It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Beacon, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I”
“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care”
“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all”
“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable”
“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I am so thankful for her choice to help me! Thank you! #CertPrint #AlwaysBestCare”
“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”
“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”
“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Beacon, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Beacon, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Beacon, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Transfer portal season is upon us (again) for football and Iowa is expected to be active participant in the portal. Several players have already entered the portal and Iowa will be looking to add players at a few positions, particularly left tackle and cornerback.The spring transfer portal officially opens on April 16, 2025, and remains open for players to enter through April 25, 2025. Note that the April 25 deadline is only for players entering the portal -...
Transfer portal season is upon us (again) for football and Iowa is expected to be active participant in the portal. Several players have already entered the portal and Iowa will be looking to add players at a few positions, particularly left tackle and cornerback.
The spring transfer portal officially opens on April 16, 2025, and remains open for players to enter through April 25, 2025. Note that the April 25 deadline is only for players entering the portal -- players already in the portal at that time can exit the portal at any time.
We'll update this post regularly over the next few weeks with all the portal activity impacting Iowa -- new players joining the program and current players departing the team.
UPDATED: April 28, 2025
Advertisement
Jeremy Hecklinski | Fr | 6'0" | 185 lbs | Quarterback
Hecklinski, a 6'0", 185 lb freshman quarterback, comes to Iowa after a season at Wake Forest. Hecklinski saw very limited action (just three snaps) as a freshman for the Demon Deacons but opted to enter the portal after Dave Clawson, his head coach at Wake Forest, resigned following the 2024-25 season.
A prolific high school passer at Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia, Hecklinski committed to Iowa on April 23 and has four years of eligibility remaining.
READ MORE:
COMMIT: Iowa Lands Wake Forest Transfer QB Jeremy Hecklinski
Three Thoughts on Jeremy Hecklinski Transferring to Iowa
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Bryant Worrell | Sr | 6'2" | 225 lbs | Long Snapper
Worrell, a 6'2", 225 lb long snapper, comes to Iowa from Boston College, though he began his career at Old Dominion and Division II Emory & Hunt College. Worrell transferred to BC last season and played all 13 games for the Eagles, handling all deep-snapping responsibilities. He'll be expected to do the same at Iowa this fall.
Worrell committed to Iowa on April 20 and has one year of eligibility remaining.
READ MORE:
COMMIT: Iowa Adds Long Snapper Bryant Worrell From Transfer Portal
Worrell Talks Commitment: "The Fans Care About a Long Snapper"
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Bryce George | Jr | 6'5" | 314 lbs | Offensive Tackle
George, a 6'5", 314 lb mauler on the offensive line, arrives at Iowa after a decorated career at Division II Ferris State. George was a two-time All-GLIAC First-Team selection at Ferris State, as well as a Division II All-American who contributed to the Bulldogs winning three of the last four Division II national championships.
While George played right tackle at Ferris State, he's likely to move to left tackle at Iowa. He committed to Iowa on April 18 and has one year of eligibility remaining.
READ MORE:
COMMIT: Iowa Adds Portal OT Bryce George
Three Thoughts on the Commitment of Bryce George
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Kahlil Tate | So | 5'11" | 197 lbs | Defensive Back
Tate, a sophomore defensive back from Kenwood Academy in Chicago, Illinois, was a highly-touted prospect, selecting Iowa over reported offers from Michigan, Penn State, Oregon, and more. That did not translate into immediate playing time at Iowa, though -- Tate did not record any game action in 2023 or 2024.
Tate entered the transfer portal on April 16 and has three years of eligibility remaining.
READ MORE:
Sophomore DB Kahlil Tate Enters Transfer Portal
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Brendan Sullivan | Sr | 6'4" | 220 lbs | Quarterback
Sullivan, who arrived at Iowa out of the transfer portal from Northwestern just 11 months ago, re-entered the portal in mid-April. Sullivan played in 10 games during the 2024 season at Iowa, starting three. He completed 38 of 53 passes (71.7%) for 475 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions, while also adding 150 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 47 touches.
Despite his status as a returning starter at quarterback, Iowa's addition of South Dakota State star Mark Gronowski out of the transfer portal cast significant doubt on Sullivan's role and playing time in 2025. He entered the transfer portal on April 11 and has one year of eligibility remaining. He signed with Tulane out of the portal on April 24.
READ MORE:
Brendan Sullivan Enters Transfer Portal
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Joey VanWetzinga | Fr | 6'2" | 255 lbs | Defensive Lineman
One of the earlier portal entries in a career that we've seen at Iowa (or anywhere), VanWetzinga verbally committed to Iowa on July 1, 2023 and officially signed with the Hawkeyes last December. VanWetzinga enrolled at Iowa early for the spring 2025 semester, but opted to enter the portal early in spring practice. He leaves Iowa after just four months in the program.
Rusty VanWetzinga, Joey's older brother, was a walk-on fullback at Iowa and entered the transfer portal in December. Joey VanWetzinga entered the transfer portal on April 10 and has four years of eligibility remaining.
