By Hawk Fanatic

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Having grown up in the central part of the state, George Nahas understands the Iowa-Iowa State Football rivalry. You’re a Hawkeye or a Cyclone. Loyalties run deep.

Nahas chose his side as a member of the 2023 high school recruiting class, walking on at ISU. In search of playing time, the Dowling Catholic offensive lineman entered the transfer portal on April 22. Nahas committed to Iowa 16 days later, joining a short list of student-athletes who’ve switched up.

“I fully expected some backlash from the fan base as a whole because things like this don’t happen very often,” he said. “I 100 percent get it.”

For now, at least, public resentment has been limited to sophomoric social media posts. That certainly could change if he makes a name for himself in Iowa City.

While fans will be fans, support has come from people he’s leaving behind at Iowa State. That’s what mattered most.

“The majority of the relationships I made at Iowa State are bigger than football, so a lot of those guys were super excited for me. They understand the time we live in college football is chaotic, and they were happy that I found a place that felt like home to me,” Nahas said.

“Some of my best friends are guys that are on that team, and they will continue to be. It seems to be there isn’t much lost love in that sense.”

Iowa had company in its pursuit of the 6-foot-4, 295-pounder. He announced scholarship offers from South Dakota State, South Dakota and others. The Hawkeyes’ history in producing NFL offensive linemen and being comfortable with their culture won out.

“The other scholarships were obviously very attractive offers, and I am very appreciative for all of them. Growing up in the state, I always wanted to be a Hawkeye. I thought about it, talked to my loved ones, prayed about it for a long time, and I decided this was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass. I am really excited to get to work,” he said.

Iowa’s reputation with giving walk-ons a fair chance to compete for playing time made the decision easier.

“The way I see it is once I get my foot in that door everyone is the same. It was made clear to me in the recruiting process that they plan to play the best five linemen on the team, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from,” he said.

It makes investing himself less stressful. And after two years of paying his own way in Ames, Nahas has a firm grasp on the financial impact of walking on.

“Student loans and working small gigs on the side to get a little bit of extra cash is really what it consists of. It is a challenge, but it’s all about the opportunity to play for a great program, and that makes it a lot easier,” he said.

Nahas knows plenty of work lies ahead in making his dream a reality. He’s committed to the grind.

“I have the same expectation as the coaching staff in the sense that I am there to grow into a role. That role is unknown right now because they haven’t seen me play football yet. I will be given every opportunity to prove myself and show them what I can do,” he said.

Iowa’s 2025 O-Line returns three starters and Ferris State transfer Bryce George is expected to be in Top 5. A fifth Hawkeye, Kade Pieper is well positioned to be No. 5. After that, the position group has limited experience.

Nahas, a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll during each semester at Iowa State, will throw is hat in the ring beginning with summer workouts. He’ll also continue work on a Finance degree and expects to pursue an MBA after that.

Graduating from one of the state’s most successful prep programs, Nahas has the pedigree on and off of the field. As a senior, he earned all-state honors in helping the Maroons to a 10-2 record and a spot in the Class 5A state semifinals.