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From a Rocky Start to Stardom, Nwankpa Looking Like a 5-Star Again

From a Rocky Start to Stardom, Nwankpa Looking Like a 5-Star Again

After a rough start to the year, Xavier Nwankpa has bounced back and is playing some of the best football of his career.

 • Eliot Clough
Five Hawkeyes to Watch Against Illinois State

Five Hawkeyes to Watch Against Illinois State

Five Hawkeyes to watch in Iowa's 2024 season-opener against Illinois State.

 • Eliot Clough
Hawkeyes Talk NCAA Football 25

Hawkeyes Talk NCAA Football 25

Iowa football players are giddy to play the new NCAA Football 25 game.

 • Eliot Clough
The Hawkeyes We're  Most Excited to Play as in College Football 2025

The Hawkeyes We're Most Excited to Play as in College Football 2025

NCAA Football is back. Which Iowa Hawkeyes are we most excited to play as when it returns?

 • Eliot Clough
Midwest Spotlight: Five surprising talent hotbeds

Midwest Spotlight: Five surprising talent hotbeds

Former five-star Xavier Nwankpa is one of the latest talents to come out of Des Moines, Iowa.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Five-Star Checkup: Class of 2022

Five-Star Checkup: Class of 2022

Former No. 1 Travis Hunter was playing like one of the best players in college football before suffering an injury.

 • Adam Gorney
Seven Hawkeyes With a Shot to be All-Americans in 2023

Seven Hawkeyes With a Shot to be All-Americans in 2023

If there's any time to name potential All-Americans this coming season for Iowa football, it's Independence Day.

 • Eliot Clough
Next Man In: Xavier Nwankpa

Next Man In: Xavier Nwankpa

This fall Xavier Nwankpa will take over the safety opening left by All-American Kaevon Merriweather.

 • Eliot Clough
Kadyn Proctor's desire to step outside his comfort zone led to Alabama flip

Kadyn Proctor's desire to step outside his comfort zone led to Alabama flip

Five-star offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor is ranked No. 14 in the 2023 Rivals250.

 • Adam Gorney
Three-Point Stance: Impact freshmen, Deion Sanders, coach health

Three-Point Stance: Impact freshmen, Deion Sanders, coach health

Missouri receiver Luther Burden lived up to the five-star hype as a true freshman.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Five-star prospects on flip watch heading into early signing day

Five-star prospects on flip watch heading into early signing day

QB Dante Moore is committed to Oregon, but that hasn't stopped other schools from making their case for a flip.

 • Adam Gorney
Five-Star Check-Up: Class of 2022, Nos. 15-21

Five-Star Check-Up: Class of 2022, Nos. 15-21

Cornerback Denver Harris has contributed on a Texas A&M secondary that is loaded with talent.

 • Adam Gorney
Three-Point Stance: Arizona, impact freshmen, Sept. 1 graphics

Three-Point Stance: Arizona, impact freshmen, Sept. 1 graphics

The Arizona Wildcats' win over San Diego State was just their second victory in their last 24 games.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Three-Point Stance: Midwest freshmen, Northwestern, rising prospects

Three-Point Stance: Midwest freshmen, Northwestern, rising prospects

Iowa defensive back Xavier Nwankpa should make an immediate impact for the Hawkeyes this season.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Commitment breakdown: Five-star Kadyn Proctor picks Iowa

Commitment breakdown: Five-star Kadyn Proctor picks Iowa

The nation's top offensive tackle recruit is staying home to play for Iowa.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Fact or Fiction: Eli Holstein will win more titles than any other 2023 QB

Fact or Fiction: Eli Holstein will win more titles than any other 2023 QB

Four-star quarterback Eli Holstein committed to Alabama earlier this week.

 • Adam Gorney
Commitment predictions for top 10 uncommitted 2023 offensive linemen

Commitment predictions for top 10 uncommitted 2023 offensive linemen

Top prospect TJ Shanahan Jr. seems destined for an SEC school.

