University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Panther men’s basketball adds three on early signing day
11/12/2025 12:19:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UNI signs trio from Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin to 2026 recruiting class.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The UNI men's basketball program and head coach Ben Jacobson on Wednesday announced the signing of three high school athletes to its 2026 recruiting class as part of early signing day.
The 2026 signing class includes a trio of players in three-star product Zavier Zens out of Wisconsin, Missouri All-State performer Jordan Boyd and Cedar Falls product and Iowa All-State standout Will Gerdes.
"We are excited to officially welcome Zavier, Jordan and Will to our program," said Jacobson. "It has been a blast getting to know each of them and their families. Our priority remains with the recruitment of high school players. The formula is good young guys from great families with a high skill level and competitive spirit. We are confident that we have added three young men that fit perfectly! They have also been very successful in the classroom and have done a tremendous amount of winning on the court. Their impact in both areas will be very positive for our program. We can't wait to get them here in June!"
ZAVIER ZENS - Milwaukee, Wisc. (Wisconsin Lutheran HS) - 6' 6" / Guard/Forward
Ranked as PrepHoops.com's top ranked player in Wisconsin in the 2026 recruiting class, Zens is a three-star product at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee under head coach Ryan Walz. A First Team All-State selection and the 2025 Woodland West Conference Player of the Year, Zens is a two-time state champion with the Vikings, notably contributing to the Wisconsin Lutherans' undefeated state title run in 2024 as a sophomore. Leading the entire state in three-point shooting percentage last season (51%), he recorded 22.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game as a junior last year while recording a 75.9% efficiency rating en route to another state championship.
"Zavier can play about everywhere on the basketball court," Jacobson said. "His size, versatility, skill and feel for the game allow him to impact winning in so many different ways. We're excited to move him around our offense as he has a unique ability to make the game easier for his teammates. Zavier has always been a highly efficient player on both ends as well. He lives in the gym and will add to the work ethic and program culture from day one."
Zens is the son of Greg Zens and Kami Davis.
JORDAN BOYD- St. Louis, Mo. (De Smet Jesuit HS) - 6' 4" / Guard
Hailing from the greater St. Louis area, Boyd signs with the Panthers heading into his senior season at De Smet Jesuit High School under head coach and former Southern Illinois standout and Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame guard Kent Williams. An All-State, All-District and First Team All-Metro Catholic Conference (MCC) performer last season, Boyd helped lead the Spartans to back-to-back league championships in 2024 and 2025, as well as a Missouri Class 5 state title as a sophomore. Boasting a career record of 52-9, he averaged 13.3 points and 6.2 rebounds last season while shooting 67% from the field, 35% from beyond the arc and 80% from the free throw line.
"Jordan is a super efficient, big guard that impacts winning in all kinds of ways," Jacobson said. "He plays the game with great passion and enthusiasm. He beats people to rebounds and loose balls and defends really hard. Jordan's numbers offensively have been pretty special with 67% from the field and 80% from the line. We're excited about his impact on that end of the floor. His energy and toughness will immediately be felt by our program and appreciated by Panther Nation."
Boyd is the son of Lori Kreuiter.
WILL GERDES - Cedar Falls, Iowa (Cedar Falls HS) - 6' 8" / Forward
Signing just down the street from the McLeod Center, Gerdes joins the Panthers' 2026 signing class as he heads into his senior year at Cedar Falls High School under head coach Ryan Schultz. A team captain and All-State performer for the Tigers, Gerdes was named the Mississippi Valley Conference's (MVC) Divisional Player of the Year in 2025, along with All-Substate Team, All-Conference and All-Metro honors while averaging 16.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal per game in Cedar Falls' run to the state semifinals. As a sophomore, he notched 12 points, four boards, 1.5 assists, one block and one steal per game, while leading the Tigers on 70% shooting from the field and a 72% efficiency rating, earning All-Substate, All-Conference and All-Metro recognition en route to a state tournament berth.
"Will's skill level fits perfectly with the way we play at the offensive end of the floor," said Jacobson. "He is going to excel in the pick and roll and dribble pitch opportunities both as a passer and a scorer. Will is also very efficient and touches every aspect of the game. We are excited about his ability to make everyone around him better and feel like he is just getting started as a basketball player. Can't wait to have Will in a Panther uniform!"
Gerdes is the son of Brian and Michele Gerdes.
UNI men's basketball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Men's Basketball), X (@UNImbb) and on Instagram (@uni_basketball). The full 2025-26 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
