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A.J.'s News
Rivals Recruiting Buzz: Ten intriguing visits on tap for this weekend

Rivals Recruiting Buzz: Ten intriguing visits on tap for this weekend

Florida State commit Ricky Knight III will make a short trip to visit the Miami campus.

 • Adam Gorney
Three-Point Stance: Luther Burden effect, James Madison, rankings & offers

Three-Point Stance: Luther Burden effect, James Madison, rankings & offers

Luther Burden's commitment to Missouri is having an impact on that state - and the nation - in the recruiting world.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Midwest Spotlight: Five underclassmen under the microscope this fall

Midwest Spotlight: Five underclassmen under the microscope this fall

Bryce Underwood will try to make a case for himself as the top overall player in the 2025 class.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Tuesdays with Gorney: Prospects who could be No. 1 in the 2025 class

Tuesdays with Gorney: Prospects who could be No. 1 in the 2025 class

Four-star offensive lineman David Sanders visited North Carolina in January.

 • Adam Gorney
Twelve Midwest prospects featured in newly released 2025 Rivals100

Twelve Midwest prospects featured in newly released 2025 Rivals100

A closer look at the 12 Midwest representatives who made their debut in the initial Rivals100 for the 2025 class.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Three-Point Stance: Midwest risers, decommitments, 2025 players to watch

Three-Point Stance: Midwest risers, decommitments, 2025 players to watch

Analyst Clint Cosgrove says OL Chris Terek is one of three Midwest players who could be flying under the radar some.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Receivers rising: The evolution of Illinois talent over the past decade

Receivers rising: The evolution of Illinois talent over the past decade

A 10 year study looking at recruiting trends by position in Illinois.

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 • Clint Cosgrove
Early Signing Period: Big Ten Report Card

Early Signing Period: Big Ten Report Card

Indiana struck it rich with seven four-star prospects, including Rivals100 defensive athlete Dasan McCullough.

 • Staff
Class of 2025 DE Gabe Kaminski talks Iowa offer, recruiting plans

Class of 2025 DE Gabe Kaminski talks Iowa offer, recruiting plans

Playing in the Big Ten has been a dream for 2025 DE Gabe Kaminski. He discusses his Iowa offer, and future plans.

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 • Clint Cosgrove
Three-Point Stance: Eight-team Playoff, 2017 5-stars, top 2021 classes

Three-Point Stance: Eight-team Playoff, 2017 5-stars, top 2021 classes

An Alabama-Ohio State first-round matchup in an 8-team playoff would be ideal.

 • Mike Farrell
Five recruiting trends developing across the Big Ten

Five recruiting trends developing across the Big Ten

Ohio State's dominance in recruiting five-star prospects, such as Jake Sawyer, is a major Big Ten trend.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Midwest Spotlight: The path from HS to draft star for 5 prospects

Midwest Spotlight: The path from HS to draft star for 5 prospects

Kansas native Isaiah Simmons was selected No. 8 overall by the Arizona Cardinals.

 • Josh Helmholdt
NFL Draft: Ten best available for second round

NFL Draft: Ten best available for second round

There are still a lot of top prospects that have yet to be picked. Here is a look at our top 10 still available.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Previewing the NFL Draft for the Hawkeyes

Previewing the NFL Draft for the Hawkeyes

It could be another big day for the Hawkeyes in the NFL Draft. We look at who will be drafted and where they will land.

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 • Tom Kakert
NFL Draft: Comparing top DEs with current recruits

NFL Draft: Comparing top DEs with current recruits

Ohio State defensive end Chase Young is expected to be the second pick in the NFL Draft.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Epenesa staying busy leading up to NFL Draft

Epenesa staying busy leading up to NFL Draft

A.J. Epenesa is making the best out of what has turned out to be a very unconventional NFL Draft process.

 • Tom Kakert
Five college programs with surprising draft droughts

Five college programs with surprising draft droughts

Jacob Eason will be the first Washington QB taken since 2011.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Replacing The Stars: Where Big Ten teams will turn in 2020

Replacing The Stars: Where Big Ten teams will turn in 2020

Chase Young is leaving big shoes to fill at Ohio State.

 • Mike Farrell
NFL Draft: Top 5 DEs heading into combine

NFL Draft: Top 5 DEs heading into combine

There's no doubt who's at the top of this list.

