Where Iowa football stands in transfer portal after missing out on Beau Pribula

(Update: Central Michigan defensive lineman Jonah Pace announced his commitment to Iowa football on Monday evening, becoming the Hawkeyes’ second transfer portal commitment.)

IOWA CITY — No, Beau Pribula is not going to be a Hawkeye.

The coveted quarterback transfer from Penn State chose Missouri over Iowa and other college football programs.

As Pribula signed with the Tigers on Sunday, it meant the Hawkeyes still only have one commitment during this transfer portal cycle — ex-Auburn quarterback Hank Brown, who committed on Dec. 13. The Hawkeyes’ 2024 involvement in the portal at this point does not resemble a shopping spree, but they could still get a few last-minute Christmas gifts from the portal.

Rice offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa, Central Michigan defensive lineman Jonah Pace and Chattanooga wide receiver Sam Phillips are among Iowa’s remaining portal targets.

Pace visited Iowa earlier in the month and has not made a decision yet. Onianwa wrapped up a visit with Florida State this weekend, according to 247 Sports, and his other visits included Texas A&M and Ohio State (along with Iowa). Phillips, who visited Iowa this weekend, has Iowa, Virginia Tech and Memphis as finalists, per On3.

Any of the three would be significant additions. Onianwa allowed only one sack in his 350 pass-blocking snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Pace had 11 tackles for loss and four sacks for Central Michigan this season. Phillips had 50 receptions for 823 yards for Chattanooga.

As for quarterback, the portal window remains open until Dec. 28. So an appealing quarterback option still could theoretically emerge this month. Otherwise, the spring portal window will last from April 16-25. In the meantime, Iowa’s top three quarterbacks going into spring practices appear to be Brendan Sullivan, Brown and Jackson Stratton.

Whoever Iowa does add could potentially come with a hefty NIL (name, image and likeness) price tag. Brad Heinrichs, the CEO and founder of Iowa’s Swarm Collective, put out a “call to arms” on social media as he tries raising enough money.

“To all those who are capable and willing, we are trying to land some guys in the transfer portal right now,” Heinrichs wrote in a tweet on Sunday. “These guys are difference-makers. Any support you are willing to provide would be amazing.”

While NIL compensation often is a driving factor in transfer portal decisions (especially at quarterback), Iowa’s loss in the Pribula sweepstakes does not appear to be a result of a lack of financial resources.

“I think we're doing fine,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz told reporters last week amid a question about NIL resources while looking for a quarterback. “We're not crazy. We're not going out there and going crazy. Unless you guys want to kick in? Happy to help you guys invest.”

Ferentz also has seen “so much embellishment and exaggeration on numbers.”

“I can tell you that from the past,” Ferentz said. “Currently I don't know if it's accurate. Some of the numbers you hear are just outrageous.”

Now, the money that was allotted for trying to land Pribula can go to other portal targets, especially as the Hawkeyes compete with some big-budgeted schools for Onianwa.

As for Iowa’s lone portal addition so far, Brown’s transition period has started early. He will be with the team during its preparations for the 2024 Music City Bowl. Incoming freshman Jimmy Sullivan, an early enrollee, also will be able to practice with the team during the bowl prep period.

“At least we'll get eyes on these guys, get them out there,” Ferentz said on Friday. “Tim (Lester) will have them totally confused by Monday. They can travel with us to the bowl game, but they can't play.”

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com

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