Iowa looked to add to its receiver room this portal season in hopes of improving a passing offense that ranked 131 out of 133 FBS programs. The Hawkeyes connected with a wideout on Thursday when Tennessee Chattanooga transfer Sam Phillips picked them, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Phillips cut his list of prospective schools to Iowa, Virginia Tech and Memphis at the end of last month. A decision was expected soon. Then USC offered, and he set up a visit to Southern California.

In the end, the Hawkeyes closed the deal with a guy that caught 153 passes for 2,088 and nine touchdowns in three seasons at the FCS level. He secured 49 balls for 803 yards and three scores this past Fall.

Phillips (5-9, 185) prepped at Cartersville (GA) High. He joined the Mocs as a member of their ’21 Class and red shirted during his first year on campus.

Iowa has gained commitments from five student-athletes from the portal during the ’25 cycle. Phillips joined South Dakota State’s Mark Gronowski (QB) and Bryce Hawthorne (DL), Auburn’s Hank Brown (QB) and Central Michigan’s Jonah Pace (DL).

The Hawkeyes have been pursuing transfer cornerbacks as well. William & Mary’s Sascha Garcia was schedule to visit Iowa City this weekend before committing to Wake Forest on Tuesday.