When Iowa offered Theo Schott a scholarship late last month, it followed opportunities he’d received from Georgia and Alabama. Attempting to best blue blood programs doesn’t frequently end well for the Hawkeyes.

In this case, however, odds are higher because he’s a tight end. Schott knowing history puts them in position to close the deal.

“Iowa would definitely be one of my top schools just because of the opportunity it is and what they’ve done at my position,” he said.

Affectionately known as Tight End U by its fans and others outside the base, Iowa leans on the position. Many of the guys playing there go on to enjoy professional success.

“The main thing that I like about Iowa is the way they use the tight end. Obviously, they’ve sent many dudes to the NFL at my position, and they develop them the right way in the blocking and passing game,” Schott said.

The Zionsville (IN) High sophomore found out about his Iowa opportunity while speaking with tight ends coach Abdul Hodge.

“I found out Iowa was offering me after a conversation with coach Hodge. We talked about many things and what it takes to play at Iowa. He thinks I can fit right in with my play,” Schott said.

A next step in building a relationship with the Hawkeyes would be getting on campus.

“I would like to visit during the spring or summer. I don’t have an exact date yet, but I want to. I want come and meet some more coaches, see the facilities, and how they practice,” he said.

In addition to the blue bloods, national champion and home-state Indiana has offered Schott. So has Oregon, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Purdue, Texas Tech and Wisconsin.

With two prep seasons remaining, he can take his time sorting through his impressive list of suitors.

“My recruiting timeline is going to be slow, just because you don’t know if coaches are going to leave or get promoted. So, my decision will be based on my relationship to the coach, how he develops, and how much I like the area and college itself,” Schott said.

Academics will be weighed heavily during the process, too.

“I want to study business in college or something along that line. I haven’t really looked into it that much yet,” he said.

As a 10th-grader, Schott caught 26 balls for 305 yards and three touchdowns. He also completed his only pass for a 19-yard score and rushed for 25 yards.

Prep Redzone ranks Schott as the No. 1 player overall in Indiana’s 2028 recruiting class.