Iowa Hawkeyes Land Commitment from Illinois Safety Jonathan Harris
The Iowa Hawkeyes have added a new piece to their 2027 defensive backfield, securing a verbal commitment from three‑star safety Jonathan Harris out of Brother Rice High School in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
Ranked as the No. 39 prospect statewide and the No. 109 safety nationally, Harris brings a blend of size and athleticism that the coaching staff believes can translate into immediate impact once he matures physically.
At 6‑foot‑2 and currently listed at 170 pounds, he will need to add muscle and strength to handle the rigors of Big Ten play, but his track record as a multi‑sport athlete — including two‑time state wrestling qualifications — suggests a competitive edge and a willingness to embrace physical development.
Harris will join Jake Thies as the second defensive back pledge in Iowa’s 2027 class, a group that already includes players with experience at true safety and on special‑teams units, giving the staff a versatile pool of talent to work with.
The Hawkeyes’ defensive back room is crowded, with 17 scholarship‑level backs already on the roster, but the program’s reputation for player development offers Harris a clear pathway to earn early playing time, especially on special teams.
Coaches point to the robust infrastructure surrounding the secondary, where younger defenders can learn from seasoned veterans and benefit from a system that has produced NFL‑caliber backs in recent years.