The Iowa Hawkeyes dug into the transfer portal a bit more than normal this year, out of a combination of necessity and past successes luring them back. One of the key transfer portal additions for Kirk Ferentz’s roster in 2026 is L.J. Phillips, a running back coming from FCS South Dakota.
Phillips, an FCS All-American who rumbled for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, has been a standout for Iowa so far in spring practice and is drawing eye-popping quotes from new running backs coach Jay Norvell.
“He’s like a bowling ball covered in butcher knives. Nobody wants to tackle him,” Norvell colorfully described Phillips’ combination of size, strength, attitude, and running style that he brings to the plate.
Nathan McNeil, one of Iowa’s talented running backs, who is entering his second year with the program, also hopped on the hype train regarding L.J. Phillips. He did not hesitate to further the commentary around Phillip’s style.
“He’s a great running back. We call him pit bull in the room, because he doesn’t go down. Even if he gets hit hard, he’s still up and moving,” McNeil said of Phillips.
Phillips joins a running back room oozing with talent that features himself, Nathan McNeil, Kamari Moulton, and Xavier Williams, all of whom have displayed talents to be able to carry the load in Tim Lester’s offense, which has been predicated on a dominant run game the last two years.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : Iowa football RB L.J. Phillips: ‘A bowling ball with butcher knives’
Reporting by Riley Donald, College Sports Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
