By Hawk Fanatic

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa football team has gained a verbal commitment from a legacy recruit whose connection to Hawkeye athletics is from a different sport.

Receiver Isaiah Oliver, who is the son of former Iowa point guard Dean Oliver, announced his commitment to the Iowa football team Wednesday on social media. He will join the Hawkeyes as a preferred-walk-on.

Isaiah Oliver attends Waukee Northwest High School were he is also a standout basketball player.

“(Iowa) was the right choice for me because of where I would be,” he said. “A lot of things draw me to the school, and I’ve always known that’s where I want to be. I passed up some great opportunities from other programs, but when it came down to it, I think this is my best opportunity.”

North Dakota State, South Dakota State, North Dakota, South Dakota and Northern Iowa reportedly offered Oliver scholarships. His family members were happy with his choice.

“It’s amazing. They are so excited for me because they loved being at Iowa,” Oliver said.

Oliver spoke highly of the Iowa football program after attending an annual junior day event in January.

“The thing I liked most about Iowa junior day were the conversations with coaches,” Isaiah Oliver said. “When you come on a game-day visit or to practice, you don’t really get the chance to talk with the coaches because, obviously, they’re working,” he said.

“I also liked the position specific meeting, because I learned more about what the things they look for and what kinds of things they teach.”

With his commitment made, Oliver can focus on his senior season.

“It feels amazing to have made my decision, like a weight off my shoulders,” he said.

Iowa also received a verbal commitment from 2026 Fort Dodge safety Noah Daniel on Wednesday. The 6-foot, 190-pound Daniel is also a standout sprinter in track, having run the 100 meters in 10.72 seconds.

He had previously been committed to FCS power South Dakota State, but the chance to play for his home-state Hawkeyes was apparently was too good to pass up.

As for the 6-0, 190-pound Isaiah Oliver, he caught 36 passes for 430 yards and six touchdowns as a junior in 2024, and averaged 30.9 yards on seven kick returns. He is listed at 6-foot and 190 pounds.

The Wolves used Oliver on defense at times last season and that could end up being his college path, though the Iowa coaches see him as a receiver.

Meanwhile, Dean Oliver, a Mason City native, suited up for coaches Tom Davis and Steve Alford at Iowa. He played professionally for 11 seasons before serving as an assistant coach at North Dakota, Illinois State and Wisconsin. After completing his seventh season in Madison last year, he became the head coach at Iowa United Prep.

“The Hawkeyes recruiting Isaiah has been really exciting for both myself and my wife (Sarah),” Dean said. “It’s been great coming back to campus and seeing all the new facilities and changes around the community. Plus, it’s been awesome seeing old friends and teammates whenever we bring Isaiah for a visit. We always love coming back to Iowa City.”