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Iowa Football: An Early Look at Oregon

2025-08-04T07:00:00-05:00

Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Can Dan Lanning lead the Ducks to back-to-back B1G Championships?

Only 4 weeks until the 2025 CFB season kicks off for the Hawks, hard to believe that summer has burned by this quickly (especially as we gear up to take junior off to his freshman year at ASU).

Today we turn our attention to a team that represents everything Iowa could be if we had a little more flash, a little more recruiting firepower, and, most importantly, a Nike co-founder writing the checks – the Oregon Ducks, who will be paying their first visit to Iowa City since 1989 (which resulted in a 44-6 drubbing by the visiting water-fowl). Oregon, over the last two decades, is the kind of program that just finds ways to win the games they’re supposed to win.

The Schedule
Week 1: Saturday, August 30 vs Albany
Week 2: Saturday, September 6 at Iowa State
Week 3: Saturday, September 13 vs UMass
Week 4: Saturday, September 20 at Rutgers
Week 5: Saturday, September 27 vs Indiana
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Saturday, October 11 at Wisconsin
Week 8: Saturday, October 18 vs Penn State
Week 9: Saturday, October 25 vs Minnesota
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: Saturday, November 8 vs Oregon
Week 12: Saturday, November 15 at USC
Week 13: Saturday, November 22 vs Michigan State
Week 14: Friday, November 28 at Nebraska

Series History

Oregon leads the all-time series 2-1, with the last matchup taking place on September 24, 1994, when the Ducks defeated Iowa 40-18. The first meeting between these programs came on October 29, 1949, with Iowa taking a 34-31 victory. Oregon got their revenge in spectacular fashion during the 1989 season, crushing Iowa 44-6 in what stands as the largest margin of victory in the series. That 1994 meeting represented Iowa’s transition period between the Fry glory years and the Kirk Ferentz era that would define my adult fandom. If you’re keeping score, Iowa has been outscored 84-24 in our last two meetings, which kind of tracks.

What’s fascinating about this series is how infrequently these programs have met despite both being major conference powers for decades. Oregon’s rise under Dan Lanning mirrors what Iowa could accomplish with more aggressive recruiting and, let’s be honest, about $50 million more in NIL funding.

Coaching Staff

Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images

Head Coach: Dan Lanning (4th season at Oregon, 35-6 overall record)
Offensive Coordinator: Will Stein (3rd season, leads nation in scoring offense over last three seasons at 39.3 PPG)
Defensive Coordinator: Tosh Lupoi (4th season, former NFL assistant)

Lanning signed a contract extension in March 2025 that keeps him in Eugene through the 2030 season, which tells you everything about Oregon’s commitment to stability. At 38 years old, Lanning represents the new prototype of a bigtime CFB head coach – young, energetic, and unafraid to embrace the transfer portal era. His 35-6 record through three seasons is the best start by any Oregon coach in program history.

Oregon has also retained coordinators Will Stein and Tosh Lupoi, with both receiving contract extensions. In an era where successful coordinators get poached faster than you can say “Tim Lester,” Oregon’s ability to keep this staff together speaks to both their financial commitment and Lanning’s leadership.

Previous Season Results

Overall: 13-1
Conference: 9-0 (Big Ten Champions)

Oregon completed their first season in the Big Ten with a perfect regular season, defeating Penn State 45-37 in the Big Ten Championship Game to secure the #1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The Ducks’ dominance was historic – it marked the first time in program history that Oregon reached 13-0 and was their first undefeated regular season since 2010. Their season came to a crushing end in the Rose Bowl, where Ohio State defeated Oregon 41-21 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.

Offensively, Oregon ranked second nationally in total offense (531.4 yards per game) and second in scoring offense (44.2 points per game). Defensively, they allowed just 16.5 points per game (9th nationally) and 318.4 total yards per game (22nd nationally).

Key Departures

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

QB Dillon Gabriel (Graduated) - Selected by Cleveland Browns in Round 4, Pick 83 - Career leader in college football total touchdowns, Heisman Trophy finalist

DT Derrick Harmon (Junior) - Round 1, Pick 21 (Pittsburgh Steelers) - First-team All-Big Ten, program’s best interior defender

OT Josh Conerly Jr. (Junior) - Round 1, Pick 29 (Washington Commanders) - Joe Moore Award finalist, two-year starter

WR Tez Johnson (Senior) - Round 7, Pick 235 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - Oregon’s single-season receptions record holder (86 in 2023, 83 in 2024)

TE Terrance Ferguson (Senior) - Round 3, Pick 74 (Los Angeles Rams) - 43 receptions, 591 yards, 3 TDs in 2024

RB Jordan James (Junior) - Round 5, Pick 147 (San Francisco 49ers) - 1,000+ yard rusher

DE Jordan Burch (Senior) - Round 3, Pick 89 (Arizona Cardinals) - Transferred from South Carolina, dominant pass rusher

Oregon lost 10 players to the NFL Draft, a number that could cripple most programs, but just like the rest of the top teams, Oregon gets to reload instead of rebuilding, but that’s still a staggering amount of talent walking out the door.