 • Adam Gorney
Five Midwest recruits raising stock with talent on the track

Five Midwest recruits raising stock with talent on the track

Nebraska prospect Malachi Coleman's performance as a track athlete is boosting his status as a football recruit.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Big Ten Spotlight: Highlights, predictions for 2023 recruiting class

Big Ten Spotlight: Highlights, predictions for 2023 recruiting class

Four-star quarterback Rickie Collins committed to Purdue in October.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Five must-get prospects for Midwest programs

Five must-get prospects for Midwest programs

Brett Bielema could make a big statement in his second year at Illinois if he can land in-state receiver Malik Elzy.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Where things stand with top five uncommitted OL in 2023 class

Where things stand with top five uncommitted OL in 2023 class

Five-star TJ Shanahan Jr. is visiting Texas Tech this weekend, but look for top SEC schools to be involved in the end.

 • Adam Gorney
Fact or Fiction: Iowa should feel confident about landing Kadyn Proctor

Fact or Fiction: Iowa should feel confident about landing Kadyn Proctor

Five-star Kadyn Proctor is the top-ranked offensive tackle in the 2023 Rivals250.

 • Adam Gorney
Big Ten Spotlight: Grading the 2022 class

Big Ten Spotlight: Grading the 2022 class

Five-star Alex Styles is one of the headliners of an Ohio State class that ranks No. 1 in the conference.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Tuesdays with Gorney: Final thoughts on the 2022 Rivals250

Tuesdays with Gorney: Final thoughts on the 2022 Rivals250

Five-star Jackson State signee Travis Hunter remains atop the athlete position rankings.

 • Adam Gorney
Rivals Rankings Week: Counting down final 2022 five-stars

Rivals Rankings Week: Counting down final 2022 five-stars

It's the final Rivals Ranking Week for the 2022 class, and we counted down the 32 five-stars.

 • Adam Gorney and Dave Berry
Tuesdays with Gorney: Quick thoughts on every 2022 five-star

Tuesdays with Gorney: Quick thoughts on every 2022 five-star

Travis Hunter and most of the other five-stars in the 2022 class recently participated in a major all-star event.

 • Adam Gorney
Xavier Nwankpa ready to enroll

Xavier Nwankpa ready to enroll

After playing in the All-American Bowl this past weekend, Xavier Nwankpa is ready to make the move to Iowa City.

 • Blair Sanderson
Tuesdays with Gorney: Thoughts on Day 1 of All-American Bowl practice

Tuesdays with Gorney: Thoughts on Day 1 of All-American Bowl practice

Four-star receiver Kevin Coleman had an impressive showing in the first day of All-American Bowl practice.

 • Adam Gorney
Fact or Fiction: Georgia is starting to take a lead for Arch Manning

Fact or Fiction: Georgia is starting to take a lead for Arch Manning

Five-star quarterback Arch Manning is the top-ranked prospect in the 2023 class.

 • Adam Gorney
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
Rivals Rankings Week: New 2022 DB rankings

Rivals Rankings Week: New 2022 DB rankings

The No. 1 safety, five-star Xavier Nwankpa, is headed to homestate Iowa.

 • Ryan Wright
The huge impact of Nwankpa's commitment

The huge impact of Nwankpa's commitment

There are potential massive ripple effects from the five-star commitment of Xavier Nwankpa both on and off the field.

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 • Tom Kakert
Iowa comes from behind to land five-star Xavier Nwankpa

Iowa comes from behind to land five-star Xavier Nwankpa

Iowa went from the outside looking in to landing the first five star player from the state in the Rivals era.

 • Tom Kakert
Nwankpa talks Iowa commitment

Nwankpa talks Iowa commitment

Five-star safety Xavier Nwankpa breaks down his decision to commit to Iowa and recruiting others to join him.