 • Mike Farrell, Adam Gorney
Rivals All-Bowl Team: Defensive players

Rivals All-Bowl Team: Defensive players

Texas linebacker Joseph Ossai had a monster game against Utah.

 • Mike Farrell
Epenesa discusses NFL Draft decision

Epenesa discusses NFL Draft decision

Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa discusses his decision to enter the NFL Draft, where he will be training, and much more.

 • Rivals.com
Three-Point Stance: One-and-done for football; early entrants; new coaches

Three-Point Stance: One-and-done for football; early entrants; new coaches

Mike Farrell looks to the NBA model as a way to stave off early retirements in the NFL.

 • Mike Farrell
Polynesian Bowl: Thoughts after day two of practice in Hawaii

Polynesian Bowl: Thoughts after day two of practice in Hawaii

Former Alabama and Rivals100 QB Tua Tagovailoa showed up to add a little star power.

 • Woody Wommack
Epenesa headed to the NFL Draft

Epenesa headed to the NFL Draft

The lure of the NFL proved to be too much for A.J. Epenesa. He will forgo his senior year and head to the NFL Draft.

 • Tom Kakert
Farrell 50: The nation's top players - Nos. 16-20

Farrell 50: The nation's top players - Nos. 16-20

Three five-stars are included in our next segment of the countdown.

 • Mike Farrell
Rivals.com All-America Team

Rivals.com All-America Team

Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow highlights the Rivals.com All-America Team for the 2019 college football season.

 • Mike Farrell
Three Hawkeyes earn AFCA All-American honors

Three Hawkeyes earn AFCA All-American honors

Keith Duncan, Tristan Wirfs, and A.J. Epenesa were named second team All-Americans by the AFCA today.

 • HawkeyeReport.com
Hit or Miss? Did Rivals rank these standouts correctly in HS?

Hit or Miss? Did Rivals rank these standouts correctly in HS?

Jayden Waddle has shown he can be a big-time playmaker at Alabama. Did Rivals have him ranked correctly in high school?

 • Mike Farrell
Duncan, Epenesa named Big Ten Players of the Week

Duncan, Epenesa named Big Ten Players of the Week

Iowa's Keith Duncan and A.J. Epenesa were named Big Ten Players of the Week.

 • HawkeyeReport.com
Epenesa named Big Ten defensive player of the week

Epenesa named Big Ten defensive player of the week

Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been named the Big Ten defensive player of the week.

 • HawkeyeReport.com
Top five NFL prospects at DE, regardless of class

Top five NFL prospects at DE, regardless of class

Chase Young is on track to be a top-five pick in next year's NFL Draft.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Farrell 50: The nation's top players - Nos. 31-35

Farrell 50: The nation's top players - Nos. 31-35

A pair of former five-stars are living up to their rankings.

 • Mike Farrell
Ranking Big Ten recruiting efforts over the last decade

Ranking Big Ten recruiting efforts over the last decade

Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes reign supreme when it comes to recruiting in the Big Ten.

 • Mike Farrell
Big Ten breakdown: Top ranked recruit on each roster

Big Ten breakdown: Top ranked recruit on each roster

Big things are expected from Donovan Peoples-Jones this fall.

 • Mike Farrell
Farrell 50: CFB's top players, Nos. 16-20

Farrell 50: CFB's top players, Nos. 16-20

A pair of Lone Star State quarterbacks highlight this installment of the Farrell 50.

 • Mike Farrell
Epenesa named AP Preseason All-American

Epenesa named AP Preseason All-American

Iowa junior defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been named a preseason first-team All-American by the Associated Press.

 • HawkeyeReport.com
Epenesa named SI Preseason All-American

Epenesa named SI Preseason All-American

Iowa junior defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been named a unanimous Sports Illustrated preseason first-team All-American.

 • HawkeyeReport.com
Epenesa named to Nagurski watch list

Epenesa named to Nagurski watch list

Iowa junior defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been named to the 2019 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List.

 • HawkeyeReport.com
Rivals.com Big Ten Preview: Team-by-team breakdown

Rivals.com Big Ten Preview: Team-by-team breakdown

Rivals previews each team in the conference prior the 2019 media days in Chicago.

