Former Hawkeye Brian Allen Brings Proven Grit to Vanderbilt

Former Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Brian Allen Jr. is taking his talents to Vanderbilt, where the coaching staff highly values his proven production and physical style of play. After spending four seasons developing in Iowa's rugged defense, Allen enters the 2026 season as a graduate student ready to make an immediate impact in the SEC.

How Brian Allen Jr. Impressed Vanderbilt Coaches

There is a certain irony to Brian Allen Jr. joining Vanderbilt. During the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl, Allen sacked then-Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia while playing for the Hawkeyes. Now, the two are on the same sideline, and the Commodores coaching staff could not be happier about it.

Vanderbilt defensive ends coach Adam Morris sees Allen as a versatile weapon who can shut down both the run and the pass. Morris noted that Allen's time in Iowa City forged him into a reliable, well-rounded player.