Earnest Winters III is uncommon on the football field. Major college football programs recognize it. It’s why they’ve offered scholarships before his sophomore high school season of 2026 kicked off.

National champion Indiana wants him. So does Penn State, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and others. That’s a heck of a start to a recruitment that will be followed nationally before it’s over.

He camped with the Hawkeyes on Friday and left town with an offer. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound athlete worked out at defensive back with position coach and defensive coordinator Phil Parker.

“My biggest takeaway from the camp is the coaching points from coach Parker,” Winters III said. “I love the way he brakes things down for me, and I love the way the program welcomed me with love.”

Iowa has his attention.

“Iowa stands out for me, definitely, just based off how they welcomed me in with the love they showed to me,” he said.

The East St. Louis (IL) Cahokia High defensive back is interested in growing the relationship.

“I would love to learn about the school’s top majors and its football background. I plan to be back for games and a junior day. I don’t have any dates yet,” he said.

Winters III will be getting to know other programs, too. His recruitment is just starting.

“I have no clue when I will commit. To find the school that fits for me, I’ll have to talk with my family about all the schools I have offers from and then brainstorm what my next move will be,” he said.

While he hopes to have a long career in the sport he loves and dreams of life in the NFL, Winters III knows it will be over at some point. He’s considering college majors to prepare him for it.

“I’m only going into my sophomore year, so I’ve been taking it kinda slow. I’d love to stay around sports and still get a good paycheck,” he said.

As a freshman, Winters III collected 50.0 tackles, including one for loss. He intercepted three passes with one of them being returned for a touchdown. He also housed a kick return.

Prep Redzone ranks Winters III as the No. 18 2029 prospect in Illinois. The scouting service sees him as the second best defensive back in the state for that recruiting cycle.