Iowa, Iowa State Still in Mix for Talented Texas WR Despite Texas State Commitment

The Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones are both still in the running for a highly productive Texas wide receiver, even after he gave his verbal commitment to another program earlier this month.

Who Is Brian Manuel Jr.?

Brian Manuel Jr., a 6-foot, 170-pound incoming senior at Atascocita High School in Texas, committed to Texas State on June 5. However, the standout receiver continues to explore his options. Manuel visited the University of New Mexico over the weekend, and he still holds scholarship offers from both Iowa and Iowa State, according to 24/7 Sports.

Manuel's production last season was undeniable. He caught 52 passes for 1,059 yards and 16 touchdowns, numbers that make him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the state of Texas. Pittsburgh and San Diego State have also extended offers.

Why Does This Matter for Iowa Programs?

For both the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones, keeping the door open with a recruit of Manuel's caliber is critical. Verbal commitments in college football are non-binding, and recruits routinely flip their commitments before signing day. The fact that Manuel is still taking visits to other campuses signals that his recruitment remains fluid.

Iowa and Iowa State have long relied on recruiting pipelines into Texas, where the talent pool runs deep. Landing a playmaker who averaged over 20 yards per catch and found the end zone 16 times would be a significant win for either program as they look to build their class of 2027.

What Other Recruits Were on the UNM Visit?

Manuel wasn't the only recruit checking out the Lobos' campus. Several other prospects with ties to programs across the region made visits:

• Hershul Olloway Jr., RB: The 5-10, 170-pound rusher from St. Pius High School ran for 1,930 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. He committed to UNM in May.
• Gunner Edwards, DL: A 6-5, 240-pound defensive lineman from Frenship High School in Texas with offers from New Mexico State and North Texas.
• Bryson Fleming, CB: A 6-0, 195-pound cornerback from North Forney High School in Texas. He committed to UNM in May over offers from Pittsburgh, San Diego State, Tulane, and Memphis.
• Ryder Molchanoff, DL: A 6-4, 220-pound lineman from Cathedral Catholic in California with offers from Army and Air Force.
• Evan Macken, TE: A 6-5, 205-pound tight end from Coppell High School in Texas with offers from Army, Cornell, and Samford.

UNM Adds Three Commitments in Busy Week

While Iowa fans watch Manuel's recruitment closely, New Mexico had a strong week of its own. The Lobos secured verbal commitments from three class of 2027 prospects:

LB DJ Clanton

Clanton, a 6-1, 210-pound three-star linebacker from Mater Dei High School in California, chose UNM over offers from Arizona State, Utah, Oregon State, Colorado State, San Diego State, UNLV, and Sacramento State. He made 63 total tackles, including six for a loss, last season at the national high school powerhouse.

I am honored to be a part of the Lobo family!

Clanton posted on X following his commitment.

TE Collin Benninger

Benninger, a 6-5, 225-pound tight end from Central Catholic High School in California, committed to the Lobos on Sunday after a weekend visit. He chose UNM over offers from UNLV, Nevada, San Diego State, Sacramento State, and Cal Poly. Last season, he caught 16 passes for 347 yards and four touchdowns.

Beyond blessed!

Benninger wrote on social media.

DE Zade Brown

Brown, a 6-4, 250-pound defensive end from Valley Vista High School in Arizona, committed to UNM over offers from Northern Arizona and Dartmouth. He recorded 60 total tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss as a junior.

After a great official visit, I am excited to announce my COMMITMENT to UNM. I want to thank God, my family, coaches, and teammates for supporting and helping me achieve my goals.

Brown posted.

Can Iowa or Iowa State Flip Brian Manuel Jr.?

The biggest question for Iowa football fans is whether the Hawkeyes or Cyclones can convince Manuel to flip his commitment from Texas State. Both programs offer a higher level of competition in the Big Ten and Big 12, respectively, which could be appealing to a receiver with NFL aspirations.

For now, Manuel remains committed to Texas State, but his continued visits suggest the door is open. Iowa and Iowa State fans should keep a close eye on this recruitment as the summer progresses.

FAQ

Is Brian Manuel Jr. still committed to Texas State?

Yes, Manuel is currently verbally committed to Texas State after announcing his decision on June 5. However, verbal commitments are non-binding, and he continues to take visits to other schools.

Does Brian Manuel Jr. have offers from Iowa schools?

Yes, Manuel holds scholarship offers from both the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones, according to 24/7 Sports.

When can high school football recruits sign their letters of intent?

Class of 2027 recruits can sign their national letters of intent during the traditional signing period, which typically opens in February of their senior year.