Iowa lands commitment from Top-100 OL Gene Riordan adding to Top-25 recruiting class

Hinsdale (Iowa) Central On300 offensive lineman Gene Riordan tells On3 he has committed to Iowa, giving head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff a commitment from one of their most coveted targets in the 2026 cycle.

The four-star Riordan chose to play for the Hawkeyes over the likes of Auburn, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa State, Penn State and Oklahoma among others.

“The culture within the program and the continued success of the team,” Riordan said. “The players and staff are very personable and I see myself fitting in well. The coaching consistency and the ability to develop offensive linemen are also fantastic qualities.

“Overall, holds the same values I do, and I feel I will reach my greatest potential as a Hawkeye.”

Riordan has always spoken highly about Iowa.

“What really excites me about the Hawkeyes is the consistent success as a program, along with the unity they play with as a team,” Riordan recently said. “One moment I thought was special was walking out at the Wisconsin game, an hour before kick off, and feeling the energy of Kinnick at night. The engagement from the fans and the culture surrounding the team is fantastic. You can tell what Iowa football means to the state of Iowa. Then, being able to introduce myself to an offensive line legend, Marshal Yanda. Hearing why he loves being a Hawkeye and what it means to him. 

“I believe they would be a great fit for me because of the connection I feel the offensive line room has, also the leadership and commitment to developing me as player and a young man from Coach (George) Barnett and Coach Ferentz.”

Iowa putting together one of the top offensive line classes in the country

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound Riordan becomes commit No. 9 for Iowa in the 2026 class adding to a haul that previously ranked No. 25 nationally.

The On3 Industry tabs Riordan as the nation’s No. 19 interior offensive lineman and No. 261 prospect overall. We are higher on Riordan at On3 tabbing him the No. 1 player in the state, No. 5 interior offensive lineman in the land and No. 67 player overall.

Iowa is putting together one of the best offensive line hauls in the land as Riordan joins fellow four-stars in Hudson Parliament and Carson Nielsen along with two more they love in Owen Linder and Colin Whitters.

For a link to the Iowa class with Riordan in the fold click here.