Four-star OT Carson Nielsen makes college decision
Four-star offensive tackle Carson Nielsen has made his college decision. The 6-foot-7, 290-pound Waterloo native announced his commitment to the Iowa Hawkeyes tonight after visiting campus again this past weekend. While the latest trip sealed the deal, it was something the lifelong Hawkeye fan has always had in the back of his mind.
“I decided to commit to the University of Iowa,” Nielsen told HawkeyeReport.com. “I always knew it going to be them and I was just kind of ready to be over with the process, especially after my last visit.”
Ranked No. 175 overall in the Class of 2026, Nielsen chose Iowa over scholarship offers from Iowa State, Kansas State, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Penn State, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and North Dakota State. Among the deciding factors was his relationship with the Hawkeye coaching staff and their style of play upfront.
“Coach Barnett and Coach Ferentz led to my choice,” said Nielsen. “Being around them so much and seeing their coaching style was important. Also, just the history of Iowa football and their offensive line play.”
Nielsen, who has impressive sophomore film, is the first commitment for the Hawkeyes in the Class of 2026 and looks forward to recruiting others to join at Iowa in the future.
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“I’m definitely going to start recruiting and do my best to get us a top 20 class for 2026,” Nielsen said.
With the weight of his college decision off his shoulders, Nielsen looks forward to enjoying the rest of his high school career at Waterloo West and is excited about the future that awaits him in Iowa City.
“I feel great just knowing that I made the right decision based off how my family and I have been treated,” said Nielsen. “Now, I’m just excited to be a Hawkeye and can’t wait to get down there after I graduate.”