 • Staff
Epenesa named to Bednarik watch list

Epenesa named to Bednarik watch list

University of Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been named to the 2019 Bednarik Award Watch.

 • HawkeyeReport.com
Five-Star History: States that produce the fewest

Five-Star History: States that produce the fewest

South Carolina has produced 10 five-star prospects, including Jadeveon Clowney.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Biggest out-of-state grabs: Defensive linemen

Biggest out-of-state grabs: Defensive linemen

Chase Young was an excellent five-star out-of-state addition for the Buckeyes.

 • Mike Farrell
Five big DE questions heading in to 2019 season

Five big DE questions heading in to 2019 season

Iowa's A.J. Epenesa heads into the 2019 season as one of the nation's top defensive ends.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Big Ten: Breaking down the five-stars of the past four cycles

Big Ten: Breaking down the five-stars of the past four cycles

In the first part of a weeklong series, Ohio State jumps out of the gate with 11 five-star players.

 • Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney
How five-star DEs from past four recruiting cycles are performing

How five-star DEs from past four recruiting cycles are performing

There's plenty of talent in this group - including Nick Bosa, who could be the top pick in the next NFL Draft.

 • Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney
Epenesa earns player of the week honors

Epenesa earns player of the week honors

Iowa sophomore defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been named Big Ten Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

 • HawkeyeReport.com
Rivals.com 2018 Big Ten Preview

Rivals.com 2018 Big Ten Preview

With Big Ten Media Days set to kick off, we preview the league's 2018 season.

 • Rivals.com
One vs. One: Comparing top DLs from 2017, 2018 classes

One vs. One: Comparing top DLs from 2017, 2018 classes

Time for the elite players along the defensive line to go head-to-head - with final verdicts from Mike Farrell.

 • Mike Farrell
Midwest spotlight: How five-stars from 2017 class are progressing

Midwest spotlight: How five-stars from 2017 class are progressing

2017 was a monster recruiting year for the Big Ten conference. How have the league's five-star freshmen fared so far?

 • Josh Helmholdt
Ready to report: A.J. Epenesa

Ready to report: A.J. Epenesa

Five-star recruit A.J. Epenesa is working on adding another state title in track and then it will be off to Iowa City.

 • Blair Sanderson
One vs. One: Comparing top DL from 2016, 2017

One vs. One: Comparing top DL from 2016, 2017

National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell breaks down how the top of the 2017 DL class compares to the 2016 group.

 • Mike Farrell
Commit Fit: Big Ten

Commit Fit: Big Ten

The Big Ten enjoyed a banner recruiting year in 2017. Mike Farrell analyzes which signees are the best program fits.

 • Mike Farrell
National Signing Day 2017 Wrap: Big Ten

National Signing Day 2017 Wrap: Big Ten

A pair of heated rivals finished atop Big Ten recruiting in the 2017 recruiting cycle, a successful one for the league.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Dream day arrives for Epenesa

Dream day arrives for Epenesa

Wednesday will be a dream come true for five star prospect A.J. Epenesa, as he officially becomes a Hawkeye.

 • Tom Kakert
Breakdown: How the 2017 class compares to its predecessors

Breakdown: How the 2017 class compares to its predecessors

Is this the best overall crop of prospects in the last six years? Nick Krueger says it very well may be.

 • Nick Krueger
National Signing Day: 10 can't-miss prospects

National Signing Day: 10 can't-miss prospects

There is never a sure thing in recruiting, but these 10 prospects are close to it.

 • Adam Gorney
Commit fit: Defensive end

Commit fit: Defensive end

Five-star Iowa commit A.J. Epenesa is among the 2017 DEs who should be strong fits in their colleges of choice.

 • Mike Farrell
Epenesa ready for Polynesian Bowl

Epenesa ready for Polynesian Bowl

This week, five-star defensive end A.J. Epenesa is enjoying the weather in Hawaii and playing in the Polynesian Bowl.

 • Blair Sanderson
Three-Point Stance: Top-ranked prospects, bust factor, No. 99

Three-Point Stance: Top-ranked prospects, bust factor, No. 99

It's becoming harder to identify the top prospect in each class. Mike Farrell explains in the Three-Point Stance.

