Iowa Football Countdown: Legacy Recruit Drew Campbell Ready to Make His Mark
With just 13 days until the Iowa Hawkeyes kick off the 2026 season against Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium, all eyes are on defensive end Drew Campbell, a Cedar Falls native and legacy recruit who is poised to break through after two quiet seasons.
Campbell, who wears No. 13, has yet to see significant game action for Iowa, but his pedigree and a wide-open defensive line room could make this his breakout year. As the son of a Hawkeye family, Campbell chose to follow his older brother Jack's path to Iowa City, and now he has a chance to carve out his own legacy.
Who is Drew Campbell?
Drew Campbell is a third-year defensive end from Cedar Falls High School, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 252 pounds. As a senior, he racked up 64 tackles and six sacks, earning first-team All-State honors. Ranked as a three-star recruit and the No. 5 player in Iowa by 247Sports composite, Campbell held offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Kansas before committing to the Hawkeyes.
His older brother, Jack Campbell, was a standout linebacker for Iowa from 2019 to 2022, amassing 118 tackles and winning the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker. Jack was drafted 18th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2023 and earned Pro Bowl honors last season. Drew now has a chance to step out of that shadow and make his own impact.
Why This Season Could Be Different
The Hawkeyes' defensive line room is wide open heading into fall camp, and Campbell could benefit from increased opportunities if he proves himself in practice. With limited game experience, he remains something of an unknown, but his raw talent and football IQ, honed by his family's gridiron pedigree, suggest he is ready to contribute.
“Drew has all the tools to be a difference-maker,” said a team insider. “He's worked hard, and this could be his moment.”
What This Means for Iowa Fans
For Iowa fans, the countdown to kickoff is more than just a number; it's a promise of renewed hope and Hawkeye pride. Campbell's story is one of local talent and family legacy, a narrative that resonates deeply in a state where football is more than a game. As the Hawkeyes prepare to swarm out of the tunnel on Sept. 5, Campbell represents the next chapter in a proud tradition.
Stay tuned for more countdown features as we approach the season opener, and don't miss the chance to see Campbell and the Hawkeyes in action at Kinnick Stadium.