By Alex Pruismann

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Chima Chineke could have stayed in his home state of Texas to play college football, but the chance to be a part of the vaunted Iowa defense was too good to pass up.

Chineke, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end from Plano, Texas, announced his verbal commitment to Iowa on Wednesday.

He picked the Hawkeyes over scholarship offers Texas Tech, Houston, Oklahoma State, Oregon State and Kansas among others.

Chineke is the 20th player to commit to Iowa’s 2024 recruiting class, and the first from Texas.

“Good length, long arms and quick hands,” veteran recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said of Chineke. “He’s still filling out, but shows explosive moves, good body control and balance.

“Impressive looking and he could add several more pounds of muscle and weight.”

Lemming ranks Chineke as a three-star recruit.

Chineke announced his decision in front of a large crowd, and he changed school hats several times before finally landing on the Hawkeyes, which brought a smile to his face. He was then greeted with cheers from his fellow teammates as they were in attendance. He ended his announcement by saying, “Go Hawkeyes”.

Chineke recorded 31 total tackles last season, including 25 solo stops, 1.5 for loss and and 6.5 sacks, which led his district.

Chineke was part of the Hawkeye tailgater on June 23, and so far, that tailgater has paid huge dividends based on the multiple commitments that Iowa has received since then.

Chineke is the fourth defensive lineman to commit to Iowa’s 2024 recruiting class

Chineke will join an Iowa defense that has consistently ranked among the top defenses in the Big Ten under veteran defensive coordinator Phil Parker.

Iowa’s defense held nine opponents to 10 or fewer points last season, and also held two opponents scoreless, including a 21-0 victory over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl.

The Iowa defense also scored six touchdowns last season, including three pick sixes by All-Big Ten cornerback Cooper DeJean.

Iowa also led the nation allowing just 3.99 yards per play last season. That was tied for the best nationally in the last 10 years and was the Big Ten’s best since 2007.

Iowa’s 2024 Iowa football commitments

Chima Chineke, 6-4, 240, defensive end, Plano, Texas

Jaylen Watson, 5-10, 160, defensive back/receiver, Toledo, Ohio

Rashad Godfrey, 6-1, 185, defensive back, Seffner, Florida

Joseph Anderson, 6-5, 210, defensive end, St. Louis, Missouri

KJ Parker, 5-11, 165, receiver, Elmhust, Illinois

Gavin Hoffman, 6-5, 195, tight end, Overland Park, Kansas

Reece Vander Zee, 6-5, 190, receiver, Rock Rapids, Iowa

Devan Kennedy, 6-3, 245, defensive end, Phoenix, Arizona

Michael Burt, 6-5, 230, tight end, Omaha, Nebraska

Will Nolan, 6-7, 270, offensive lineman, Arlington Heights, Illinois

Bodey McCaslin, 6-5, 270, offensive lineman, St. Charles, Illinois

Brevin Doll, 6-0, 185, running back, Ade-DeSoto

Xavier Williams, 6-0, 225, running back St. John, Indiana

Drew Campbell, 6-4, 225, defensive end, Cedar Falls

Cody Fox, 6-5, 270, offensive lineman, Winthrop (East Buchanan)

Derek Weisskopf, 6-3, 205, linebacker, Williamsburg

Cam Buffington, 6-3, 200, linebacker, Winfield-Mt. Union

Preston Ries, 6-2, 195, linebacker, Monticello

James Resar, 6-4, 204, quarterback, Jacksonville, Florida

Josh Janowski, 6-2, 275, offensive lineman, Tinley Park, Illinois