 • Mike Farrell
Final 2017 position rankings: Changes atop position groups

Final 2017 position rankings: Changes atop position groups

Alabama commit Alex Leatherwood finishes as the No. 1 offensive tackle for 2017.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Harris holds top spot, new five-stars emerge in last 2017 Rivals100 release

Harris holds top spot, new five-stars emerge in last 2017 Rivals100 release

The final Rivals100 release for the 2017 class features a dynamic RB in the No. 1 spot and several new five-stars.

 • Mike Farrell
Former Hawk impressed by Army Game performances

Former Hawk impressed by Army Game performances

We caught up with former Hawkeye Anthony Herron to discuss future and potential Iowa players at the Army Game.

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 • Tom Kakert
Army Bowl Awards

Army Bowl Awards

After a week of practices and an entertaining games, Josh Helmholdt hands out his own set of awards from San Antonio.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Epenesa enjoying all-star week

Epenesa enjoying all-star week

A.J. Epenesa is enjoying an impressive week at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

 • Blair Sanderson
Rivals Daily Dozen: Top players from Army Bowl day two

Rivals Daily Dozen: Top players from Army Bowl day two

A South Carolina commit headlines Rivals' list of the 12 best performers from Tuesday's practice at the Army Bowl.

 • Josh Helmholdt and Nick Krueger
Three-Point Stance: Skipping bowls, Pac-12 grades, 2017 vs. 2018

Three-Point Stance: Skipping bowls, Pac-12 grades, 2017 vs. 2018

The (lack of) solution to skipping bowls, Pac-12 coaching grades and 2017 vs. 2018 player comps.

 • Mike Farrell
Three-Point Stance: Big 12 grades, future award winners, Florida

Three-Point Stance: Big 12 grades, future award winners, Florida

Mike Farrell grades the Big 12, projects future award winners in the 2017 class and offers a Florida reality check.

 • Mike Farrell
Position rankings: Breaking down the 2017 class

Position rankings: Breaking down the 2017 class

Time to go inside each position ranking to find prospects to watch, like LB Markail Benton, for the class of 2017.

 • Josh Helmholdt
2017: Top 250 Names to Watch DL

2017: Top 250 Names to Watch DL

Class of 2017 Top 250 Names to Watch: Today we feature the Defensive Linemen.

 • Tim OHalloran
Player movement in new Rivals position rankings

Player movement in new Rivals position rankings

See the ups and downs in Rivals newest set of recruiting rankings.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Breakdown: Looking at Big Ten recruiting by position groups

Breakdown: Looking at Big Ten recruiting by position groups

Five-star Shaun Wade has Ohio State's 2017 DBs at the top of the Big Ten.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Instant impact: Iowa, Nebraska to get early help from commits

Instant impact: Iowa, Nebraska to get early help from commits

Over 50 prospects from the Midwest are already committed. Here are five who should play early.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Inside the numbers: Elite Midwest talent on rise

Inside the numbers: Elite Midwest talent on rise

The 2017 class from the Midwest is stacked at the top. Josh Helmholdt dives into the numbers.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Three-Point Stance: 2016 vs. 2017, Marshall's move, Nkemdiche's blunder

Three-Point Stance: 2016 vs. 2017, Marshall's move, Nkemdiche's blunder

Comparing the 2016 and 2017 classes, plus interesting NFL Combine developments.

 • Mike Farrell
Analyzing 2017 position rankings

Analyzing 2017 position rankings

The February update of the Rivals position rankings sees some positions experience significant changes, while others

 • Josh Helmholdt
Epenesa is a special talent

Epenesa is a special talent

Edwardsville coach Matt Martin knew A.J. Epenesa was a special talent right away when he reported his freshman year.

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 • Luke Feddersen
Recruiting predictions for 2017: Big Ten

Recruiting predictions for 2017: Big Ten

The Big Ten as a conference posted one of their best recruiting performances in 2016. Was that a one-year aberration?

 • Josh Helmholdt
Epenesa becomes a recruiter

Epenesa becomes a recruiter

With his verbal commitment to the Hawkeyes, 2017 four star prospect A.J. Epenesa is now an Iowa recruiter.

