Iowa gains commitment from 4-star DL Epenesa

Iowa secured a commitment from four-star defensive lineman Iose Epenesa on Thursday, according to On3's Steve Wiltfong.

The Hawkeyes secured the verbal commitment from Epenesa over finalists Miami, Missouri, Penn State, and Utah.

"They were all tied for a while. And then Iowa just came out on top," Epenesa told ESPN's Eli Lederman.

The Edwardsville, Illinois, native is the top-ranked prospect in the state and the No. 1-rated defensive end on the ESPN 300. He's also considered the No. 21 overall recruit in the 2025 class.

Iose continues what's become an Epenesa family tradition. His father Eppy and brother A.J. played for the Hawkeyes during their collegiate careers, while his brother Eric is currently a linebacker at Iowa.

"We're excited about our son and excited about his decision and look forward to going back to Hawkeye Nation the next four or five years," Eppy Epenesa said, per Wiltfong.

The younger Epenesa credited his comfort with head coach Kirk Ferentz and defensive line coach Kelvin Bell as being key in his recruitment.

Iowa lands its highest-rated ESPN 300 pledge of the 2025 recruiting cycle with Epenesa's commitment.