Iowa added to its 2026 recruiting class with a commitment from one of the top in-state talents.
Kasen Thomas announced his commitment to the Hawkeyes on Monday, choosing Iowa over offers from Iowa State, Nebraska, Arizona, Kansas State, Michigan State, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Thomas joins defensive back Ronnie Hill as the latest Iowa commit.
An official visitor this past weekend, the 6-foot-2, 217-pound linebacker announced his commitment with a social media post.
“I’m home. Go Hawks,” Thomas wrote in his commitment announcement.
Ranked as a four-star commit per On3, Thomas racked up 44.5 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks during his junior season at Bishop Heelan in Sioux City. Thomas also registered 1,805 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns.
On3 rates Thomas as the 209th-ranked player nationally, as the No. 13 linebacker and as the No. 3 player in the state of Iowa in the 2026 class.
Iowa also holds commitments from two of the other top-10 players from Iowa in the 2026 class according to On3. Offensive linemen Carson Nielsen of Waterloo West and Colin Whitters of West High School in Iowa City are both Hawkeye pledges and ranked as the No. 6 and No. 8 players in the Hawkeye State’s 2026 class.
Thomas also notched 56 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and an interception during his sophomore season. Here’s a look at Thomas’ defense-only highlights from his junior campaign:
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football lands in-state LB in 2026 recruiting class
Reporting by Josh Helmer, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
