Iowa football WR ranks among highest-graded Big Ten wideouts

The next step in the maturation of the Iowa Hawkeyes’ offense under offensive coordinator Tim Lester lies with the wide receiver group. To open things up, the Hawkeyes need their pass catchers to take the next step and become a viable weapon in the offensive scheme.

Iowa returns Reece Vander Zee, Jacob Gill, and Seth Anderson, who have all flashed at times but have not sustained consistent output. Part of their answer to this group could be the addition of a transfer portal player from Chattanooga, wide receiver Sam Phillips.

Phillips comes to Iowa after spending three years with Chattanooga, where he earned a spot on the SoCon All-Freshman team in 2022. His output has been strong, and it has him graded among Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated receivers returning to the college game in the Big Ten.

With Chattanooga, Sam Phillips registered 117 receptions, 1,519 yards, and 7 touchdowns in 28 games with the Mocs. Phillips also sparingly returned punts and kicks for Chattanooga, which furthers his skill set and versatility that Iowa can tap into.

Coming out of Cartersville High School in Cartersville, Georgia, Sam Phillips was lightly recruited before joining Chattanooga. He joined the Iowa Hawkeyes in December of 2024 via the transfer portal.

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