The Iowa Hawkeyes have strengthened their defensive roster with the recent commitment of safety Xavier Styles, a transfer from Robert Morris. This marks the Hawkeyes” tenth transfer portal acquisition as they work to bolster their defensive depth. Styles, measuring 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 195 pounds, made his decision public on January 11, following an official visit to Iowa City.
“It”s a great fit. A Big Ten school that took a chance on a kid from Cleveland that went FCS out of high school. I”m just so grateful,” Styles expressed after confirming his commitment.
Arriving at Iowa with three years of eligibility left, Styles opted for the Hawkeyes over several other programs, including Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Kent State, Bowling Green, UTEP, and Georgia State. His journey in college football began with limited playing time; during his true freshman year in 2024, he appeared in just two games, recording two tackles while primarily redshirting.
However, the 2025 season saw a transformation as Styles became a vital part of the Robert Morris secondary. He started consistently, accumulating 36 tackles across 11 games, along with seven pass breakups and one interception. This performance showcased his ability to contribute significantly at the collegiate level.
The Hawkeyes” defensive backfield experienced significant turnover after the 2025 season, losing both starting safeties, Xavier Nwankpa and Koen Entringer, along with departing cornerbacks T.J. Hall and Kael Kolarik. With such changes, the need for reliable safeties has become crucial.
Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Phil Parker, who has implemented an elite coverage scheme responsible for a ninth-ranked scoring defense nationally, the Hawkeyes are in search of players capable of excelling in both coverage and run support. Styles” physical attributes and his proven tackling ability fit this requirement, making him a promising addition to the team.
As the Hawkeyes continue to rebuild their defense, Styles joins a group of recently acquired talent, including several other transfer players, aiming to elevate Iowa”s performance in the upcoming seasons.
