriguing prospects in the class on their side. And that’s precisely the kind of victory that counts for a program determined to rewrite its offensive narrative.
