Barrett Kitrell, a rising 2027 offensive line prospect from Nebraska, is being eyed by Iowa. In an effort to steal a promising offensive line prospect from Nebraska, the Iowa Hawkeyes are making waves in the 2027 recruiting class with their most recent target, Barrett Kitrell Iowa. The native of Ashland, Nebraska, has rapidly emerged as one of the area’s most talked-about rising stars, drawing increasing attention from several Power Four programs.
Iowa’s recruiting success has become a hallmark of the program, especially in nearby states. High-level prospects like Kitrell continue to be drawn to Iowa City by the Hawkeyes’ reputation for producing both offensive and defensive talent over the last few seasons.
The Hawkeyes Take Audacious Recruiting Steps With notable commitments from four-star prospects like Hudson Parliament (South Dakota), Gene Riordan (Illinois), and Darion Jones (Nebraska), the 2026 recruiting class already demonstrated Iowa’s capacity to attract talent from outside the state. Kitrell has become a top contender as the Hawkeyes focus on strengthening the offensive line for 2027.
Kitrell formally announced receiving his fifth D1 offer from Iowa following a fruitful in-school visit and a game day excursion with offensive line coach George Barnett. “After a great game day visit and an in-school visit with coach @CoachBarnett_OL I am blessed to receive my 5th D1 offer to Iowa! #AGTG @HawkeyeFootball @AGBluejayFball” is how he expressed his excitement on Twitter.
Kitrell, who stands six feet four and weighs 270 pounds, is the ideal size and skill that the Hawkeyes are looking for. Even though he is currently unranked in the 2027 class, his recruiting board trajectory has been steadily improving, drawing interest from several programs. But Iowa is positioning itself as the team that might persuade him to leave Nebraska, his home-state rival.
The Kitrell Family’s Football Runs In addition to being a gifted prospect, Barrett’s football heritage highlights his potential. His older brothers, Brett (Ohio), Bryce (Ohio), Bo (Nebraska), and Blake (Tulsa), are all college football players. Barrett’s recruitment story is especially interesting as he considers staying local versus traveling to Iowa because even his father, Barry Kitrell, played at Nebraska.
Kitrell is even more fascinating because of his versatility. Although Barnett and the Iowa coaching staff have stressed an offensive line role, he possesses the skill set to succeed on either the offensive or defensive line. This emphasis shows that Iowa is committed to developing him into a future offensive front cornerstone.
Growing Interest in Several Programs Kitrell has received offers from five universities, including Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, since receiving his first Power Four offer from Iowa State in October of last year. This attention from multiple programs illustrates the competitive environment for elite linemen in the Midwest and reflects his rising stature as a 2027 prospect.
The Hawkeyes’ reputation for not only identifying talent early but also persuading it to cross state lines would be strengthened if Iowa were to acquire Kitrell. Kitrell is the perfect recruit to have a long-lasting influence on the program because of his size, skill, and football background.
Why This Is Important Iowa’s pursuit of Barrett Kitrell is a statement rather than merely a recruiting victory. Bringing in a native Nebraskan player conveys the message that Iowa is ready and able to compete for the best players, even if it means upending long-standing allegiances, in the fiercely competitive rivalry with Nebraska.
Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring Kitrell’s choice as the recruiting fights intensify. Will he embrace a new chapter in Iowa City under coach Barnett’s direction, or will he remain near home and carry on the family tradition at Nebraska? For the time being, the Hawkeyes are establishing themselves as a serious contender in this continuing story.
There is no doubt that Barrett Kitrell’s recruitment is going to be one of the most interesting narratives of the 2027 class, and Iowa’s approach may completely change the way the school competes for elite local talent.