On April 27, Joey VanWetzinga committed to Central Michigan.
READ MORE:
Joey VanWetzinga Enters Transfer Portal
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Gavin Hoffman | Fr (RS) | 6'5" | 237 lbs | Tight End
Hoffman, a highly-touted freshman tight end, arrived at Iowa as a high three-star prospect with a list of offers that included multiple Power 4 programs (including Auburn, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Nebraska, and more). Hoffman did not see any game action during the 2024 season and used a redshirt.
Hoffman entered the portal on April 3 and has four years of eligibility remaining. He committed to Missouri out of the portal on April 18.
READ MORE:
Freshman Tight End Gavin Hoffman to Enter Transfer Portal
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
John Nestor |So | 5'11" | 196 lbs | Defensive Back
Nestor, a sophomore defensive back, arrived at Iowa as a 3-star recruit out of Marist High School in Chicago, Illinois. He made himself a fixture on special teams coverage units. saw action in 10 games as a freshman in 2023 and recorded a pair of tackles. Nestor also saw the field in 10 games in 2024, resuming his role on coverage units and also seeing the field on defense at times; he recorded 14 total tackles and also recovered a muffed punt in Iowa's 13-10 win over Nebraska.
Those cameo appearances did not translate into a starting role at defensive back or an improved spot on the defensive back depth chart ahead of Iowa's 2025 spring practice sessions. Nestor entered the transfer portal on March 25 and has three years of eligibility remaining. He committed to Minnesota on April 20.
READ MORE:
John Nestor to Enter Transfer Portal
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Like what you see? Want to know more?
Over the last week, the Iowa men's basketball roster has been filled with Drake transfers that have followed Ben McCollum to Iowa City. Along with retaining Cooper Koch, the Hawkeyes have officially signed the likes of Bennett Stirtz, ...
Over the last week, the Iowa men's basketball roster has been filled with Drake transfers that have followed Ben McCollum to Iowa City. Along with retaining Cooper Koch, the Hawkeyes have officially signed the likes of Bennett Stirtz, Cam Manyawu, Kael Combs, Isaia Howard and Tavion Banks.
Though Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Champions posted an overall record of 31-4 and just one loss to high-major competition, turning the successes of the Bulldogs' year at Drake won't easily come in the Big Ten without more talent. In addition to Honor Huff, who was recently reported to be in line to Zoom with the Iowa staff, the Hawkeyes have hosted another visitor and appears to be in competition with other Big Ten school to land a portal guard.
Let's take a look at each target and the factors going into their respective recruitments.
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Subscribe to read more.
Unlock Premium news from the largest network of experts.
Say your piece in exclusive fan communities.
Dominate with stats, athlete data, Rivals250 rankings, and more.
Drake transfer forward Tavion Banks has signed with Iowa out of the transfer portal.A JUCO transfer last year, Banks averaged 10.1 points and five rebounds per game this season, on his way to being named the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Sixth Man of the Year.AdvertisementEmbed content not available...
Drake transfer forward Tavion Banks has signed with Iowa out of the transfer portal.
A JUCO transfer last year, Banks averaged 10.1 points and five rebounds per game this season, on his way to being named the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Sixth Man of the Year.
Advertisement
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Coming off the bench behind starting center Cam Manyawu, Banks was forced to play bigger than his 6'7", 200-pound size in the front court. As athletically gifted as anyone else in the MVC, Banks made up for his lack of height with his strength, effort and explosive, playmaking abilities around the rim.
Banks will likely be in a reserve role for the Hawkeyes, coming off the bench as a spark plug-type player who can do the dirty work. Otherwise, in the best case scenario, Banks will have an opportunity to start as the small forward or power forward positions for the Hawkeyes. If he's able to grow as a shooter and ball-handler, he has the potential to play more of the small forward role.
Either way, he should be impactful right away as a defender and rebounder in Iowa City.
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Prior to arriving at Drake, Banks was a highly-recruited JUCO player out of Northwest Florida State College. As a freshman, Banks put up 9.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest, as the Raiders fell in the championship game of the NJCAA Division I Tournament. In year two, Banks averaged 10.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in 32 starts, leading Raiders to the quarterfinal round of 2024 NJCAA Division I Basketball Championship.
He received offers from Iowa State, Xavier, Saint Louis and George Mason in addition to Drake. Prior to playing college ball, he played at Minnesota Preparatory Academy.
Given the fact that he played two years at the JUCO level, Banks may have three years of eligibility left, depending on NCAA and court rulings regarding junior college players being given four years of eligibility following their time at the JUCO ranks. If those rules don't change, he will have one year of eligibility remaining.
READ MORE:
Transfer Portal Target Breakdown: Tavion Banks
Tavion Banks Talks Commitment, Mentality: "I Love to Play Defense"
The 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up on Saturday; all told five former Iowa players heard their names called over the course of seven rounds and 257 picks.Kaleb Johnson Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL DraftYahya Black Drafted by the Pittsburgh Ste...
The 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up on Saturday; all told five former Iowa players heard their names called over the course of seven rounds and 257 picks.