 • Tom Kakert
Epenesa happy to be a Hawkeye

Epenesa happy to be a Hawkeye

With a father that played football at the University of Iowa, the Hawkeyes were always going to be hard to beat for

 • Blair Sanderson
Hawkeyes land huge commit

Hawkeyes land huge commit

While it is only January of 2016, the Iowa Hawkeyes may have already landed their top recruit of 2017, A.J. Epenesa.

 • Blair Sanderson
Hawkeyes land Rivals100 DE A.J. Epenesa

Hawkeyes land Rivals100 DE A.J. Epenesa

Iowa already had a strong start to their 2017 class going, but their biggest commitment came through on Sunday.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Five to watch in 2017: Defense

Five to watch in 2017: Defense

The 2016 class is less than a month away from being signed, sealed and delivered. Take a look at some of the top defensive targets in 2017.

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 • Brian Austin
Rising, falling in latest 2017 position rankings

Rising, falling in latest 2017 position rankings

Mannie Netherly was one of the biggest risers in the new 2017 position rankings released Thursday. heck out the full breakdown.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Take Two: Iowas chance, USCs hire, Pitt

Take Two: Iowas chance, USCs hire, Pitt

Kirk Ferentz's Iowa team has a huge opportunity ahead of them. We break that down, USC's potential hire and more in Take Two.

 • Adam Gorney
Epenesa clicks with current Tiger

Epenesa clicks with current Tiger

The number one ranked defensive end in the 2017 class was in Columbia for the Missouri versus Florida game and PowerMizzou caught up with him to get h

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 • Brian Austin
Epenesa has awesome visit

Epenesa has awesome visit

As A.J. Epenesa walked down the tunnel at Kinnick Stadium he heard the chants of, "We want A.J.!" and that was just the beginning of what he called

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 • Tom Kakert
Epenesa talks recruiting

Epenesa talks recruiting

A.J. Epenesa is one of the most highly sought after recruits in the country in the Class of 2017. He will have his pick of schools and this week many

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 • Tom Kakert
Inside the 2017 position rankings

Inside the 2017 position rankings

Josh Helmholdt goes inside the individual 2017 position races. Five-star Najee Harris stands atop the running backs position.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Replacing DE Jhonny Williams

Replacing DE Jhonny Williams

The departure of Jhonny Williams puts even more emphasis on Notre Dame's recruiting efforts at defensive end.

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 • Bryan Driskell
Sooners Elite: Top performers

Sooners Elite: Top performers

Defensive end A.J. Epenesa led the way at the Oklahoma Elite camp on Wednesday. Jason Howell has a list of the top performers.

 • Jason Howell
Sooner Camp Under a Rule of Two

Sooner Camp Under a Rule of Two

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma had two name-brand headline recruits taking part in their Elite summer camp with a pair of Rivals100 members. However, plenty

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 • Josh McCuistion
Epenesa is best of Sooners Elite Camp

Epenesa is best of Sooners Elite Camp

DE A.J. Epenesa was named Jason Howell's best overall athlete at Oklahoma's camp on Wednesday. See all of Howell's awards.

 • Jason Howell
Fans make impact on Epenesa

Fans make impact on Epenesa

Edwardsville High School's loss on Friday night was Iowa's gain on Saturday. Top Iowa target A.J. Epenesa saw his high school basketball season come t

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 • Tom Kakert
New Offer: A.J. Epenesa

New Offer: A.J. Epenesa

Michigan has offered Edwardsville (Ill.) High School sophomore strongside defensive end A.J. Epenesa. Here's a quick look at the player.

 • Brandon Brown
Around the Midwest: Twins on hold

Around the Midwest: Twins on hold

Get news on 4-star twins David Dowell and Andrew Dowell, Big Ten targets, Penn State's bowl news and more from Josh Helmholdt.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
From the road: Illinois

From the road: Illinois

Raequan Williams stands out as Josh Helmholdt hands out grades to prospects he saw in three Chicago-area games over the weekend.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
2017 standout likes Utah

2017 standout likes Utah

AJ Epenesa is a 2017 defensive end from Edwardsville HS (Illinois) who is not exactly a secret. The Utes recently offered the big lineman. Do they hav

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 • Alex Markham
Dream offer for Epenesa

Dream offer for Epenesa

Former Hawkeye Epenesa Epenesa never dreamed that his son would have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and play football at Iowa, but now he

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 • Tom Kakert