Hawkeyes quietly secured another significant victory, this time on the recruiting trail, as Iowa gets ready for its postseason matchup on the national stage. The coaching staff has been striking a balance between bowl preparation and an aggressive push toward the future as No. 23 Iowa prepares to play No. 14 Vanderbilt in the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl. When in-state standout Braylon Bingham committed to the program on Sunday, Iowa’s forward-thinking strategy paid off, adding another early pillar to its quickly expanding 2027 recruiting class.
Bingham, a native of Pleasantville, Iowa, and a lifelong Hawkeyes supporter, announced his choice on social media with a heartfelt post that made it obvious that he would be staying at home. The two-way star won a significant recruiting victory over its in-state rival by selecting Iowa over offers from Iowa State, Northwestern, and Wisconsin.
Bingham’s commitment comes at the perfect moment for the Hawkeyes. The upcoming bowl game against Vanderbilt and Heisman runner-up quarterback Diego Pavia have garnered national attention, but Iowa’s staff has persisted in building the foundation for future success. Only a few days prior, four-star linebacker Gavin Stecker verbally committed to the 2027 class, and Bingham now joins him as the class’s second commitment and second linebacker.
Iowa is putting Bingham on the defensive side of the ball even though he played both linebacker and quarterback at Pleasantville High School. He anchored the Trojans’ defense with a successful junior campaign, which is where he had his greatest influence this past season. Bingham demonstrated the instincts and physicality Iowa’s defensive staff values in the middle of the field by finishing the season with 60.5 total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss.
Bingham’s athletic profile is difficult to overlook, even though his recruitment hasn’t taken off nationally. He is the type of player who is tough, adaptable, and subtly effective, just like previous Iowa defensive standouts. Bingham’s dedication reflects the ongoing philosophy of defensive coordinator Phil Parker, who has established a reputation for spotting and developing players with precisely those qualities.
But Bingham’s accomplishments off the football field are what really make him stand out. He was an exceptional baseball player who was crucial to Pleasantville’s run to the state championship. He recorded an incredible 0.56 ERA while pitching and a 1.365 OPS while hitting. His overall athleticism, competitiveness, and work ethic qualities that frequently translate well once players arrive on campus—are demonstrated by that level of output.
Finding a multi-sport athlete with local ties is especially important for Iowa. Bingham knows the program, the culture, and what it means to wear the black and gold, so he’s more than just another prospect. His choice supports Iowa’s long-standing ability to retain elite in-state talent despite strong pressure from rival programs.
The Hawkeyes’ preliminary work on the 2027 class points to a methodical and assured approach. In an effort to add depth and balance to the roster, Iowa has continued to actively assess talent, making offers to several running backs and a cornerback prospect in addition to obtaining commitments from Stecker and Bingham. Iowa’s defensive haul is beginning to take shape even though the cycle is still early. The Hawkeyes are emphasizing toughness and defensive identity from the outset, as evidenced by the two linebackers who committed before most programs had even reached full recruiting stride.
With Bingham’s commitment, the 2027 class now has two verbal pledges, but the significance goes beyond the numbers. It stands for momentum, pride in the area, and a reminder that Iowa’s recruiting strategy finding the right fits and nurturing them over time remains intact. The Hawkeyes know that the groundwork for future seasons is already being laid back home as they travel to Tampa with the opportunity to finish the season on a high note. The journey is just getting started for Braylon Bingham, who is now exactly where he has always desired to be.
