IOWA CITY, Iowa — Coach Kirk Ferentz, now in his 28th year at the University of Iowa, is confronting a steep learning curve as the Hawkeyes begin a challenging Big Ten schedule. After seven players were selected in the NFL draft, the team must rely on a mix of returning talent and incoming transfers to remain competitive.
Key games on the horizon
The Hawkeyes open conference play on the road at Michigan on Sept. 26, return home to host Ohio State on Oct. 3, and travel to Washington on Oct. 9. Those three matchups represent the toughest stretch of the season, and Iowa hopes its depth will keep the team in contention for another bowl appearance.
Offensive outlook
Running back Kamari Moulton led the 2025 squad with 878 rushing yards and will aim to become Iowa’s first 1,000‑yard rusher in two seasons. Backup Xavier Williams, who logged 285 yards last year, is expected to see an increased workload.
Tight end DJ Vonnahme was the team’s top receiver last season, catching 29 passes for 434 yards and three touchdowns. He finished the year with a strong performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl, hauling in seven catches for 146 yards. Addison Ostrenga, who missed most of 2025 with an injury, is slated to return healthy and provide a reliable second tight‑end option.
New faces on the roster
Transfer wide receiver Tony Diaz, arriving from UTRGV, was among the FCS leaders with 11 receiving touchdowns and earned praise from Ferentz early in camp. Transfer running back LJ Phillips, the former South Dakota standout who rushed for 1,921 yards and 19 touchdowns, adds further depth to the backfield.
Kicker Eli Ozick, a transfer from North Dakota State, was a second‑team All‑American in the FCS after converting 16 of 18 field‑goal attempts, including a streak of 11 straight makes.
Defensive challenges
Iowa’s defensive line is undergoing a complete overhaul. All four starters and two key backups have departed, leaving gaps left by former pass‑rushers Ethan Hurkett (8 sacks), Max Llewellyn (6.5 sacks) and Aaron Graves (5 sacks). New linemen will need to step up quickly to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Quarterback competition
The quarterback room remains unsettled. Backups Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski are battling for the starting role. Brown saw limited action, playing 55 snaps before disappearing after the fifth game of last season, while Hecklinski recorded nine snaps across two games.
Special teams in transition
Special teams, traditionally a strength for Iowa, will see turnover at kicker, punter and return positions. The coaching staff is evaluating several candidates to fill those roles before the season opener.
Looking ahead
Despite the roster turnover, Ferentz believes the Hawkeyes possess enough talent to win eight or nine games and secure a 13th straight bowl appearance, not counting the pandemic‑affected 2020 season. The early part of the schedule will be a true test of the team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
