Top Recruit Paul Kenny Set for Official Visit to Iowa Hawkeyes
The University of Iowa Hawkeyes are preparing for a crucial recruiting weekend as Paul Kenny, a top high school wrestling prospect, confirms his official visit. Kenny, a standout junior from Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey, holds the #12 national ranking and is positioned as #2 in the country at 126 pounds, according to MatScouts. His visit is highly anticipated as he represents one of the most sought-after talents in the Class of 2027.
Kenny’s upcoming visit to Iowa City follows official visits to prestigious programs such as Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Nebraska. The announcement was made by insider Ross Bartachek, who shared the news via his social media account. Bartachek noted that this weekend will be significant for the Hawkeyes in their pursuit of elite talent.
Hawkeyes Pursue Wrestling Excellence
The Iowa wrestling program, under the leadership of head coach Tom Brands, has maintained its reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate wrestling for over a decade. The Hawkeyes have consistently led the nation in attendance for wrestling events, underscoring their appeal to top prospects like Kenny.
Kenny’s credentials are impressive, having won the U17 World Championship in 2023 at 48 kilograms in Istanbul, Turkey. He showcased his exceptional defensive abilities during the championship match, narrowly defeating Japan’s Yamato Furusawa 1-1 on criteria. Additionally, he claimed the NJSIAA state championship at 120 pounds in March 2025, becoming only the third individual state champion in Christian Brothers Academy history. This achievement places him alongside notable alumni, including Olympic bronze medalist Sebastian Rivera.
After his historic state victory, Kenny expressed his determination to succeed for his coaches and the academy, stating, “I proved to myself that I can get a state championship for CBA and for my coaches. I really wanted to get it for them so bad, and I did it.”
Kenny’s recent performance at the Who’s Number One event on October 11, 2023, in Coralville, Iowa, further highlighted his abilities. He faced top-ranked Antonio Mills of Georgia in a thrilling 126-pound match, narrowly losing 7-6 in a contest that showcased both wrestlers’ talents.
Future Decisions for Paul Kenny
With significant accomplishments and a notable win-loss record, Kenny has emerged as a priority recruit for college wrestling programs across the nation. His decision-making process will ultimately revolve around finding a program that aligns with his athletic and academic aspirations. With two more years of high school competition ahead, he has ample time to weigh his options for collegiate wrestling.
Iowa recently added another highly-rated recruit to its roster, securing a commitment from Sonny Amato of Rumson-Fair Haven, New Jersey, who is ranked #3 in the Class of 2027. The Hawkeyes continue to strengthen their recruiting efforts to maintain their elite status in college wrestling.
As Paul Kenny prepares for his visit to Iowa, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this promising young athlete’s journey unfolds in the coming months.
