Iowa football transfer portal surge continues with FCS freshman All-American commitment
The momentum inside the Iowa football transfer portal just keeps building. As the Hawkeyes reshape their roster for the 2026 season, they landed another impactful piece Sunday night, securing a commitment that signals both immediate help and long-term upside for an evolving offense.
Evan James, a former Furman wide receiver who was one of the FCS’s most productive freshman playmakers the previous season, joined Iowa, continuing Kirk Ferentz’s program’s intense recruiting campaign.
Iowa football transfer portal adds Evan James after standout freshman season
After an incredible true freshman season at Furman, where he immediately established himself as the Paladins’ top receiving threat, James moves to Iowa City. James led Furman in both receptions and yards after just one year of college, hauling in 65 passes for 796 yards over nine games. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound receiver added another dimension to his game with 72 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
He also demonstrated a nose for the end zone by scoring seven receiving touchdowns. He was a constant threat to opposing defenses due to his versatility and ability to create separation, which made him a perfect fit for Iowa’s changing offensive requirements.
After his official visit on Sunday, James formally committed to the Hawkeyes, picking Iowa over other Power Five options. James had visited Michigan State earlier in the transfer window, so Iowa’s late push was a significant recruiting victory. James, a graduate of Leesburg High School in Florida, was well-known for his quick ascent to the collegiate ranks.
His reputation as one of the best young receivers to enter the portal this cycle was cemented after his breakout freshman season earned him freshman All-American honors from both FCS Central and Stats Perform.
For Iowa, the timing couldn’t be better.
As 2026 approaches, the Hawkeyes’ wide receiver room is going through a major transition. Jacob Gill, Sam Phillips, Kaden Wetjen, and Seth Anderson are being replaced by Iowa, which presents a chance and a need for new players to take on more responsibility.
James and Tony Diaz, a former wide receiver for UTRGV, are portal additions at the position, providing Iowa with a combination of developmental potential and demonstrated output. James’ polished route running, dependable hands, and game-tested confidence suggest he’s prepared for the challenge, even though moving from the FCS to the Big Ten is no easy feat.
This addition is also indicative of a larger change in Iowa’s approach to the transfer portal. The Hawkeyes are focusing on players with multiple years of eligibility and upward trajectories—athletes who can develop within the system while making early contributions—instead of just short-term depth.
James fits that mold perfectly.
His versatility gives an offense looking for more explosiveness and consistency on the perimeter flexibility. James offers a skill set that Iowa supporters haven’t regularly witnessed in recent seasons, whether he’s lining up outside, working the slot, or being creatively used in motion.
The Iowa football transfer portal continues to be one of the program’s most active storylines as the offseason progresses. By the time fall arrives, the roster may have undergone a substantial overhaul thanks to each commitment.
For the time being, acquiring an FCS freshman All-American makes it abundantly evident that Iowa is moving forward. It’s construction, and it’s done with intention.
