IOWA CITY, Iowa – The future became a tad awkward for the Naeve Family of Iowa City on Thursday. Jackson Naeve committed to the Iowa Football program. It came roughly a year after his younger sister, Reese Naeve, pledged to Iowa State Volleyball.

“It will be interesting to have my sister at ISU and me at Iowa,” Jackson said. “I won’t necessarily cheer for Iowa State (Volleyball), but I’ll definitely be cheering for my sister to be successful.”

There shouldn’t be any fireworks at Christmas dinner until at least 2026, however. Reese has another year of high school before heading off to Ames. She’ll proudly watch her older brother at Kinnick Stadium this season.

Jackson, a wide receiver, graduated from Regina in 2024 following a senior season that saw him earn Class 1A first-team all-state honors from the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. A multi-sport standout for the Regals, he started his college career at JUCO power Iowa Western, where he caught six passes for 86 yards and a touchdown as a freshman last fall.

In search of a four-year school this offseason, Naeve (6-1, 180) picked up a Drake scholarship offer at end of April. He enjoyed his discussions with the Iowa State coaches after their camp last week. Thursday, following an Iowa camp, the Hawkeyes offered him a preferred walk-on spot.

“It’s a blessing being able to have an opportunity to play and compete for the team I’ve grown up watching and dreamed of playing for,” he said.

“I came out to the camp, competed and performed well. I ran good times and proved to be someone who can help the team. They needed another wide receiver who can be reliable and help the team in anyway that’s needed.”

Neave will be following in the footsteps of another former Regina walk-on receiver at Iowa. Alec Wick finished up his four-year run with the Hawkeyes in 2024.

“He said that just like everything, it’s hard competition and you gotta come in, work hard, grind and know that your time will come if you keep working hard and helping the team,” Naeve said.

With a plan to continue on a path to the degree he began at Iowa Western, Naeve will enter Iowa’s Tippie School of Business.

“I just love the business side of things and have always been involved in sales and entrepreneurship from my parents and family,” he said.

As far as football pursuits, Naeve is keeping them simple.

“My goals are to be the best football player I can be and to help the team win in anyway that’s needed,” he said.