Brice Stevenson, a transfer from Holy Cross, strengthens Iowa’s defensive line Iowa City, Iowa Through the transfer portal, Iowa football keeps adding seasoned, tried-and-true depth. The most recent addition gives the Hawkeyes’ defense more physicality and polish. With one year of eligibility left, Holy Cross defensive tackle Brice Stevenson has formally committed to Iowa, giving the school a proven interior lineman.
Stevenson’s choice gives Iowa’s defensive team, which has long been based on trench toughness, another crucial component. Stevenson, who weighs 295 pounds and stands 6 feet 1 inch tall, has a strong build, veteran instincts, and a resume that emphasizes consistent output over flash. To put it another way, he seems like a perfect fit in Iowa City.
Stevenson had one of his most reliable seasons at Holy Cross in 2025. In addition to one blocked kick and two quarterback hurries, he finished the season with 37 total tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss. Only a portion of the story is revealed by those figures. Stevenson recorded about 1,300 snaps during his time in college, which is evidence of his durability and significance to the Crusaders’ defensive rotation.
That experience is what made him such an attractive target in the portal.
Interior linemen, who can occupy blockers, collapse pockets, and free up linebackers to make plays, have long been a key component of Iowa’s defensive scheme. Stevenson fulfills those requirements. He’s not the kind of player who needs to appear on Saturday highlight reels in order to have an impact.
Rather, his value frequently manifests itself in more subdued ways, such as a blocked running lane, a hurried throw, or a special teams play that changes field position. His blocked kick from the previous season serves as an excellent illustration. A single special teams play has the power to change the course of a game with narrow margins. Fans of Iowa are more aware of this than most, and Stevenson’s capacity to contribute during that stage only serves to bolster his position as an immediate contributor.
The timing of the commitment is just as important to Iowa as the player. Adding a seasoned interior lineman offers stability in light of roster turnover and the inherent turbulence of eligibility cycles. Instead of playing a protracted developmental game, Stevenson will be motivated, focused, and prepared to make an immediate impact during his final year of eligibility.
That urgency tends to resonate in Iowa’s locker room.
Players who have experienced the rigors of collegiate football are valued by coaches because they are aware of the physical demands of the game, weekly preparation, and film study. Stevenson is a good fit. He frequently anchored the middle of the defensive line and held his ground against double teams while playing meaningful snaps against a range of offensive styles at Holy Cross. In Big Ten play, where physicality up front is unavoidable, those responsibilities should translate well.
Although Iowa hasn’t yet made an official statement regarding Stevenson’s role, it’s simple to see how he would fit into the rotation. He can line up at defensive tackle in early-down situations thanks to his strength and size, and his experience enables him to adjust to various packages as needed. Even though he might not be the main attraction of the portal class, his presence fortifies the defense’s overall framework.
Stevenson sees the move as a chance to complete his college career on one of the most recognizable defensive stages in the sport. Iowa has a well-established reputation for turning out defensive linemen of NFL caliber, and playing in that setting for a final season presents both opportunity and challenge. It’s an opportunity to put himself to the test against top competitors, hone his abilities, and make an impact.
Additionally, the move has a certain stylistic fit. Iowa’s defenses have always prioritized toughness, discipline, and effort over individual hype. Stevenson’s professional trajectory reflects that identity. He entered a program that rewards precisely that kind of approach after earning his snaps and building his resume over time. Stevenson will have time to get used to the playbook, the culture, and the expectations associated with wearing black and gold as spring preparation and offseason workouts draw near. His history suggests that he won’t be afraid to take on the task.
This commitment might not make headlines across the country, but inside the football facility, it’s the kind of addition that counts. a seasoned presence. a trustworthy interior defender. A player who is prepared to give his all in one last season. And occasionally, those are the players who have the most impact.
