Hawkeyes secured a commitment that feels equally strategic and sentimental as Iowa football continues to build pieces for the future while getting ready for its impending postseason test. Iowa added an intriguing, versatile playmaker to its 2027 recruiting class on Sunday, December 21, when four-star tight end and legacy recruit Jaxx DeJean pledged. The timing couldn’t be more appropriate. The program was reminded that its foundation is about creating continuity and identity for years to come, not just about the present, as Iowa prepares for its ReliaQuest Bowl matchup on December 31. DeJean’s dedication, which combines elite potential with enduring Hawkeye ties, supports that notion.
Fans throughout the state are already familiar with DeJean, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound standout from Odebolt–Arthur–Battle Creek–Ida Grove High School in Odebolt, Iowa. He is the younger brother of Cooper DeJean, a standout cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles and one of the most renowned players in recent Iowa football history. Jaxx has stated that his recruitment wasn’t solely motivated by his last name, but that lineage alone draws attention.
DeJean is ranked as the 402nd best prospect nationwide in the 2027 class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. In addition, he ranks as the fifth recruit in Iowa and the 26th best athlete in the nation. These rankings show his exceptional versatility, which has characterized his high school career thus far, in addition to his raw talent. DeJean’s recruitment was not a given, despite Iowa’s clear familial ties. He had respectable options outside of Iowa City thanks to scholarship offers from Kansas State, UAB, UNLV, and Michigan. Nevertheless, the Hawkeyes prevailed in the end, carrying on a tradition of retaining elite in-state talent while relying on the program’s solid culture and track record of player development.
DeJean’s versatility and football acumen are demonstrated by the fact that he has been used on the field practically everywhere. He played wide receiver, tight end, quarterback, and defensive back during his junior year at OABCIG. His team finished the season with a 6-4 record and advanced to the second round of Iowa’s Class 2A playoffs thanks to his all-around role.
According to statistics, DeJean’s output demonstrates the same level of adaptability. He lined up as a tight end and receiver this season, hauling in 36 receptions for 461 yards and six touchdowns. In addition, he rushed 27 times for 207 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ease with the ball. DeJean showed poise and decision-making far beyond his years when called upon to throw, completing 14 of 21 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. His influence extended beyond offense. DeJean demonstrated excellent ball skills and instincts on defense, recording 18.5 tackles and three interceptions. He demonstrated his worth as a multifaceted weapon by averaging 37.8 yards per punt and 10.8 yards per punt return during the special teams phase.
The question of where Iowa will ultimately use him at the collegiate level is naturally raised by his versatility. The Hawkeyes have always valued position flexibility, especially with players who can contribute in a variety of ways, even though he is currently listed as a tight end. It wouldn’t be shocking if Iowa employed DeJean in a position akin to the one Cooper established early in his career, enabling him to develop into a distinct position and influence games in a range of circumstances.
DeJean’s commitment feels more than just another recruiting victory to Iowa supporters. It serves as a reminder of the program’s capacity to find players who align with its physical, team-first identity, nurture family legacies, and develop local talent. DeJean sees it as the start of his own journey, one that respects the past without being overtaken by it. The Hawkeyes’ acquisition of Jaxx DeJean conveys a clear message: Iowa is planning ahead and making investments in athletes who represent adaptability, toughness, and a sense of belonging to the program. According to his high school transcript, DeJean’s adventure in black and gold is just getting started and has the potential to make a significant impact on Iowa City in the future.
