Cam Buffington of Winfield, Iowa, joined the Hawkeyes after a decorated high school career at Winfield–Mt. Union High School. His athletic accomplishments include earning four letters each in basketball and track and field, winning a state long jump title, and being named first-team all-district all four years as well as first-team all-state as a senior. Buffington saw action in six games during his redshirt freshman season, recording his first career interception against Minnesota in the 2025–26 season.