Kaleb Johnson Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft
Yahya Black Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft
Mason Richman Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL Draft
Connor Colby Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2025 NFL Draft
Luke Lachey Drafted by the Houston Texans in the 2025 NFL Draft
Four other Hawkeyes signed free agent contracts with teams after the draft concluded.
Advertisement
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
The heart and soul of Iowa's defense for the last two seasons, Jay Higgins was a tackling machine and team leader for the Hawkeye defense. Now he's taking his talents to the next level.
Middle linebacker Jack Campbell get drafted 18th overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft -- and the Hawkeye defense did not miss a beat with Jay Higgins stepping into Campbell's shoes. Over the last two years, Higgins racked up 295 tackles, including a staggering 171 stops in 2023. Higgins had nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, nine passes broken up, five interceptions, and three forced fumbles over the past two seasons.
Higgins earned first-team All-America honors in 2023 and was named Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and a unanimous All-American in 2024 after those tremendously productive campaigns.
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Aside from TE and OL, the position that Iowa sends to the NFL more than any other is defensive back. The latest secondary star ready to trade Iowa City for the NFL is Sebastian Castro.
Castro was the next man in at the strong safety and "cash" (a hybrid linebacker/slot cornerback position in Iowa's 4-2-5 defensive scheme) positions, following in the footsteps of several recent NFL Draft picks, including Geno Stone, Dane Belton, and Amani Hooker. A reliable presence in Iowa's secondary, Castro started in 32 of 53 games at Iowa, including starts in 25 games over the past two seasons.
2023 was Castro's best season at Iowa, as he finished with 67 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 8 pass breakups, three interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble. He earned All-Big Ten second and All-America third team recognition for those accomplishments. For his career, Castro racked up 163 tackles (14 tackles for loss), 14 pass breakups, four interceptions, two sacks, and five forced fumbles.
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Long snapper is an under-the-radar position, but it's a vital part of most successful kicking plays on special teams.
Luke Elkin formed a reliable kicking battery with Tory Taylor (and Rhys Dakin last year) and Drew Stevens in recent years. For the last four seasons, Iowa had Elkin at long snapper, handling all of the deep-snapping responsibilities for every punt, field goal attempt, and extra point try.
Elkin will look to follow in the path of another former long snapper at Iowa, Casey Kreiter. Kreiter has carved out a decade-long NFL career, playing for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants since his college career in Iowa City wrapped up.
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
A multi-year starter at cornerback, Jermari Harris is the latest member of DB U to head from Iowa to the NFL.
Harris was a three-year starter at Iowa, appearing in 42 games over five seasons and starting in 28 of of those games, including 22 over the past two seasons. Harris totaled 105 tackles during his Iowa career, including 3.5 tackles for loss. He was effective in pass coverage as well, with 19 pass breakups and eight career interceptions, including four in 2022 and three in 2024.
At times, Harris' career at Iowa was stop-start, as he missed two games due to a gambling-related suspension and missed all of the 2022 season due to an arm injury. Harris returned from that injury to play at a high level in 2023 and 2024, emerging as Iowa's top cover corner last fall.
Nick Jackson received a rookie mini-camp invitation from the Baltimore Ravens.
Quinn Schulte received a rookie mini-camp invitation from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Iowa has landed the commitment of South Dakota transfer defensive back, Shahid Barros out of the portal.Barros, who spent four years in Vermillion, has one year of eligibility remaining.AdvertisementEmbed content not available...
Iowa has landed the commitment of South Dakota transfer defensive back, Shahid Barros out of the portal.
Barros, who spent four years in Vermillion, has one year of eligibility remaining.
Advertisement
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
An uber productive defensive back for the Coyotes the last two seasons, Barros finished his junior season with 41 tackles, four pass-breakups (PBUs), a sack and an interception. As a sophomore, Barros recorded 49 tackles, four PBUs, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack.
As one can see in the attached videos, each of Barros' interceptions during his sophomore campaign came against two FCS quarterbacks that transferred up to the Power 4 level for their final year of eligibility. First is Tommy Schuster, who moved from North Dakota to Michigan State last season, and the second -- believe it or not -- came against Mark Gronowski, who transferred from South Dakota State to Iowa this winter.
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Barros played in just eight games as a redshirt-freshman, registering four PBUs, ten tackles and a tackle-for-loss. He played in four games his freshman season in order to maintain a redshirt, registering just one tackle.
A product of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Barros posted nine interceptions including a pick-six on the defensive side of the ball to go with 56 tackles and two forced fumbles in high school before spending a prep year at St. Thomas More High School in Montville, Connecticut. The season he played at St. Thomas More, the head coach of the football program was current Iowa director of player development, Jason Manson.
Embed content not availableManage privacy settings
Barros is the third spring portal commitment for the Hawkeyes, following Division II Ferris State OT, Bryce George and Wake Forest quarterback, Jeremy Hecklinski.
READ MORE:
Transfer Portal Target Breakdown: Shahid Barros
877-292-2126
