When Trent Wilson chose Iowa Football out of the transfer portal, the former James Madison offensive lineman brought with him bold personal and team aspirations. There was an emphasis on the latter.

“There should be no lesser goal than the national championship,” he said. “We have a great team in the best conference in college football, and we’re not losers. Why not win it all?

“For me, I plan to serve the team however is best. Wherever I’m put, I’ll try to be perfect at it.”

Wilson knows first hand what it takes to reach the College Football Playoff for a shot at the big prize. He’s leaving James Madison after the Dukes achieved history by advancing to the CFP out of the Group of 5 this season.

“My time at JMU was amazing. Not only did I develop into a better player, but I had fun going out and playing football every day. The relationships I built are ongoing, and I’m incredibly grateful to the coaches and players who pushed me to climb the ladder to where I am now,” he said.

Oregon, which narrowly defeated the Hawkeyes this season, overwhelmed James Madison in the first round of the playoffs. As much as he loved James Madison, Wilson realized Iowa is better positioned for a deep run within the sport’s hierarchy.

“At Iowa, I saw a strong winning culture, and, specifically for me, a culture of dominant linemen. At Iowa, I feel like I have the resources to go to the next level,” he said. “With me on the Hawkeyes, I’m going to bring just what I said the culture was – a gritty, nasty lineman who isn’t afraid to hit someone, or get hit, and still support his team around him.”

Wilson (6-4, 300-pound) split 382 snaps between left guard and right guard as a freshman this season. The Southlake (TX) Carroll High alumnus started one game for the Sun Belt Conference champions. He retained three seasons of eligibility when entering the portal.

Travis Wilson, Trent’s father, played tight end at TCU. He and Cheryl Wilson, Trent’s mother, stressed the importance of education. The academic offerings at a Big Ten university excited the family.

“At Iowa, I plan to get a Finance degree. With that, there are multiple options I can go into, but now I’m looking into private equity,” Trent said.

As Southlake Carroll, Wilson was a Padilla Poll first-team all-stater and on the Texas Sports Writers Association’s second team as a senior. He helped his team to UIL 6A D2 state championship game that year and established all-time records for bench press, back squat and power clean at the school. He threw shot put and discus for the track and field team.