The Business of Athletes agency alerted several national media outlets Sunday afternoon that its client, LJ Phillips, was committing to Iowa Football. The University of South Dakota running back led the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in rushing this past season.

Phillips announced his decision on social media shortly after the news from his agency was made public. It also was reported that he retained two years of eligibility remaining.

The Wichita, Kan. native piled up 1,920 yards (6.5 YPC) and 19 touchdowns on the ground in 2025. He added 28 receptions for 195 yards and a score.

Phillips was the ninth known 2026 transfer portal addition for Iowa. The 5-foot-9, 225-pounder joined receiver Tony Diaz (UT Rio Grande), safety Tyler Brown (James Madison), defensive end Lance Ingold (Northern Illinois), offensive lineman Trent Wilson (James Madison), defensive end Kahmari Brown (Elon), defensive lineman Brice Stevenson (Holy Cross), kicker Eli Ozick (North Dakota State) and safety Anthony Hawkins (Villanova).

And then shortly after the news broke about Phillips’ commitment, Iowa received its 10 commitment from the portal shortly as former Robert Morris safety Xavier Styles committed to the Hawkeyes.

Styles caught the attention of the Iowa coaches after finishing the 2025 season with 42 total tackles, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, and an interception. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound safety will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Phillips, meanwhile, after committing to South Dakota out of Wichita Northwest High, redshirted as a true freshman in 2023. Last season, he appeared in all 14 games with two starts, finishing with 176 yards (6.1 YPC) and a pair of touchdowns.

This fall, Phillips thrived after becoming the bell-cow back. The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) named him a first-team All-American, while the Associated Press (AP) tabbed him for its second team.

The Hawkeyes lost two running backs to the transfer portal. Jaziun Patterson has since committed to Michigan State, while Terrell Washington Jr. has not yet announced a new home.

Iowa starter Kamari Moulton was expected back in 2026. The Florida native rushed for 878 yards (5.2 YPC) and five scores. Xavier Williams, Nathan McNeil and Brevin Doll saw action this season and had eligibility remaining, as did true freshman walk-on Braeden Jackson. The Hawkeyes did not sign a student-athlete projected to play running back in their 2026 high school recruiting class.