Iowa is ramping up efforts in the transfer portal, and Xavier Styles Iowa is at the center of their defensive focus. After a 2025 season that saw major departures in the Hawkeye secondary, the program is looking to replenish talent immediately. With starting safeties Xavier Nwankpa and Koen Entringer gone—through graduation and the transfer portal, respectively—the Hawkeyes have a void that must be addressed. Add defensive backs TJ Hall and Kael Koalrik, and Iowa’s defensive backfield is in need of experienced playmakers.
Despite returning cornerback talent such as Deshaun Lee, Jaylen Watson, and Zach Lutmer, plus depth option Rashad Godfrey, Iowa’s secondary still relies heavily on unproven players. That’s why the Hawkeyes have made signing defensive transfers a top priority. So far, five players have joined Iowa from the portal this window, but only one has been a defensive back—Anthony Hawkins. With just over a week left in the portal period, the program is stepping up recruitment to secure more immediate contributors in the secondary.
One of the most intriguing prospects for Iowa is Xavier Styles, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound sophomore from Robert Morris. Styles is visiting Iowa this week and is also planning a visit to Pitt on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Max Olson. Styles’ statistics from his sophomore season are impressive: 36 total tackles, six passes defended, two forced fumbles, and an interception. While he played sparingly as a freshman, he became a full-time starter last year, showcasing his ability to impact the game on multiple fronts.
What sets Styles apart is more than his production. Tier1Recruiting highlights his tremendous upside, competitive mindset, and readiness to contribute immediately. He’s not interested in sitting on the bench—he wants a program where he can make an instant impact. That aligns perfectly with Iowa’s current situation, where the loss of starting safeties has created opportunities for newcomers to earn significant playing time.
Iowa’s defensive scheme values versatility, and Styles fits the bill. His size and athleticism allow him to cover deep zones effectively while still being able to step up in run support. In last season’s film, Styles consistently demonstrated that he can read plays quickly, position himself correctly, and make tackles in space. For a team like Iowa, which has historically relied on smart, aggressive defensive backs, a player like Styles could be an immediate difference-maker.
The Hawkeyes also have flexibility in how they can use Styles. He could compete for snaps at either safety spot, or even fill the CASH (Cornerback/Safety hybrid) role that Iowa has employed in recent seasons. That kind of versatility makes him an even more valuable target in the transfer portal. For a program seeking instant defensive help, Styles is a ready-made option who can step into a starting role without a long adjustment period.
Fans should be watching closely as Iowa pushes to close out this transfer window. With a talented, motivated, and experienced player like Xavier Styles Iowa on campus, the Hawkeyes could quickly stabilize their secondary and maintain their defensive identity. If everything lines up, Styles could become a cornerstone of Iowa’s defensive backfield for years to come, giving the program a much-needed boost in both depth and talent.
In short, Iowa’s focus on defensive transfers shows the program understands the stakes. With returning corners, unproven depth, and starting safeties gone, Xavier Styles Iowa represents a prime opportunity to inject experience, skill, and competition into the Hawkeyes’ backfield. This is one portal visit that fans and coaches will be watching with high expectations.
