Iowa football is at a familiar crossroads as January approaches and the college football transfer portal opens completely: reloading the trenches. This time, the defensive interior is the main focus because production and experience have left, and new solutions are urgently needed. Aaron Graves, Jonah Pace, and Jeremiah Pittman have all reached the end of their eligibility, so the Hawkeyes are losing three important players up front. In the middle of the defensive line, that trio contributed significantly to Iowa’s defensive tackle rotation by offering strength, stability, and veteran acumen. Now that their departures are official, it is evident how urgent it is to replenish that position group.
Enter Brice Stevenson.
Pete Nakos of On3 reports that Holy Cross defensive tackle Brice Stevenson will be visiting Iowa this weekend, indicating early and deliberate activity in the transfer portal. Iowa isn’t wasting any time investigating options that could strengthen the core of its defense going into the 2026 season, as the first full weekend of the portal window has begun. Stevenson’s experience and track record of success are qualities that Iowa’s coaching staff tends to value highly. In his 32 career games at Holy Cross, the 6-foot-1, 295-pound defensive tackle has recorded 84 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. In the interior of Iowa’s defensive front, consistency is precisely what the team values, but those numbers show consistency more than flash.
Stevenson made significant progress in the 2025 season. With 37 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss, the native of Tampa, Florida, demonstrated a greater capacity to influence plays close to the line of scrimmage. Even though he might not make headlines across the country, his consistent development and dependability are noteworthy, particularly for a program that places a high value on discipline, leverage, and toughness in the trenches. Stevenson’s journey to this point has been anything but glamorous, which fits in well with Iowa’s established identity. A graduate of Tampa’s Berkeley Prep, he excelled at the FCS level by working hard and earning his output rather than having it given to him. Because effort, technique, and football IQ are non-negotiable in Iowa’s system, players with that background frequently fit right in.
Still, Stevenson wouldn’t be stepping into an empty room.
A number of defensive tackles, including Brad Fitzgibbon, Maddux Borcherding-Johnson, Luke Gaffney, Will Hubert, and Bryce Hawthorne, will return to Iowa in 2026. Although that group offers a combination of youth, development, and potential, it also lacks the kind of seasoned, tried-and-true presence that Pittman, Graves, and Pace once provided. A transfer like Stevenson could have an instant impact in that situation. His experience alone could make the entire room better, even if he doesn’t start right away. In the Big Ten, where offenses primarily rely on physical run games and interior pressure frequently determines success on third down, rotational depth is crucial.
As he attempts to reload rather than rebuild, Iowa defensive line coach Kelvin Bell would welcome the addition of a seasoned player. Bell has continuously produced defensive linemen who outperform recruiting rankings; however, portal additions can speed up that process, particularly when eligibility turnover occurs suddenly. Additionally, a larger context is involved. For a long time, Iowa’s defense has been constructed from the inside out. Effective interior defensive line play prevents the secondary from being exposed and permits linebackers to move freely. Everywhere is affected when that foundation breaks. Adding a player like Stevenson could guarantee that the foundation stays solid.
The visit itself is telling, even though nothing is official yet. In the portal, Iowa tends to be picky, focusing on athletes who fit both culturally and athletically. Stevenson would be an intriguing addition as the Hawkeyes prepare their roster for the upcoming phase because he checks both boxes. This weekend may be crucial as the transfer portal window develops. Iowa wants to strengthen the defensive interior, keep its physical advantage, and make sure the Hawkeyes are still prepared for the rigors of Big Ten football, regardless of Stevenson’s eventual commitment.
