Central Michigan defensive line transfer Jonah Pace commits to Iowa via transfer portal

IOWA CITY — Iowa football has gotten some help on the defensive side of the ball via the transfer portal.

Former Central Michigan defensive lineman Jonah Pace has committed to the Hawkeyes, he announced Monday evening via social media.

Pace started all 12 games for the Chippewas at defensive tackle and had 11 tackles for loss, four sacks and six quarterback hurries. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound player also contributed as a reserve in all 12 games in 2022 and 2023.

He will be in his final year of eligibility in 2025 and could immediately contribute on a Hawkeye defensive line that is expected to lose starting defensive tackle Yahya Black and defensive end Deontae Craig via graduation. The only returning Iowa defensive tackles in 2025 who played at least 50 snaps this season are Aaron Graves and Jeremiah Pittman, per Pro Football Focus.

Pace, who visited Iowa City earlier this month, is the Hawkeyes’ second transfer portal addition of the cycle. The other commitment came from ex-Auburn quarterback Hank Brown, who will practice with his new team ahead of the 2024 Music City Bowl (although he cannot play in the game).

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com

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