 • Tom Kakert
Five-star DB Xavier Nwankpa commits to Iowa

Five-star DB Xavier Nwankpa commits to Iowa

Five-star safety Xavier Nwankpa is going to be a Hawkeye.

 • Blair Sanderson
Commitment breakdown: Five-star Xavier Nwankpa picks Iowa

Commitment breakdown: Five-star Xavier Nwankpa picks Iowa

Xavier Nwankpa is staying home to play for Iowa in college.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Xavier Nwankpa's path to a decision

Xavier Nwankpa's path to a decision

As five-star safety Xavier Nwankpa gets ready to announce his decision we take a look back at his journey along the way.

 • Blair Sanderson
Five-Star DB Nwankpa set to commit

Five-Star DB Nwankpa set to commit

Adam Gorney and Clint Cosgrove take a look at Xavier Nwankpa and what they expect when he makes his commitment.

 • Adam Gorney and Clint Cosgrove
Tuesdays with Gorney: Breaking down the 2022 rankings

Tuesdays with Gorney: Breaking down the 2022 rankings

National recruiting director Adam Gorney goes position-by-position on the new Rivals250.

 • Adam Gorney
Fact or Fiction: Alabama will hold off Florida, Georgia for Isaiah Bond

Fact or Fiction: Alabama will hold off Florida, Georgia for Isaiah Bond

Four-star athlete Isaiah Bond is ranked No. 90 in the 2023 Rivals250.

 • Adam Gorney
Ohio State Signing Day stretch run: What to watch for on defense

Ohio State Signing Day stretch run: What to watch for on defense

Signing Day on December 15th is drawing near. What should Buckeye fans be looking for with the Top Defensive Targets?

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 • Eric Lammers
Nwankpa leads Southeast Polk to state title

Nwankpa leads Southeast Polk to state title

Xavier Nwankpa was all over the field tonight as he led Southeast Polk to their first state title in school history.

 • Blair Sanderson
Notre Dame continuing its push for five-star safety Xavier Nwankpa

Notre Dame continuing its push for five-star safety Xavier Nwankpa

The Fighting Irish staff will be in Iowa on Friday, a day before they face Georgia Tech at home.

 • Mike Singer
Nwankpa leads Southeast Polk back to state title game

Nwankpa leads Southeast Polk back to state title game

Xavier Nwankpa made big plays in all three phases for Southeast Polk tonight in their 33-7 semifinal win over City High.

 • Blair Sanderson
Recruiting Spotlight: Nos. 1-20 in the 2022 Rivals250

Recruiting Spotlight: Nos. 1-20 in the 2022 Rivals250

Five-star Travis Hunter is the top-ranked prospect in the 2022 Rivals250.

 • Adam Gorney
Get to know five-star DB Xavier Nwankpa

Get to know five-star DB Xavier Nwankpa

Woody Wommack spends a few minutes with Xavier Nwankpa to get to know the five-star safety.

 • Woody Wommack and David Berry
How things stand with 2022's top available safeties

How things stand with 2022's top available safeties

Is Iowa the team to beat for five-star Xavier Nwankpa, who is visiting Ohio State this weekend?

 • Adam Gorney
Five-star safety Xavier Nwankpa on where Notre Dame stands after visit

Five-star safety Xavier Nwankpa on where Notre Dame stands after visit

The Fighting Irish are a finalist for the Iowa standout. What’s next?

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 • Mike Singer
Predictions for five uncommitted prospects

Predictions for five uncommitted prospects

Predicting where five top prospects will land on signing day.

 • Clint Cosgrove
Ten recruiting surprises from five-star prospects in 2022 class

Ten recruiting surprises from five-star prospects in 2022 class

Luther Burden's recruitment took a turn with a mostly unexpected commitment to Missouri.

 • Adam Gorney
Video: Five-star DB Xavier Nwankpa talks recruiting

Video: Five-star DB Xavier Nwankpa talks recruiting

Rivals.com caught up with five-star safety Xavier Nwankpa to talk about his three finalists and setting a decision date.

