Four-Star Quarterback Tradon Bessinger Commits to Iowa Hawkeyes

Four-star quarterback Tradon Bessinger has officially committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes, switching his allegiance from Boise State after an impactful visit to Iowa City. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound athlete from Kaysville, Utah, chose Iowa over strong competition from BYU, UCLA, and Minnesota. His decision follows a significant official visit during which he witnessed Iowa’s impressive 41-3 victory over Minnesota on October 25, 2025.

Bessinger’s commitment comes after he reopened his recruitment in late October. The atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium and the coaching staff’s vision for the program played crucial roles in his choice. “That visit was amazing and it was the funnest recruiting experience I have taken through this process,” Bessinger stated. He highlighted the opportunity to connect with the coaches, particularly enjoying his time with the team’s general manager, emphasizing the welcoming nature of the Iowa fanbase.

During his visit, Bessinger also noted the camaraderie among Iowa’s offensive line recruits. “Four out of the five offensive line commits were at the game, and you can already tell they are great friends and are bonding,” he explained. This connection resonated with Bessinger, who looks forward to being part of a cohesive team environment.

Bessinger’s decision was heavily influenced by Tim Lester, Iowa’s offensive coordinator. Lester, in his second year with the program, shared his Shanahan-style offensive philosophy, which aims to develop quarterbacks for the NFL. Bessinger found this message particularly appealing, aligning with his professional aspirations. “I really like what coach Lester has planned and I really like the program,” he expressed.

With a stellar high school career, Bessinger demonstrated impressive statistics, completing 333 of 438 passes for 4,313 yards and 53 touchdowns in his senior season. His performance showcases the accuracy and arm strength that solidified his four-star ranking. This skill set meets a pressing need for Iowa’s offense, which currently features dual-threat quarterback Mark Gronowski. Bessinger’s strengths as a pocket passer capable of executing deep throws align perfectly with Lester’s offensive requirements.

Reflecting on his Iowa experience, Bessinger shared, “Everything was great. The general manager was with us the whole entire time and they had a lot of press on us. The fans are unreal there. They fill out the stadium really, really well and everybody seems like they love the place. They genuinely love each other.”

Looking ahead, with Gronowski set to graduate after the 2025-2026 season, Bessinger will compete for the starting quarterback position in 2026. His combination of size, arm talent, and impressive high school production positions him as a leading candidate to guide Iowa’s offense into a promising new era under Coach Lester’s leadership.