By Tyler Devine

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa football team’s stunning 55-24 upset of third-ranked Ohio State on Saturday already is paying dividends on the recruiting trail.

Three-star 2019 linebacker Jack Kiser was among over 50 recruits who experienced the historic upset and was awed by the atmosphere inside Kinnick Stadium.

“It was awesome,” Kiser said Sunday. “The atmosphere was crazy and the fans were very passionate. The players played really. The Hawkeyes got after it, they played outstanding.”

What stood out most to Kiser was the play of Iowa’s thre senior linebackers Ben Niemann, Josey Jewell and Bo Bower. They combined for 21 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble for an Iowa defense that held Ohio State to 22 points less than its per-game average.

Kiser, a native of Royal Center, Ind., sees a lot of himself in Iowa’s linebacker trio.

“When you look at those guys they’re playing with heart and passion,” Kiser said. “At the same time they’re very smart. They’re constantly communicating with each other. That’s how I think I play. I try to be prepared by watching film or in practice when we’re going against the scout team just really recognizing everything and communicating. 

“When you see that you say yeah I can relate to that. And then at the same time they’re very physical players that fly to the ball. And finally, they love football. I think that I have some of their characteristics and I think I could be a good fit.”

Also helping Iowa’s chances of landing the 6-foot-2, 206-pound Kiser is that it was the first school to offer him a scholarship.

He has since received offers from Illinois State, Indiana, Indiana State and Purdue.

“They’re really high on my list,” Kiser said. “I haven’t really ordered anybody but they’re definitely there. Being the first to offer I’ll take that into consideration. They were the first to throw their names into the hat and that means a lot to me. They’re definitely way up there on the list and I definitely have to consider them.”

Kiser isn't nsure when he will make his college decision, but has thought about next summer or fall as possibilities.

He also said he doesn't have any other visits lined up at this point.

Iowa currently has four players committed to its 2019 recruiting class.

Iowa’s 2019 recruiting class

Larry Tracy, DB, 5-11, 175, Indianapolis, Ind.

Tyler Endres, OL, 6-6, 280, Norwalk, Iowa

Logan Lee, TE, 6-5, 225, Orion, Ill.

Ezra Miller, OL, 6-6, 310, Holstein, Iowa