The Iowa Hawkeyes’ 2027 recruiting class is quietly beginning to take shape as the team prepares for the ReliaQuest Bowl and a flurry of activity in the transfer portal. Iowa quickly added another gifted linebacker to the team after obtaining their first commitment earlier this week, demonstrating the Hawkeyes’ commitment to developing depth and talent going forward. The second three-star linebacker to join the Hawkeyes’ 2027 class in a matter of days was Braylon Bingham, a 2027 three-star linebacker from Pleasantville, Iowa, who formally announced his commitment to Iowa on Sunday. Bingham’s choice highlights Iowa’s ongoing appeal to in-state talent and their increasing recruiting momentum.
Bingham, a Pleasantville native and current student at Pleasantville High School, should draw interest in Kirk Ferentz’s program right away due to his diverse skill set. He is physically capable of making an impact on the defensive side of the ball, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds. In high school, he demonstrated remarkable athleticism as a two-way player.
Bingham’s versatility on the field is what makes him so fascinating. He played quarterback for his high school team this past season, but his primary focus at the collegiate level is linebacker. Bingham had a strong 16-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio as a quarterback, completing 57.2% of his passes for 1,492 yards. Not only that, but he also made a big impact on the ground, running for 909 yards and seven touchdowns.
Throughout the season, Bingham recorded 60.5 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, demonstrating his dependability and disruptiveness for Pleasantville. He is a perfect fit for Iowa’s defensive schemes because of his ability to read plays, close gaps, and make decisive tackles. In summary, Bingham is more than just a linebacker; he is an athlete with the adaptability and instincts to play a variety of positions, which has definitely attracted interest from colleges outside of Iowa.
It’s true that other schools have noticed Bingham’s abilities besides Iowa. His decision to commit to the Hawkeyes was a significant victory for Ferentz and his staff because he also had an offer from in-state rival Iowa State. The competitive nature of recruiting in the Midwest is demonstrated by the interest shown by programs other than the Cyclones, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas State, and Kansas. Bingham’s decision to wear black and gold is therefore all the more important.
Bingham’s acquisition by Iowa is proof of both their recruiting prowess and the allure of their program’s development system and culture. The opportunity to enroll in a school that produces NFL-caliber linebackers and competes at a high level in the Big Ten is definitely a compelling factor for players like Bingham. His dedication also shows that Iowa’s in-state talent pipeline is still robust, which is crucial as the Hawkeyes continue to develop for future success.
Bingham’s ascent has been a source of pride for Pleasantville. The senior led his high school to one of its best records in recent memory as a key member of a team that finished 9-2 this past season. His work ethic, competitive spirit, and leadership on both sides of the ball paint a picture of a player prepared to take on the challenges of collegiate football. Fans, teammates, and coaches have all probably seen hints of the kind of influence he can have not just in terms of numbers, but also as a player who uplifts those around him.
From a developmental perspective, Phil Parker, the defensive coordinator at Iowa, is renowned for his capacity to shape adaptable athletes into disciplined, productive linebackers. Bingham’s combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a good fit for Parker’s system and gives him the opportunity to contribute early while still honing his craft. Because Iowa has always valued linebackers who can think the game, make reads, and act decisively qualities Bingham has shown throughout his high school career there is a natural synergy here.
Although the Hawkeyes’ 2027 class is still in its early stages, early commitments from players like Gavin Stecker and now Braylon Bingham point to a targeted strategy for finding linebackers with the skill and adaptability to succeed in a challenging program. Hawkeye supporters have a reason to be enthusiastic about the future because of these early commitments, which set the tone for the class.
Bingham’s announcement offers a concrete preview of what lies ahead, as Iowa’s recruiting schedule is just starting to pick up steam. For supporters, it serves as a reminder that the Hawkeyes are discreetly assembling talent to stay competitive in the Big Ten despite the attention of bowl season and transfer rumors. It’s the beginning of a new chapter for Braylon Bingham, one that promises development, difficulties, and the opportunity to leave a lasting impression in Iowa City.
Bingham’s choice is more than just a pledge as the Hawkeyes continue to assemble their roster and prepare for the 2027 campaign; it’s a declaration. A declaration that in-state talent belongs in Iowa, where players can grow into the athletes they want to be, and where Hawkeye football’s future is being thoughtfully and strategically shaped one adaptable, driven linebacker at a time.
