When Braylon Bingham announced his commitment to Iowa on Sunday, his social media post included photos of him wearing the team’s gear as a baby. A case could be made that destiny was at play with years of Hawkeye fandom seeing it through.

“The top reason I chose Iowa was definitely because our family bleeds black and gold. We always have and we always will. To come across an opportunity to play for your dream in-state school is like none other,” he said.

The Pleasantville (IA) High junior became the second verbal pledge in Iowa’s 2027 Class. He joined fellow linebacker Gavin Stecker, who announced his decision last week.

“The way that (linebacker) coach (Seth) Wallace coaches his guys is like none other,” Bingham said. “Watching him get the best out of each and every individual on the field is unique. I don’t think there are many coaches who still do that, so being able to play for him under that circumstance is special. Also, his resume and reputation for sending guys to the league is like none other. If you want to make it big on the defensive side of the ball, especially at linebacker, you go to Iowa.”

The latest additions continue a recent run of in-state linebackers joining the roster. They brought the total to seven in the last four classes. In 2024, Derek Weisskopf (Williamsburg), Cam Buffington (Winfield-Mount Union) and Preston Ries (Monitcello) came aboard. Julian Manson (Iowa City West) and Kasen Thomas (Sioux City Bishop Heelan) signed up earlier this month as members of the 2026 recruiting cycle.

In a story published on Hawk Fanatic after Bingham received an Iowa offer early last month, he was undecided on his college major. He was considering engineering or something in the sports field.

“Another reason why I’d say Iowa is the right fit are the values within the program, stressing that being good at football is obviously important but also getting a degree and maintaining good grades,” he said.

Bingham (6-2, 205) impacted Pleasantville games in all three phases this season, when the Trojans advanced to the Class 1A state quarterfinals. He threw for 16 touchdowns and ran for seven more, piled up 60.5 tackles, and averaged 36.0 yards on five punt returns, bringing one back for a TD.

It was Pleasantville’s first non-covid playoff appearance since 2017. The Iowa Football Coaches Association named Bingham to its all-state first team. Iowa and Iowa State offered him scholarships.

The 9-2 record, the Trojans’ best since 2015, meant a lot to the town of less than 2,000 residents situated about 30 miles southeast of Des Moines. Bingham’s emergence as one of the state top prep players also produced pride. He credited his circle.

“My family has been with me every step of the way in this process. They have made so many sacrifices to put me in the best position possible to be successful. And for that, I couldn’t thank them enough. I am more than lucky to have parents that get the best out of me every day and support me in the things I love,” he said.

“The Pleasantville community has done about the same. Everyone has their own way in which they have impacted me from little kids and trying to be their role model to the superintendent that makes sure you’re doing the right things. Everyone has helped support me in many unique ways, and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Bingham plans on continuing to make folks back home proud when he arrives in Iowa City. He also hopes to acquire more support among the Hawkeye fans.

“When I get into the program, they’re going to get a great football player but a better human being. I’m going to bring intensity, energy, athleticism and leadership to the table in order to help make the Hawkeyes champions someday. I will give 110 percent each and every day in order to become the greatest of my abilities,” he said.

“It means the world to become a Hawkeye; just being able to live out the dream of being able to wear black and gold. Also, every Saturday when you were a kid and you’d turn the Iowa game on and see guys like Josey Jewell or Ben Niemann and just think man, I’m gonna be like them one day is nuts. This opportunity means the absolute world to me.”

As a life-long Iowa fan, Bingham is thinking beyond himself. His attention now turns toward working on other targets in the 2027 cycle.

“To help build this special class up for the Hawks, I’m gonna do my best to convince and talk to the guys that I think would best fit the Iowa program, but also those who have a similar mindset to me as well. If I can find a group like that I can ensure you Iowa is going to be one tough team in the years to come! GO HAWKS!!,” he said.