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 • Woody Wommack
Five-star Xavier Nwankpa sets decision date

Five-star Xavier Nwankpa sets decision date

The nation's No. 1 safety will decide from Iowa, Notre Dame and Ohio State on his birthday.

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 • Clint Cosgrove
Tuesdays with Gorney: Arch Manning, Iowa, A&M, FSU

Tuesdays with Gorney: Arch Manning, Iowa, A&M, FSU

The visits five-star quarterback Arch Manning has been taking tells the story of his recruitment.

 • Adam Gorney
Recruiting Rumor Mill: Prospects weigh in after big visits

Recruiting Rumor Mill: Prospects weigh in after big visits

Five-star Walter Nolen had an impactful visit to Texas A&M over the weekend.

 • Adam Gorney
Five-star Xavier Nwankpa takes another visit to Iowa

Five-star Xavier Nwankpa takes another visit to Iowa

Xavier Nwankpa is a five-star prospect, the top-rated safety in the 2022 class and the No. 1 recruit in Iowa.

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 • Adam Gorney
Five prospects who will be impacted by Iowa-Penn State

Five prospects who will be impacted by Iowa-Penn State

Five-star Kadyn Proctor is the fifth-ranked prospect in the 2023 class.

 • Adam Gorney
Making the Case: Xavier Nwankpa

Making the Case: Xavier Nwankpa

The top-rated safety in the 2022 class has released a list of his top three programs.

 • Adam Gorney
Fact or Fiction: Michigan has a real shot at Walter Nolen

Fact or Fiction: Michigan has a real shot at Walter Nolen

Five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolen is set to visit Michigan this weekend.

 • Adam Gorney
Fact or Fiction: Virginia could emerge as a front-runner for Zach Rice

Fact or Fiction: Virginia could emerge as a front-runner for Zach Rice

Five-star offensive lineman Zach Rice is ranked No. 19 in the 2022 Rivals250.

 • Adam Gorney
Recruiting Rumor Mill: Latest on top 2022 players

Recruiting Rumor Mill: Latest on top 2022 players

Five-star Domani Jackson says his commitment to USC is solid, but he's still going to visit Alabama and Michigan.

 • Adam Gorney
Rivals Rankings Week: New 2022 DB rankings

Rivals Rankings Week: New 2022 DB rankings

Four-star Jeadyn Lukus is a big part of Clemson's strong defensive back class.

 • Adam Friedman
Tuesdays with Gorney: Looking at the 2022 rankings

Tuesdays with Gorney: Looking at the 2022 rankings

Adam Gorney gives his thoughts on topics surrounding the new 2022 Rivals250, including RB Branson Robinson.

 • Adam Gorney
Rivals Rankings Week: Meet the new five-stars

Rivals Rankings Week: Meet the new five-stars

Four prospects added their fifth star in the latest updates to the 2022 Rivals250.

 • Adam Friedman
Rivals Rankings Week: Class of 2022 Five-Star Countdown

Rivals Rankings Week: Class of 2022 Five-Star Countdown

We kick off our 2022 Rivals Rankings Week on Monday with a countdown of the 29 five-stars.

 • Dave Berry, Adam Gorney, Woody Wommack
Five-star DB Xavier Nwankpa talks recruiting

Five-star DB Xavier Nwankpa talks recruiting

Now officially a five-star prospect, Xavier Nwankpa talks about the honor, the latest on his recruiting, and much more.

 • Adam Gorney
Rivals Rankings Week: Updated 2023 OL rankings

Rivals Rankings Week: Updated 2023 OL rankings

Bradyn Joiner, the top center in the 2023 class, hasn't committed so his recruitment is one that bears watching.

 • Adam Friedman
Fact or Fiction: Miami is the favorite for five-star Jaheim Singletary

Fact or Fiction: Miami is the favorite for five-star Jaheim Singletary

Five-star cornerback Jaheim Singletary decommitted from Ohio State at the beginning of August.

