Eli Kampman Signs with the Hawkeyes: Iowa Legacy Continues
Eli Kampman Signs with the Hawkeyes: Iowa Legacy Continues with Solon Star QB/DB For Iowa supporters, Eli
Kampman’s official commitment to the Hawkeyes this week felt like more than just a recruiting victory. The 2026 Solon standout’s Instagram announcement of his decision signaled the arrival of one of the state’s most versatile high school athletes and the continuation of a strong Hawkeye football lineage.
After a standout season in which he demonstrated his arm strength, athleticism, football intelligence, and leadership, Kampman a dynamic quarterback and defensive back selected Iowa. His pledge has both emotional significance and on-field potential because he is the son of former Iowa defensive lineman and NFL veteran Aaron Kampman.
Eli Kampman Commitment to Hawkeyes Signals a Legacy Recruiting Win
Eli Kampman’s commitment to the Hawkeyes brings a high-upside athlete to Iowa’s 2026 class on a preferred walk-on basis. Under Kirk Ferentz, this route has produced several starters and contributors. Kampman, who is 200 pounds and 6 feet 2 inches tall, offers positional flexibility that is ideal for Iowa’s developmental philosophy.
Although he excelled as a quarterback at Solon High School, the Hawkeyes intend to use him as a defensive back, where his physicality and instincts will be most useful. Players with a deep understanding of the game are highly valued by Iowa’s coaching staff, and Kampman definitely fits that description. He is a coach’s son, so he reads defenses like one.
A Senior Season That Demanded Attention
Kampman had an incredible senior campaign with the Solon Spartans. He routinely attacked defenses through the air as a quarterback, completing 145 of 236 passes (61.4%) for 2,230 yards and 29 touchdowns. He was extending plays, elevating the players around him, and making crucial throws in close windows in addition to padding stats. Kampman added another dimension on the ground.
He frequently punished defenses that overcommitted to stopping the pass by carrying the ball 125 times for 488 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Because of his dual-threat output, Kampman became one of the most valuable players in Iowa high school football and made Solon’s offense challenging to plan against.
Impact on Both Sides of the Ball
Kampman’s willingness and ability to dominate defense is what really sets him apart from other high school quarterbacks. He routinely made plays in space while lining up in the secondary, recording 27 tackles, forcing two fumbles, and intercepting two passes. On video, his closing speed, tackling style, and anticipation were particularly noticeable, particularly in the latter stages of games when opponents attempted to take advantage of his weariness.
Iowa believes that his defensive potential will be crucial to his success in college. The Hawkeyes have established one of the most prestigious defensive back pipelines in the country, and Kampman is an intriguing long-term project in the secondary because of his size, football IQ, and athletic testing.
Hawkeye Bloodlines Run Deep
Kampman’s last name is instantly recognizable to Iowa supporters. Prior to joining the Green Bay Packers as a Pro Bowl pass rusher in the NFL, his father, Aaron Kampman, was a pillar of the Hawkeyes’ defense in the early 2000s.
Aaron, who is renowned for his unwavering drive and preparation, established a benchmark that continues to be relevant in the program.
Eli grew up surrounded by game plans, weight rooms, and film rooms. His performance reflects that exposure. When talking about Kampman’s development, Solon head coach Lucas Stanton highlighted that background.
“Eli processes the game at a really high level,” Stanton said. “He understands situations, makes adjustments on the fly, and brings leadership you don’t always see at this age.”
That football intelligence — paired with measurable athleticism — made Iowa’s interest a natural fit.
Athletic Traits Iowa Covets
Kampman’s physical testing results stand out above the box score. According to reports, he demonstrated explosive lower-body power that translates well to defensive back play with a broad jump of more than ten feet. He can add strength without compromising mobility thanks to his frame, which is a feature of Iowa’s developmental success stories.
With time in their strength program and exposure to Big Ten competition, the Hawkeyes are wagering that Kampman will never reach his full potential. Preferred walk-on status frequently entails earning everything, which is ideal for Kampman’s mindset and doesn’t imply limited opportunities at Iowa.
Why This Commitment Matters for Iowa
Iowa’s 2026 recruiting strategy still combines high-IQ, high-motor walk-ons who are familiar with the culture with scholarship talent.
Eli Kampman’s dedication to the Hawkeyes supports that idea. Additionally, it increases Iowa’s in-state recruiting presence by retaining elite local athletes while adding depth to vital defensive positions.
Players with long-term developmental potential are crucial in an era of college football characterized by transfer portals and quick roster turnover. Iowa also has flexibility thanks to Kampman’s versatility.
His offensive experience offers insurance value and a deeper comprehension of route concepts, which is a quality that frequently distinguishes good defensive backs from great ones, even though safety is the current projection.
What’s Next for Kampman
Kampman will come to Iowa City with the intention of developing, competing, and securing his position. Players like Kampman tend to flourish in Iowa’s program because there are no short cuts.
His dedication is characterized by substance, discipline, and a profound comprehension of what it takes to achieve at the highest level rather than by hype for the sake of hype.
This is more than just a sentimental legacy tale for Hawkeye supporters. A player who fits the program’s DNA and has the potential to quietly contribute in the future has been carefully added.
