Central Michigan DL transfer Jonah Pace is committed to Iowa football

IOWA CITY – Iowa football has added a new piece to its defense.

Central Michigan defensive line transfer Jonah Pace has committed to Iowa, he announced Monday. He is eligible to play for one more season.

Pace recorded 34 total tackles, including four sacks, at Central Michigan this season. In his career with the Chippewas, Pace totaled 55 tackles, including 12 for losses, as well as one forced fumble. He is listed as being 6 feet tall and weighing 285 pounds.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Pace was a 3-star prospect out of Marengo High School in Illinois. He received offers from Central Michigan, Murray State and Western Illinois, among others.

After four seasons at Central Michigan, including a redshirt, Pace decided to enter the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility.

“The many great memories I made as a student-athlete here at CMU will always be a part of me. I’m excited to see what new opportunities lie ahead,” Pace said via social media in early December.

Now Pace is ready to bolster an Iowa defensive group that will endure some changes before the 2025 season. The Hawkeyes are expected to lose two defensive line starters this season – Yahya Black and Deontae Craig.

But two 2024 starters are also expected to return: Ethan Hurkett and Aaron Graves. Hurkett led Iowa in sacks in 12 games. Iowa could also bring in key backup defensive line players, including Max Llewellyn and Brian Allen. Highly touted 2025 Hawkeye Iose Epenesa could also come in as a true freshman.

Iowa has been actively targeting defensive linemen in the transfer portal. The Hawkeyes previously missed out on Northwest Missouri State defensive end Langden Kitchen, who committed to Missouri.

Pace and former Auburn quarterback Hank Brown are Iowa’s two previous commitments in the transfer portal cycle.

Brown, who appeared in five games during his career with the Tigers, including two starts, committed to Iowa on Friday. In his career at Auburn, Brown completed 34 of 52 passes (65.4%) for 535 yards with six touchdowns and three picks.

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