 • Adam Gorney
Comparing top 2022 prospects to college, NFL stars: Nos. 31-40

Comparing top 2022 prospects to college, NFL stars: Nos. 31-40

Texas A&M QB commit Conner Weigman reminds Mike Farrell of a certain former Heisman Trophy winner.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Fact or Fiction: Xavier Nwankpa could very well end up at Iowa

Fact or Fiction: Xavier Nwankpa could very well end up at Iowa

Ohio State has long been considered the team to beat for the four-star safety from Iowa.

 • Adam Gorney
Recruiting Rumor Mill: Visits continue, front-runners emerge for some

Recruiting Rumor Mill: Visits continue, front-runners emerge for some

Miami appears to be the early front-runner for 2023 receiver Andy Jean.

 • Adam Gorney
Xavier Nwankpa discusses Iowa visit

Xavier Nwankpa discusses Iowa visit

Four-star safety Xavier Nwankpa was in Iowa City this past weekend for a two-day unofficial visit with the Hawkeyes.

 • Blair Sanderson
Xavier Nwankpa On Notre Dame: ‘One Of The Best Visits I’ve Been On’

Xavier Nwankpa On Notre Dame: ‘One Of The Best Visits I’ve Been On’

The Fighting Irish hosted the No. 3 safety in the 2022 class over the weekend.

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 • Mike Singer
Recruiting Rumor Mill: June visits drive the latest news

Recruiting Rumor Mill: June visits drive the latest news

Four-star defensive end DJ Wesolak recently visited Georgia and Clemson.

 • Adam Gorney
Rivals Rankings Week: Roundtable on the 2022 rankings

Rivals Rankings Week: Roundtable on the 2022 rankings

Four-star defensive end Quency Wiggins could rise in future updates to the Rivals250.

 • Staff
Rivals Rankings Week: Roundtable on defensive position rankings

Rivals Rankings Week: Roundtable on defensive position rankings

Is Hero Kanu the next rising star at the defensive tackle position?

 • Staff
Rivals Rankings Week: Updated 2022 DB rankings

Rivals Rankings Week: Updated 2022 DB rankings

Five-star Jaheim Singletary has risen to the top of the cornerback rankings.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Recruiting Rumor Mill: Front-runners emerge after early visits

Recruiting Rumor Mill: Front-runners emerge after early visits

Five-star Dani Dennis-Sutton is coming off of a visit to Georgia.

 • Adam Gorney
Rivals100 safety Xavier Nwankpa details Buckeyes official visit

Rivals100 safety Xavier Nwankpa details Buckeyes official visit

Rivals100 DB Xavier Nwankpa says Ohio State official visit "exceeded expectations" this past weekend.

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 • Joseph Hastings
Tuesdays with Gorney: Thoughts on Rivals Rankings Week

Tuesdays with Gorney: Thoughts on Rivals Rankings Week

Quinn Ewers is the clear No. 1 at the QB position, but the debate is wide open after that.

 • Adam Gorney
Fact or Fiction: Alabama can vault to top of Oscar Delp's list

Fact or Fiction: Alabama can vault to top of Oscar Delp's list

Four-star tight end Oscar Delp will visit Alabama for the first time this week.

 • Adam Gorney
Q&A with Xavier Nwankpa

Q&A with Xavier Nwankpa

Pleasant Hill, IA, four-star safety Xavier Nwankpa and his mother discuss upcoming officials with AY.

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 • Courtney Roland
Tuesdays with Gorney: Jaydon Blue, Matayo Uiagalelei, safeties

Tuesdays with Gorney: Jaydon Blue, Matayo Uiagalelei, safeties

Jaydon Blue's decision to sit out his senior season of high school has raised a lot of questions.

 • Adam Gorney
Top names to watch at state track

Top names to watch at state track

Hawkeye Report takes a look at a number of names to watch this week at the 2021 State Track Meet in Des Moines.

