IOWA CITY, Iowa – There was a time when Iowa Football faced less competition for the state’s top prospects. That’s not the case anymore.

In addition to Iowa State raising its level of recruiting under head coach Matt Campbell, the mighty Southeastern Conference mines the Hawkeye State regularly these days. Blue Bloods in the Big Ten and beyond make it a point of targeting the top guys.

The changes can be attributed to Iowa preps camping across the country more, gaining exposure in doing so. The Hawkeyes also must contend with their head coach, Kirk Ferentz, turning 70 on August 1. It’d be naive to think that’s not used against the program in recruiting.

Iowa’s in-state influence will be put to the test in the next few classes. The state is home to Luke Brewer, Will Slagle and Carter Barrett, three dudes with prime opportunities across the country.

That trio visited Iowa for its annual recruiting tailgater earlier this month. They joined other non-seniors that the Hawkeyes are pursuing. It was an afternoon of connecting and sharing for prospects and their families.

All three in-state targets were returning to a place they visited multiple times before. This stop was more intimate and provided a more in-depth look at the program.

“What stood out to me on this visit was learning more personal things on what their program is like,” Barrett said. “I enjoyed being able to interact with the current players and learn about their personal experiences and what it’s like to be a Hawkeye.”

A week after visiting Iowa, perennial-power Alabama offered Barrett a scholarship. The Crimson Tide joined Iowa, Iowa State, Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin in extending opportunities to the West Des Moines Dowling Catholic sophomore offensive tackle.

The Hawkeyes have plenty of competition for his commitment but are doing a good job building the relationship with Barrett (6-6, 290).

“What I enjoyed hearing the most (during the tailgater) was learning how I fit their program and the type of athlete (offensive line) coach (George) Barnett recruits. I also enjoyed hearing Coach Barnett’s recruiting style and why he recruits that way,” he said.

Slagle (6-4, 280) and Brewer (6-5, 220) are a year ahead of Barrett. Both of them are four-star recruits, according to national scouting services.

Arkansas, Auburn, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, Stanford and Wisconsin have reportedly offered Slagle. The Grinnell junior has emerged as one of the country’s top interior offensive linemen in 2027.

The Cyclones’ offer on Jan. 31 was his first. Their Agriculture programs have impressed the farm kid. That said, Iowa also has made a good impression, this most recent visit serving as another block in building their relationship.

“What stood out the most was our time with the players in the player panel,” Slagle said. “I always appreciate getting to spend time with those guys. Compared to previous visits, I realized how similar, character wise, all those linemen are, which is why that position group is so special.”

He appreciates Iowa’s approach to pursuing prospects, which is less aggressive than some of its competition.

“I always like hearing from the (Hawkeye) coaches, especially coach Barnett, that they don’t recruit much, and they wouldn’t text every day. That’s what I love because I don’t want recruiting to take over my life,” Slagle said.

Brewer also manages how much the process encroaches upon his other pursuits, namely improving as a player. It’s a challenge with the many suitors for his services. Arizona, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Miami (FL), Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Stanford, Tennessee and Wisconsin were among the tight end’s reported scholarship offers.

As a sophomore in 2024, Brewer caught 44 passes for 493 yards and two touchdowns. He also produced 18 solo tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks as a defensive end.

Time will tell if the Hawkeyes’ efforts in pursuing this trio are rewarded. The final results can be considered a litmus test on where they stand in the state.