College football recruiting never slows down, and the Iowa Hawkeyes have reason to celebrate as one of the state’s top high school athletes makes a big decision. Eli Robbins, a standout from Norwalk High School, has announced he will join the Hawkeyes as a preferred walk-on for the Class of 2026.
Robbins chose to stay close to home, turning down scholarship offers from several respected programs. His commitment highlights the importance of local talent and the enduring appeal of playing for a hometown favorite.
Eli Robbins’ Commitment to Iowa Is a Dream Realized
Robbins, a 6’0”, 190-pound defensive back, quarterback, and wide receiver, has officially committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes as a preferred walk-on. He turned down scholarship opportunities from Army, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Illinois State, and Dartmouth to pursue his goal of playing for the Hawkeyes.
Robbins has long been a fan of Iowa football, and his decision reflects both personal passion and a connection to the community. “For me, I’ve been an Iowa fan my whole life, so when the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger,” said Robbins. “Becoming a Hawkeye is a dream come true. The opportunity was 100% worth it for me and my family.”
During his junior year at Norwalk, Robbins rarely left the field, showcasing his versatility on both sides of the ball. On defense, he recorded 28.5 tackles and intercepted four passes, including a pick-six.
On offense, he completed 17 of 28 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried the ball 48 times for 325 rushing yards and caught 39 passes for 589 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns as a wide receiver. Robbins also competed on the state track and field circuit, running in multiple relay races.
Robbins announced his commitment on X with a bold Hawkeyes graphic, writing, “I’m Home!” Fans quickly responded with messages of support and congratulations.
I’m Home! ⚫️🟡🐥#AGTG #GOHAWKS @CoachParkerIowa @Coach_Niemann @TylerBarnesIOWA @NHSFB_ pic.twitter.com/4Ib8jjBOBa
— Eli Robbins (@EliRobbins18) July 2, 2025
One fan wrote, “Congratulations Eli!” Another posted, “The best choice!” A third added, “Welcome to the Swarm!” Other users echoed the sentiment, with one noting, “Go Hawks!” and another writing, “Welcome to the family!!” While most reactions were positive, one X user disagreed, saying, “Terrible decision, young man!!”
Terrible decision young man!!
— Skersaholic (@Skersaholic) July 3, 2025
With his commitment, Robbins joins Isaiah Oliver and Noah Daniel as the third walk-on in Iowa’s 2026 class. His ability to play multiple positions gives the coaching staff added flexibility, and while he is expected to contribute mostly on defense, his offensive skills could be valuable in certain situations.
Robbins’ choice to stay in Iowa not only strengthens the Hawkeyes’ roster but also highlights the importance of local talent in building a successful program.