Braylon Bingham, a Pleasantville standout, has committed to Iowa football, saying he was born to be a Hawkeye. On the morning of December 14, 2025, Braylon Bingham of Pleasantville announced his commitment to the University of Iowa football program, a move that shocked Hawkeye Nation and delighted local supporters throughout the state. The in-state linebacker declared with pride and simplicity, “I’m going to be a Hawkeye,” formally pledging his future to Iowa by selecting the Hawkeyes over rival Iowa State.
Bingham, a versatile athlete who weighs 200 pounds and stands 6 feet 2 inches tall, is one of Iowa’s most intriguing prospects in the Class of 2027. However, heart, heritage, and the unique opportunity to represent his home state on one of college football’s biggest stages are more important factors in his decision than size and numbers. When Bingham announced his decision, he told HawkeyeReport.com, “I’m staying home.” This statement struck a deep chord with Iowa supporters, who have long urged in-state talent to stay home and aid in rebuilding the Hawkeye defense. Bingham’s decision was primarily influenced by his feelings, family discussions, and the deep bond he has with the Iowa program.
“I would say the biggest factor in making this decision was just going with my heart,” he said. “Some long talks with my family made me realize the value and importance of the opportunity I have.”
There is a significant opportunity. In order to strengthen a defense that already thrives on physicality, discipline, and local pride, Iowa’s coaching staff has made no secret of their desire to bring in elite, homegrown talent. Following other notable in-state commitments in recent weeks, head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff have made recruiting in-state players a clear priority. Bingham’s commitment represents yet another success in that strategy.
Bingham was a playmaker on both sides of the ball during his junior year at Pleasantville High School. Despite being primarily recruited as a linebacker, he demonstrated uncommon two-way ability. He played quarterback on offense, passing for 1,492 yards and 16 touchdowns in addition to rushing for 909 yards and seven more touchdowns. He demonstrated his instincts, athleticism, and football sense by finishing the season with 60.5 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. With 180 return yards and one touchdown, he also made an impact on special teams.
Such a comprehensive production was not overlooked. Beyond the football field, Bingham is an exceptional basketball player who averages 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. He also participates in track and field. His dedication to football and Iowa is especially significant because of his skill set and competitiveness, which have attracted Division I interest in a variety of sports.
In the end, Bingham’s devotion to Iowa triumphed over intense recruitment and the prestige that comes with Iowa State’s proximity and competitive profile. His choice boosts the Hawkeyes’ momentum in retaining top talent within state borders while also providing them with a promising linebacker for the future. It makes it clear to high school prospects that Iowa is a destination for Hawkeyes by choice, not just athletes.
Additionally, Bingham’s dedication gives the already vibrant and quickly developing Class of 2027 more depth. Gavin Stecker, a fellow in-state linebacker from Bettendorf, pledged to Iowa earlier this week, giving the Hawkeyes a defensive foundation full of local talent. Bingham’s addition builds on Stecker’s decision, which was the class’s first commitment, indicating a renewed emphasis on finding elite linebackers who can support Iowa’s signature defense.
Practically speaking, Bingham offers Iowa a player with both short-term and long-term playmaking potential. Because of his size and adaptability, he can play a variety of positions, from conventional linebacker to hex position, where speed and coverage abilities are becoming more and more important in contemporary defenses. Bingham is positioned as more than just a potential future contributor because of his flexibility, which is highly valued in today’s game. He has the potential to make an impact as soon as he steps onto campus.
However, recruiting is about more than just numbers and forecasts; it’s about stories that resonate with supporters. In that sense, Bingham’s story is one that Hawkeye supporters can identify with: a gifted young man from the area who has strong ties to the community, a passion for his home state, and a desire to support a team that hopes to win a championship. Beyond the recruiting rankings, many supporters feel a sense of collective pride and excitement when they witness one of their own choose Iowa over other offers, particularly from a fierce rival.
Bingham’s next chapter will involve getting ready for the demands of Big Ten football, continuing his physical growth, and looking forward to playing for the Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Although the work is far from finished, the groundwork has been established, and Hawkeye supporters are already creating highlight reels for the future. Bingham wears Black and Gold as he embarks on the next phase of his football career, officially declaring himself “Born to be a Hawkeye.” This is a fitting continuation of his story as a multi-talented athlete, a local hero, and a young man prepared to pursue excellence on the biggest stage he has known since childhood.
