Graham Eben Bets on Himself with Iowa

In-State DB Turns Down Scholarships to Walk on with Hawkeyes

Graham Eben is a coach's kid. His father is well coached. 

Curtis Eben played college football at the University of Sioux Falls. Kalen DeBoar was the offensive coordinator. DeBoar led Washington to the national championship game in January before taking over as Alabama's head coach. 

"They still talk. It's crazy," Graham said. "We've been Washington fans on the side. It's a cool connection. "

On the side because they're Iowa fans first. Graham is accepting a preferred walk-on opportunity from the Hawkeyes as a member of the 2024 class. 

Eben (6-1.5, 190) turned down a scholarship offer from South Dakota State, the two-time defending FCS national champions. Eastern Michigan, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota and Lindenwood also offered. 

More opportunities may have arrived had he not committed to Iowa last June. He hasn't looked back. 

"It's an investment in myself. It's what was best for me and what God wanted for me. If I stay consistent, I think I can go down there and make it happen. It's in my control to see what happens and make the most of the opportunity," he said. 

Eben played all around the field for his father at Central Lyon/George-Little Rock. He earned first-team all-state honors at running back after the last two seasons, putting up video game numbers. 

Iowa plans on starting him out on defense. Eben said it could be safety, cash or linebacker depending how he develops physically. 

Eben lined up at safety in high school. He intercepted a team-high three passes and delivered 27 solo tackles last season. 

As of now, he wants to keep his weight at 190 for track season. Whatever happens, happens when he arrives in Iowa City. 

"I'll let them put the weight on me if they want to put the weight on. I'm just going to try to stay athletic and fast for now," he said. 

Eben will be transitioning to college with friendly faces around him. He'll join high school teammates Zach Lutmer and Reece Vander Zee at Iowa. 

They each made the decision that was best for him, but they're glad it worked out. 

"None of us were going to tell each other where to go. It's pretty sweet getting to play with Zach again. Getting to play with him again someday would be really cool for this community and I know it'd be cool for us. That's been a goal we've always had," Eben said. 

The trio led the Lions to a state championship in '22, Lutmer's senior season. This past fall, Eben and Vander Zee guided them back to the title game, where CL/G-LR lost a heartbreaker against Van Meter. 

Eben credits the community for he and his friends being able to reach their goals to date. It's a small, close-knit place. 

"It means everything. The coaches, the people who believed in us. The community is just so supportive. If you need something, they're going to get it done so they can watch you succeed. I think our coaching staff could coach at any level," he said. 

Academics are important at the high school. The Lions are prepared for college. 

"I'm going for business right now, but I'm not really sure that's exactly what I want. I'm majoring in that for now just because there's a lot of variety. I can maybe find something I like within that field," he said. 

The Lion trio raised the total number of D-I athletes in school history to seven, Eben said. The accomplishment said a lot about those guys and the program headed by Curtis Eben. 

"My dad's had a lot going on," Graham said. "For me, we understood that we might have to pay some for college. But he knew that's what I wanted at heart. As an individual wanting to be a better player, a better human, my dad knew this is what's best for me."