2026 in-state forward hearing from Hawkeyes

Since arriving in Iowa City, Fran McCaffery has always placed a high value on recruiting the top in-state talent to play for the Hawkeyes. He’s done that and landed several of the top players in the state who have become key figures and contributors in the program.

In the Class of 2026, McCaffery and his staff are keeping a close eye on forward Will Gerdes from Cedar Falls. The 6-foot-8 forward played a significant role as sophomore on his high school team, averaging a team high 12 points per game, while also hauling down 4 boards a contest.

“Overall my high school season was good,” he said. “We have a really talented team and played about ten guys. I got a good amount of playing time and led the team in scoring off the bench.”

This spring, Gerdes has been busy on the AAU circuit playing for the Iowa Barnstormers. His squad has had impressive results traveling around the Midwest and Gerdes has been playing well.

“It has been good this spring with the Barnstormers. Last year we were kind of small, so this year we added some more size, which is great.”

Playing on the AAU circuit also means playing in front of college coaches and that is something Gerdes has been looking forward to do.

“I want to pick up a few more offers and continue to get better.”

So far, Gerdes has been offered by Nebraska and Bryant. The offer from the Cornhuskers came last fall and was somewhat of a surprise.

“That one was unexpected,” he said. “I got it in November last year and then I went on a visit there. They were really nice and a good coaching staff. I usually talk to them regularly.”

Beyond those two schools, Gerdes is also hearing from all three in-state schools. He has been in touch with Northern Iowa on a regular basis. He made a visit last year to Iowa State, while the Hawkeyes continue to ramp up their efforts with a couple of visits to Iowa City.

“I grew up an Iowa fan, so it’s been cool to be recruited by them. Iowa has been up to watch a couple of open gyms at my high school. We talked to them at some of the games we went to.”

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