Iowa Football received mountainous production from a recent student-athlete going by the nickname K2. Running back Kaleb Johnson was a FWAA, Phil Steele, Sporting News, and Walter Camp first-team all-American, and a Doak Walker Award finalist in 2024.

Fast forward to the 2027 recruiting class, and we find the Hawkeyes pursuing another K2. Texas defensive back Kevin Jackson fancies that nickname as well.

Iowa reportedly offered Jackson a scholarship back on Jan. 25. It arrived during a flurry of opportunities for one of his state’s fastest rising prospects. The Pearland (TX) Shadow Creek High junior also claimed offers from Baylor, Oklahoma State, Arizona, Arizona State, North Carolina, Cal and Kansas State since the Hawkeyes came forward with their opportunity.

Kansas and Utah were among a group of programs offering scholarships before the start of the new year. He’s set an official visit to Utah for May 29-21 and one to Kansas for June 19-21.

Jackson currently is sifting through the programs courting him, many of which he just recently began getting to know. The Hawkeyes are making a good early impression.

“Iowa is definitely one of the schools I’m taking serious right now,” he said.

Hawkeye staff members meeting with him in January helped lay the foundation for the relationship.

“I found out University of Iowa was offering when the coaches came to my school and called me into the meeting room. They said they like how physical I play and how hard I compete,” Jackson said.

His initial research has yielded traits he covets.

“I like how tough the Iowa Hawkeyes football program is and how they develop players for the NFL,” he said.

A trip to Iowa would be a big step in advancing the relationship.

“I want to learn more about the campus and the program. I’d like to visit soon, but we’re still working out the date,” Jackson said.

The prep junior isn’s sure what he will study in college, but academics are a big part of his decision.

“I’m interested in Sports Management or Business,” he said.

Jackson isn’t rushing his recruiting process. He’s focused on finding a place where he can achieve his goals.

“I plan on taking visits and building relationships with coaches before making a decision. The biggest factors will be development, education and the best fit for me,” he said.

According to Max Preps, Jackson appeared in eight games during the 2025 season. He recorded 32.0 tackles, 21 of which were solo stops, four passes defended and a fumble recovery.