Judah Mallette Feeling Good About Hawkeyes
Chicago WR Building Bond with Iowa
There’s no questioning how much Judah Mallette likes Iowa Football. There’s concrete evidence from last month.
The 2023 Chicago Hope High receiver visited the Hawkeyes for their game against Nevada on Sept. 17. The contest was delayed three times by weather, making it last almost seven hours from start to finish. Mallette made it almost to the end.
“After the first couple of delays, it was just me and the Epenesa family left in the recruiting section,” Mallette told HF. “I left at about one in the morning because I had family business to tend to the next day.”
Former Hawkeye Eppy Epenesa, his son, Iose Epenesa, a ’25 recruit, and his teammate, lasted until the end. Mallette would have if he could have.
“I liked talking to the coaches before the game on the field. It was great seeing the coaches in person for the first time in a couple months, and we got to connect for a little bit. My favorite part though was the fans. The way they embraced me made me feel like a celebrity, and the atmosphere during the game was unreal,” Mallette said about the visit.
Iowa extended a walk-on opportunity to Mallette (6-2, 185) back in July. He’s been communicating the most with receiver coach Kelton Copeland and fellow assistant Seth Wallace, who recruits Chicago for the program.
“What I appreciate most from them is that they’re not forcing me to make a decision right now. My team is on the verge of making history this year, and that is my only focus at the moment. They respect that, which I really appreciate,” Mallette said.
Hope is pursuing the first Illinois Class 1A title by a Chicago area school since 1979. No program from the West side of the city has ever captured a crown.
Through six games this season, Mallette rolled up 734 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns. Chris Mallette, Judah’s father, became head coach for the Eagles back in ’19.
“I feel that I would be a great fit (at Iowa) because the team comes before anything to me. I’ll always prioritize the team’s success before my own, which is a key component to Iowa’s success over the past few years. I do what I’m asked to do when I’m asked to do it. Shoot, if coach needs me to move to inside backer, I’m all for it,” Judah said.
The Hawkeyes face competition for Mallette. He says Illinois, Northwestern and Notre Dame also are standing out.
“I visited Illinois last weekend when they played against Iowa, and plan to get up there again soon. I also plan to stop by Northwestern and Notre Dame at some point this year,” he said.
Iowa has built a strong bond with Mallette, giving him a positive outlook on the Hawkeyes.
“I’m feeling better than ever about them. If anything, this most recent visit reassured me that Iowa is a place that will take great care of me, not only from a football perspective, but from a school perspective. I had a great time, even with the three lightning delays, and hope to be back in Iowa City soon,” he said.