(Iowa City, IA) — The Iowa Hawkeye’s men’s wrestling program landed not one but two huge recruits for the freshman Class of 2027 this past weekend. On Sunday, Juniors Paul Kenny and Joey Bachmann both announced their commitments to the University of Iowa on a national podcast show.
Kenny is from Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, New Jersey south of New York City and won the under 17 World Championship in 2023. Kenny then won the 2025 New Jersey state title at 120 pounds and became just the third wrestler from his high school to win a state championship. Kenny ranks 8th overall and 2nd at 120 pounds for national wrestling recruits.
Bachmann attends Faith Christian Academy in Quakertown, PA north of Philadelphia. He is a two time under 17 World medalist; he won the Super 32 national title and won two state titles. Bachmann’s record the last two years is 83-2.
Hawkeyes on Sports Illustrated says that Kenny and Bachmann both join an already loaded 2027 class that includes Sonny Amato (ranked fourth nationally at 150 pounds), Dawson Youngblut (ranked 29th), and Israel Borge (ranked 11th). In addition, Kenny’s younger brother Sean is a highly ranked wrestler for the freshman Class of 2028 and will join his brother at Iowa.
The current Iowa Hawkeye team is ranked #3 in the nation and beat Bellarmine 40-0 in their opener last Thursday. The Hawkeyes compete in the National Duals this weekend in Tulsa, OK — they wrestle Iowa St. on Sunday November 30.
