
Judge grants Oklahoma LB Heinecke extra year
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke granted an extra year of eligibility for 2026 after court ruling.
Iowa football has added running back L.J. Phillips from South Dakota, an FCS All-American who rushed for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. His new coach describes him as 'a bowling ball covered in butcher knives' due to his impressive physicality and running style.
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The Iowa Hawkeyes dug into the transfer portal a bit more than normal this year, out of a combination of necessity and past successes luring them back. One of the key transfer portal additions for Kirk Ferentz's roster in 2026 is L.J. Phillips, a running back coming from FCS South Dakota.
Phillips, an FCS All-American who rumbled for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, has been a standout for Iowa so far in spring practice and is drawing eye-popping quotes from new running backs coach Jay Norvell.
âHeâs like a bowling ball covered in butcher knives. Nobody wants to tackle him,â Norvell colorfully described Phillips' combination of size, strength, attitude, and running style that he brings to the plate.
Nathan McNeil, one of Iowa's talented running backs, who is entering his second year with the program, also hopped on the hype train regarding L.J. Phillips. He did not hesitate to further the commentary around Phillip's style.
"He's a great running back. We call him pit bull in the room, because he doesnât go down. Even if he gets hit hard, heâs still up and moving," McNeil said of Phillips.
Phillips joins a running back room oozing with talent that features himself, Nathan McNeil, Kamari Moulton, and Xavier Williams, all of whom have displayed talents to be able to carry the load in Tim Lester's offense, which has been predicated on a dominant run game the last two years.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : Iowa football RB L.J. Phillips: 'A bowling ball with butcher knives'
L.J. Phillips rushed for 1,920 yards and scored 19 touchdowns last season at South Dakota.
The new running backs coach for Iowa is Jay Norvell.
Jay Norvell described L.J. Phillips as 'a bowling ball covered in butcher knives,' highlighting his size, strength, and running style.

Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke granted an extra year of eligibility for 2026 after court ruling.

MbappĂ©: 10 intentos, 3 equipos, 9 entrenadores, 70 goles y aĂșn sin Champions.
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