Five-Star Defensive Lineman Commits To Iowa Over Big Ten Powerhouse

Five-star class of 2025 defensive lineman Iose Epenesa committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Thursday, according to On3.

The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defender is one of the most-coveted players in his class. Epenesa, who plays for Edwardsville High School (Illinois), is rated as the No. 3 DL, the No. 1 player in the state and the No. 16 overall recruit in the 2025 class.

Epenesa chose Iowa over Penn State and Utah. Family ties seemed to have played a large part in Epenesa's pledge.

The Epenesa family is full of Hawkeyes. Iose's father, Eppy Epenesa, walked on at Iowa, and his older brother, A.J. Epenesa, is a former two-time All-Big Ten selection who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, Eric Epenesa is a junior linebacker on the Hawkeyes roster. Each of Iose's brothers has played for Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and defensive coordinator Phil Parker.

Epenesa is now the cornerstone of Iowa's 2025 class, which holds 14 commitments and ranks at No. 50 in the nation, according to 247Sports.

Ferentz and company have made a business of doing more with less, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Hawkeyes finished second in total defense in 2022 and seventh in that category last season.

Iowa will open the 2024 season at home versus Illinois State on Aug 31. Kickoff is set for noon ET (Big Ten Network).

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