The University of Iowa football program welcomed a slew of official visitors last weekend and continues its recruitment drive for the class of 2025. New England cornerback CJ Bell announced via social media on Monday afternoon that he will likely commit to the University of Iowa.
Bell became the 11th player to verbally commit from Iowa this cycle. He joined fellow weekend visitors Cameron Herron and Lucas Allgaier in announcing their commitments on Sunday.
In late May, the 6-foot-2, 168-pound Bell released a list of his top schools of choice, which included Iowa, Notre Dame, Penn State, Minnesota, Boston College, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Rutgers and North Carolina State. Bell took official visits to both the Hawkeyes and Rutgers before making his decision.
According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Bell is the 81st-best cornerback in the nation in 2025 and the No. 8 player overall in his class in the state of Connecticut. The 247Sports Composite Rankings have him as the No. 96 player at his position and the No. 12 player in the state this cycle.
Bell shines in his junior highlight video, and his height and long arms help him lock down receivers, as do his smooth hip movement and natural feel for the position.
2025 Iowa Oral Commitment
Joey VanWetzinga (OL/DL, Pleasant Valley)
Burke Gocher (LB, Illinois)
Carson Cooney (LB, Illinois)
Jimmy Sullivan (QB, Indiana)
Eli Johnson (TE, Wisconsin)
Drew McPherson (S, Illinois)
Mason Woods (TE, Iowa City West)
Cameron Herron (OL, Indiana)
Thomas Meyer (TE, Clear Lake)
CJ Bell (CB, Connecticut)
Lucas Allgaier (OL, St. Louis)
