Iowa Football Quietly Targets Another Legacy Star — And This One Could Be Next in Line
The buzz around the future of Iowa Hawkeyes recruiting just got louder and it’s coming from a class most fans haven’t even started tracking yet. While the spotlight remains fixed on 2027 prospects, Iowa is already laying the groundwork for something deeper, something more personal. And now, a familiar last name has entered the picture.
In a move that could carry major long-term implications, Iowa officially extended an offer to 2028 offensive lineman Jace Montgomery on Thursday. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound prospect out of Cincinnati, Ohio, confirmed the news after a recent conversation with Hawkeyes offensive line coach George Barnett. It didn’t take long for the offer to follow and it might not take long for momentum to build either.
Montgomery isn’t just another rising prospect. He’s a legacy recruit with deep ties to Iowa’s football program. His father, Jerry Montgomery, once suited up for the Hawkeyes on the defensive line. His older brother, Jayden Montgomery, is already a key figure on the current roster. And his other brother, Tevyn Montgomery, works behind the scenes as a student assistant with the running backs.
That kind of family connection? It matters and Iowa knows it.
Jace Montgomery currently attends Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, a program known for producing tough, disciplined football talent. Despite being just a sophomore, he’s already attracting serious attention across the college football landscape. With six offers on the table Iowa, Vanderbilt, Bowling Green, Kent State, Liberty, and Miami (Ohio) his recruitment is gaining traction earlier than most in his class.
But Iowa’s pitch goes beyond just football.
Inside the Hawkeyes’ locker room, there’s already a built-in advocate. Jayden Montgomery, who started seven games for Iowa in 2025, recorded 44 total tackles, two passes defended, and one tackle for loss during the season. Over his career, he’s appeared in 34 games, steadily developing into a reliable presence on defense. With linebacker Karson Sharar now graduated, Jayden is expected to step into a full-time starting role in 2026.
That leadership and firsthand experience could play a major role in shaping Jace’s decision.
While the two brothers wouldn’t overlap on the field if Jace commits to Iowa, the influence remains undeniable. Jayden knows the system. He understands the culture. And perhaps most importantly, he knows what it takes to succeed in Iowa City. If there’s anyone who can give Jace a clear, honest breakdown of the program, it’s him.
And don’t underestimate the power of that “inside voice.”
From a football standpoint, the fit makes sense too. Under George Barnett, Iowa’s offensive line has become one of the program’s most stable and well-developed units. Barnett has built a reputation for turning raw prospects into polished, physical linemen capable of competing in the Big Ten trenches. For a young player like Montgomery, that’s a major selling point.
Development matters and Iowa has a track record to prove it.
The Hawkeyes are clearly thinking ahead, stacking early offers in the 2028 class while many programs are still focused on immediate needs. It’s a strategy that signals confidence and long-term vision. And in Montgomery’s case, it could pay off sooner than expected.
There’s also something to be said about comfort.
For a player growing up with strong family ties to a program, the transition becomes easier. The facilities aren’t unfamiliar. The expectations aren’t surprising. The culture isn’t a mystery. That kind of familiarity can turn a difficult recruiting decision into a natural next step.
And Iowa is quietly positioning itself to be exactly that.
Recruiting insiders often point to “pipeline families” as hidden advantages for college programs. When one family member succeeds, it creates a ripple effect opening the door for siblings, cousins, and even future generations. The Montgomery family could very well be one of those pipelines for Iowa.
And if that’s the case, Jace might just be the next chapter.
It’s still early, of course. The 2028 class is years away from signing day, and plenty can change between now and then. New offers will come. Rankings will shift. Visits will happen. But Iowa has done something important here they’ve gotten in early, and they’ve made it personal.
That combination is hard to beat.
For now, Montgomery remains uncommitted, weighing his options as his recruitment continues to grow. But with strong family ties, a trusted voice in the locker room, and a coaching staff that believes in his potential, Iowa has positioned itself as more than just another offer on his list.
They’ve made it feel like home.
And if history is any indication, that might be enough to tip the scales.
As the Hawkeyes continue to build for the future, don’t be surprised if this quiet offer turns into one of the most meaningful commitments in the 2028 class. Because sometimes, the biggest recruiting wins aren’t the loudest ones they’re the ones that start with a simple conversation and a familiar last name.