 • Luke Feddersen
PREVIEW: Flurry of official visitors and 2023 targets to visit OSU in June

PREVIEW: Flurry of official visitors and 2023 targets to visit OSU in June

We do an in-depth dive into which prospects will be visiting Ohio State next month.

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 • Joseph Hastings
Xavier Nwankpa previews June official visits

Xavier Nwankpa previews June official visits

Four-star DB Xavier Nwankpa announced his Final 7 on May 1, and has official visits set with three of those schools.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Ranking the Contenders: Xavier Nwankpa

Ranking the Contenders: Xavier Nwankpa

Four-star safety Xavier Nwankpa has narrowed his recruitment down to a final seven.

 • Adam Gorney
Rivals100 safety Xavier Nwankpa has top 7 & 3 Officials set

Rivals100 safety Xavier Nwankpa has top 7 & 3 Officials set

Pleasant Hill (IA) 2022 4-star safety Xavier Nwankpa released his top seven schools over the weekend & has 3 O.V.'s set.

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 • Courtney Roland
Fact or Fiction: USC has time to make up ground with Malachi Nelson

Fact or Fiction: USC has time to make up ground with Malachi Nelson

Five-star QB Malachi Nelson is the No. 2-ranked prospect in the 2023 class.

 • Adam Gorney
Xavier Nwankpa visits Iowa spring practice

Xavier Nwankpa visits Iowa spring practice

Class of 2022 safety Xavier Nwankpa was back in Iowa City on Saturday to watch the Hawkeyes at work in spring ball.

 • Blair Sanderson
Sting Factor: Four-star LB Dasan McCullough's flip

Sting Factor: Four-star LB Dasan McCullough's flip

McCullough has decided to leave Ohio State for Indiana.

 • Adam Gorney and Joseph Hastings
Ranking the Contenders: Jake Pope

Ranking the Contenders: Jake Pope

Three-star Jake Pope has more than 30 offers.

 • Adam Gorney
Film Review: Rivals100 safety Xavier Nwankpa

Film Review: Rivals100 safety Xavier Nwankpa

We take a look at what makes Rivals100 DB Xavier Nwankpa one of Ohio State's top overall targets in the 2022 cycle.

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 • Joseph Hastings
Rivals100 S Xavier Nwankpa has been watching LSU since he was 5-years-old

Rivals100 S Xavier Nwankpa has been watching LSU since he was 5-years-old

The four-star defensive back grew up an LSU fan and has watched the Tigers for over a decade.

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 • Julie Boudwin
LSU recruiting in 2022: DBs to know

LSU recruiting in 2022: DBs to know

Who should LSU fans be watching moving forward? Let's look at the defensive backs for 2022.

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 • Julie Boudwin
Fact or Fiction: Jaheim Singletary could be the No. 1 CB

Fact or Fiction: Jaheim Singletary could be the No. 1 CB

Five-star Jaheim Singletary is ranked No. 8 in the 2022 Rivals250.

 • Adam Gorney
Tuesdays with Gorney: Safety rankings may need to be shuffled

Tuesdays with Gorney: Safety rankings may need to be shuffled

Four-star Xavier Nwankpa could rise up the safety rankings in the weeks ahead.

 • Adam Gorney
Six more thoughts from Battle New Orleans

Six more thoughts from Battle New Orleans

Takeaways from Battle New Orleans 7-on-7 tournament

 • Sam Spiegelman
Recruiting notes out of Battle New Orleans

Recruiting notes out of Battle New Orleans

Buzz from Battle NOLA on five-stars Jacoby Mathews and several other elite recruits

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 • Sam Spiegelman
Takeaways from Day 1 of Battle New Orleans

Takeaways from Day 1 of Battle New Orleans

Top performers include five-star Jaheim Singletary, four-stars Shazz Preston and Xavier Nwankpa

 • Sam Spiegelman