When you’re a prep running back being recruited by colleges, a few football factors rise to the top of the wish list. Indianapolis Warren Central ball carrier Keyon Thomas sees them at Iowa.

“The main reasons I’m considering Iowa are their offensive line and the running back coach (Jay Norvell),” he said.

The Hawkeyes offered Thomas a scholarship on April 29. While featuring his position enhances their chances, there’s more the 6-foot, 205-pounder wants to find out about the Big Ten school.

“I’ll be visiting Iowa the third weekend in June. I’m really looking forward to seeing their campus life and figuring out if it’s the right fit for me,” he said.

That will come down to more than what happens on the field.

“What’s most important to me are the educational opportunities and the connections I can make for after football. I plan to major in Biology with future goals of pursuing dentistry,” Thomas said.

The competition for Thomas’ services will be stiff. The senior-to-be is a rising prospect receiving offers at a brisk pace.

National Champion and home state Indiana offered Thomas on May 8. Purdue, Illinois, Vanderbilt, Arizona State, Kentucky, Michigan State, Cincinnati, UConn and others also have extended opportunities, too. In addition to Iowa, he’s locked in official visits to UConn for this past weekend and Cincinnati (June 19-21).

Prep Redzone ranks Thomas as the No. 2 running back in Indiana for 2027. The service sees him as the 13th-rated player overall in the cycle.

In nine 2025 games, Thomas rushed for 1,337 yards (8.0 YPC) and 19 touchdowns. He added 18 receptions for 184 yards and a score. He rushed for at least 100 yards in seven of the nine contests.