Iowa Stars Highlight Minnesota's Big Recruiting Weekend

Minnesota is gearing up for its final major recruiting push of the summer, and two Iowa athletes are right in the middle of the action. The Gophers will host 14 players from the class of 2027 during their Summer Splash 2.0 weekend from June 12 to 14, and Iowans have serious reasons to pay attention.

DeWitt's Ryan Paulsen Draws Major Interest

DeWitt defensive lineman Ryan Paulsen is the highest-profile Iowa prospect making the trip to Minneapolis. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Paulsen put together a dominant junior season with 40 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. He is uncommitted and taking a hard look at Minnesota after official visits to Iowa State and Illinois.

Minnesota has made Iowa a priority in the 2027 recruiting cycle, and Paulsen could be the next big commitment for the Gophers. For Iowa fans, it raises a familiar question about homegrown talent leaving the state. Paulsen's decision will come down to where he sees the best fit, but Minnesota is clearly making a strong push to bring him to the Twin Cities.

Cedar Rapids' Will Clausen Stays Committed

While Paulsen is still weighing his options, Cedar Rapids offensive lineman Will Clausen is already locked in. Clausen committed to Minnesota and will be on campus this weekend as one of nine committed prospects making their official visits.

Having a solid commitment from an Iowa lineman like Clausen shows that Minnesota's strategy of recruiting the Hawkeye State is working. It also highlights the challenge for in-state programs like Iowa and Iowa State to keep top talent close to home.

Who Else Is Visiting?

The visitor list has shifted over the past few weeks. Some players who were originally scheduled to visit have committed elsewhere. Georgia cornerback Omarion Wallace and Ohio defensive lineman Carter Napier both committed to Pitt. Illinois linebacker Matthew Brady picked Michigan State. Several other prospects are no longer expected to visit.

Despite the changes, Minnesota still has a strong group of uncommitted prospects making the trip, along with a solid core of committed players.

Uncommitted Visitors to Watch

• Cam Aime, Edge (Montvale, NJ) - The highest-rated uncommitted visitor at 6-foot-4, Aime is ranked as the 745th-best prospect in the country by 247Sports Composite. He is coming off visits to Pittsburgh and Rutgers.
• Jyden German, CB (Fort Myers, FL) - German plays running back and cornerback in high school but is being recruited as a corner for college. He has already visited North Carolina and Louisville.
• Lemani Fehoko, DL (San Mateo, CA) - A dominant force at 6-foot-1 and 275 pounds, Fehoko has been on the radar since receiving a Tennessee offer in eighth grade. He visited Minnesota unofficially in April and is considering Washington State as well.
• Ryan Paulsen, DL (DeWitt, IA) - The Iowa standout is coming off visits to Iowa State and Illinois before heading to Minnesota.
• Dallas Ward, DL (Peachtree City, GA) - A late-rising prospect at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Ward has visited Rutgers and is choosing between Minnesota and Michigan State.

Committed Visitors

Nine committed prospects will be on campus, including a strong Moorhead, Minnesota contingent of quarterback Jett Feeney, wide receiver David Mack, cornerback Zak Walker, and running back Taye Reich. Four-star tight ends Brooks Bakko from North Dakota and Drake Mikkelsen from South Dakota will also be in attendance.

What This Means for Iowa

For Iowa sports fans, this weekend is about more than just Minnesota's recruiting success. It is a reminder that Iowa produces top-tier football talent, and programs from across the country are taking notice. Whether Paulsen stays in the Midwest or decides to leave the region, his recruitment reflects the growing national profile of Iowa high school football.

The battle for homegrown talent is always competitive, and keeping players like Paulsen and Clausen in state would be a win for Iowa's own programs. As the recruiting cycle heats up, all eyes will be on how these Iowa athletes decide where to play their college ball.