Iowa Football Lands Former Ohio State Player via Transfer Portal

The Iowa Hawkeye football program continues to build through the transfer portal, adding a young defensive star from a Big Ten rival.

Hawkeyes Land Former Ohio State Recruit

Eliot Clough with 247 Sports reports that the Hawkeyes have added a commitment from former Ohio State Buckeye defensive back Cody Haddad. Haddad was a redshirt freshman and didn't see any action with Ohio State last season. He'll have four years of eligibility remaining. He chose Iowa after visits to Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Nebraska.

Haddad Originally Recruited by Iowa

247 Sports reports that Haddad had offers from Iowa and a number of other schools before he chose the Buckeyes out of high school. The former three-star recruit has football in his blood, as his father, Drew Haddad, was a record-setting wide receiver at the University of Buffalo and was drafted by the NFL's Buffalo Bills.

Where Will Haddad Fit In at Iowa?

After losing Xavier Nwankpa to graduation and Koen Entrigner to the transfer portal, the Hawkeyes had a big need in the defensive backfield, according to 247 Sports. Haddad is one of four safety prospects to join Iowa via the transfer portal.

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247 Sports reports that Iowa has two starters in place for 2026 in Zach Lutmer and Deshaun Lee. Haddad joins a crowded group competing for snaps in Phil Parker's defensive scheme. LET'S GO HAWKS!