Five 2027s Worthy of Their First D1 Offer — Defense Part 3

Five defensive players in the state of Iowa that are worth an offer from a Division I program but haven't received one yet.    An athletic and strong defensive tackle, [player_tooltip player_id='1674573' first='Josh' last='Adol'] fits the one-tech DT mold perfectly. A hole-plugging run-stopper that can fill a gap and stop a tailback in his tracks, Adol's strength is in defending the run. He can take on a blocker, hold his ground, shed the block and make a tackle at or near the line of scrimmage, making him potentially an excellent fit on the defensive front at the next level.   Standing at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, Adol is the physical archetype for a one-tech defensive tackle. He'll need to gain more weight at the next level, but his height would allow him to swat down passes at the line and reach after the quarterback in the pass-rush. If he opted to slim down, too, he could play defensive end at that height.   Adding consistent playmaking would be big for Adol, who posted 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season for Le Mars.     A versatile defensive lineman that can play inside or outside upfront for Valley, [player_tooltip player_id='1361315' first='Ben' last='Booth'] was critical in the run to Cedar Falls this past fall for the Tigers. Explosive off the line of scrimmage with a barrage of pass-rushing moves in his repertoire, Booth is a nightmare to match up snap after snap. With heavy, violent hands and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback, Booth is one of the top pass-rushers in the state.   Posting 27 tackles, including ten tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and five sacks, Booth's stats don't layout just how dominant he looks on <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19688807/69237a12535a35ca251e8bd1">film</a>. With a mixture of spin and swim moves, plus a ferocious bull rush, Booth was a terror for opposing offenses to deal with last fall. If I were a Division I defensive line coach, I'd salivate at the effort and violence that Booth plays with on the gridiron.     Like a previous mention <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/ten-2027s-deserving-of-their-first-d1-offer-defense/">on this list</a>, [player_tooltip player_id='2110269' first='Jerrence' last='Knoblock'] has technically already received his first Division I offer, as the previous Iowa State staff extended one his way prior to their move to Penn State. However, as that offer is no longer committable, Knoblock is back on the market for his first committable offer.   Standing at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Knoblock is a different story than the aforementioned defensive linemen. A defensive end that uses his length to create separation between he and offensive tackles, Knoblock's genetic gifts provide the tools to be a solid DE in the run and pass game at the next level. Additionally, his ability to time the snap is better than expected, beating the tackle off the ball and into the backfield at times on film. Seemingly ready for a play before it starts at times, as well, Knoblock appears to be one that doesn't skip film sessions.   Like others on this list, if Knoblock doesn't get picked up by a Power 4 or Group of 5 program, an FCS program in the Midwest could hit a grand slam by adding him to their program. He finished his junior campaign with 24 tackles and 6.5 sacks for West Lyon.     A smooth-moving, athletic defensive back that can help in run support but also help in zone pass coverage, [player_tooltip player_id='1361135' first='Tyler' last='Nielsen'] is the versatile type of DB that many programs would love to have in the FCS ranks. A playmaker that could play either corner, safety or nickel at the next level, Nielsen is one of those "bring him in and find a position for him later" type of talents.   A hard-hitter that can take a pass-catcher's head off to ensure an incompletion, Nielsen can also lay the boom in the run game while serving as a sideline-to-sideline safety in coverage. The type of player that a DB coach may have to tell to take his foot off the gas when breaking up a pass, coaches would rather have that problem than a defensive back that's reluctant to make a play. Nielsen is definitely the prior.   In 2025, he posted 35 tackles, including 22 solo and 3.5 TFLs.     A defensive back with long arms and the ball skills of a receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='1906706' first='Grant' last='Whitcomb'] is one of the best corners Iowa and Class 3A have to offer. Tying for the second-most interceptions in 3A with six and adding a pick-six, Whitcomb was key in Bishop Heelan's run to the runner up finish at state. Playing on offense, too, Whitcomb led the Crusaders in receiving yards after grabbing 24 passes for 572 yards and five scores.   Able to play man and zone coverage with instincts on when to break on the ball -- plus the burst to do so and grab the aforementioned six interceptions -- Whitcomb plays the position with natural feel paired with his athleticism and ability to haul in the ball. Adding 17.5 tackles, he's solid in run support and has the ability to tackle receivers in the open field.

Five defensive players in the state of Iowa that are worth an offer from a Division I program but haven't received one yet.