L.J. Phillips Film Breakdown: Why Iowa’s Transfer Portal RB Could Change Everything
The Iowa Hawkeyes continue to work the transfer portal in a very “Iowa” way quietly, strategically, and with purpose. This time, they may have landed one of the most intriguing offensive pieces of the offseason. The L.J. Phillips film breakdown reveals why the former FCS rushing leader could become a major factor in Iowa’s offense much sooner than some fans expect.
In recent years, Iowa has leaned toward the FCS ranks, putting production ahead of hype. Phillips is a perfect fit for that description. He comes to Iowa City with incredible stats, All-American credentials, and a running style that seems perfect for Big Ten football after destroying defenses at South Dakota.
L.J. Phillips Film Breakdown Shows a Back Built for Iowa Football
From 2023 to 2025, Phillips played in 35 games during his three seasons at South Dakota. He added 29 receptions for 202 yards and a receiving touchdown to his 340 carries for 2,193 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns during that time.
With 249 carries, 1,921 yards, and 19 rushing touchdowns in addition to nearly 200 receiving yards, his 2025 season alone was outstanding. He was named AFCA First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Conference as a result of those numbers. Even at the FCS level, that kind of production is not an accident.
Phillips, who stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds, has a different body type than the running backs Iowa currently has. Compared to Kamari Moulton, Xavier Williams, or Nathan McNeil, he is thicker and more compact, and this is immediately apparent on camera.
A Uncomplicated, One-Cut Running Style When the tape is turned on, Phillips’ identity quickly becomes apparent. He doesn’t waste much time behind the line of scrimmage and is a decisive, one-cut runner. He strikes it hard when he sees daylight. There’s no hesitation, no dancing. For decades, Iowa has prospered on north and south football.
He is challenging to bring down due to his low center of gravity. Defenders frequently need to square him up to halt his forward momentum because arm tackles don’t do much to him. In the Big Ten, where grinding out hard yards is frequently the difference in close games, that quality alone should translate well.
Phillips is also surprisingly quick. At first glance, he doesn’t appear explosive, but once he starts moving, he can elude opponents. He is dangerous on early downs and in short yardage situations because of his power and speed combination.
Impact of Short Yardage and Passing-Game Value Phillips’ value as a receiver is one aspect of his game that is often overlooked. Defenses are forced to respect him as more than just a between-the-tackles runner because he is at ease catching the ball out of the backfield and turning upfield swiftly.
Additionally, he presents himself as a viable solution in goal-line and short-yardage scenarios. When the Hawkeyes need a yard, or six inches, Phillips’ downhill running style could prove to be a dependable substitute as Iowa loses quarterback Mark Gronowski’s sneaks.
The Big Ten Defense Adjustment The changeover won’t be smooth, of course. One of the top FCS programs is South Dakota, and Phillips frequently faced enormous obstacles. In Big Ten play, those lanes won’t be as accessible.
Phillips occasionally relied on speed to get to the edge before cutting upfield at the FCS level. Pure athleticism won’t be as important against Big Ten defenses as timing and vision. The positive aspect? On camera, he has already displayed moments of that patience. All he needs to do is make it a more significant aspect of his game.
A Familiar NFL Comparison
It makes sense to compare Phillips’ running style to that of Dallas Cowboys back Javonte Williams. Phillips is a one-cut runner who punishes opponents and keeps the chains moving, just like Williams. Iowa supporters are aware of the value of his effectiveness despite his lack of flair.
Why Phillips Could Matter Quickly
L.J. Phillips wasn’t added by Iowa merely for depth. According to the L.J. Phillips film breakdown, he has a genuine opportunity to immediately carve out significant moments. His versatility, production track record, and physical style give the Hawkeyes another dependable weapon as they rework their offense for the 2026 campaign. The most significant transfers aren’t always the most well-known ones. In Iowa City, Phillips may be one of those subtle additions that ultimately have a big impact.
