A Hawkeye on the Rise
The countdown to the 2026 Iowa football season is already generating buzz, with analysts focusing on the team’s emerging talent. Among them is a player wearing jersey number 46, whose high school exploits have begun to shape expectations for the upcoming year.
Preston Ries hails from Monticello, Iowa, where he starred at Monticello High School, earning Iowa Class 2A Player of the Year and establishing multiple state records. His high school career culminated in a record 12,984 total yards, drawing interest from several Big Ten programs.
Recruited as a three‑star prospect and ranked the No. 7 player in the state for the Class of 2024, Ries ultimately chose the University of Iowa. He also received offers from Nebraska and Iowa State, underscoring the competitive nature of his recruitment.
After redshirting in 2024, Ries appeared in all 13 games last season, registering seven tackles. Though his on‑field impact was modest, the experience provided a foundation as Iowa’s linebacker room opens up for the new campaign.
With the defensive unit reshaped, coaches anticipate that Ries will at least serve as a rotational contributor, potentially adding depth and versatility to the Hawkeyes’ front seven.