Key Returners

Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images

QB Dante Moore (Sophomore) - UCLA transfer who served as Oregon’s backup in 2024, already emerged as an early favorite for the 2025 Heisman Trophy

WR Evan Stewart (Junior) - 48 receptions, 613 yards, 5 TDs in 2024, but recently suffered a knee injury that may sideline him for significant time

LB Matayo Uiagalelei (Sophomore) - Conference sack leader returning for what will likely be his final CFB season

LB Bryce Boettcher (Senior) - Senior inside linebacker expected to anchor the defense

The quarterback situation intrigues me the most. Moore was originally a five-star Oregon commit who spent his freshman season at UCLA under Chip Kelly before returning to the fold in Eugene. Having sat behind Gabriel for a season, he’s positioned to take over an explosive offense that returns most of its infrastructure.

Transfer Portal/New Additions

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Oregon’s 2025 transfer portal class ranks No. 3 nationally, headlined by several impact additions:

RB Makhi Hughes (Tulane) - Ranked No. 1 running back in the transfer portal, $1.1 million NIL valuation

S Dillon Thieneman (Purdue) - Ranked No. 4 overall transfer portal prospect

OT Isaiah World (Nevada) - Top offensive tackle in the portal, expected first-round NFL talent

WR Malik Benson (Alabama/Florida State) - High-profile receiver addition

DT Bear Alexander (USC) - Former five-star recruit bolstering interior line

The addition of Hughes is particularly significant. Oregon’s ability to land the portal’s top running back shows how much pull Lanning has developed in under 5 years.

Season Expectations

Wins: 10.5 (Over/Under)
Big Ten Championship: +220 (2nd best odds behind Ohio State)
National Championship: +850 (5th best odds nationally)

The consensus seems to be that Oregon is a lock for the College Football Playoff, with many experts believing 12-0 is possible again given their favorable schedule that avoids both Michigan and Ohio State. The toughest test appears to be a road game at Penn State in late September, but Oregon gets favorable home matchups against Indiana, Wisconsin, and USC.

I hate that these expectations seem so realistic, Oregon has built the kind of program that reloads rather than rebuilds and has managed to build a team that is incredibly strong on both sides of the ball. The Ducks’ ability to attract elite transfer portal talent while maintaining recruiting momentum suggests this isn’t a one-year window.

Game Details

Date: November 8, 2025
Time: TBD
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
TV Network: TBD

This will be Iowa’s first meeting with Oregon since 1994, marking the renewal of a series that should happen more frequently. Both programs have evolved dramatically since that last encounter, with Oregon ascending to elite status while Iowa has maintained its position as a perennial Big Ten contender. If the Hawkeyes can enter this game at 6-2 or 7-1, I can easily see this game being played under the lights, with the chill of an early November evening given us an edge over a team that will rarely play in cold weather.

Fun Fact

Oregon’s 10 NFL Draft picks in 2025 broke the previous program record of eight, set just one year earlier. The Ducks have become a legitimate NFL pipeline under Lanning, with 24 players drafted during his three seasons as head coach.

As always, GO HAWKS!!!

#TBT: Smelling Oranges

2025-07-31T18:06:08-05:00

An unforgettable rivalry win somewhat marred by bowl selection chicanery.

For Minnesota week I had planned on looking back at the 2009 smackdown when the Iowa Hawkeyes blasted the Gophers 55-0. It was a loss so comprehensive the University of Minnesota decided they could no longer bear to play in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome so they packed up their things and built a brand new stadium. But I’ve already done a few games from the ‘08-’09 seasons and want to go a bit farther back. Variety is the spice of life, as they say. The good news is the runner up game I had in mind is just as fun as 2009, and for many of you out there even more so.

The 2002 Hawkeyes team is so legendary in the annals of Iowa lore that any preamble seems superfluous. In his fourth year as head coach, Kirk Ferentz had led them to a 10-1 record with a perfect 7-0 in Big Ten play. On the second to last weekend of the regular season they were tied with Ohio State atop the conference and needed to put away the Minnesota Golden Gophers to remain in the mix Iowa’s first title since 1990. Glenn Mason’s Gophers, meanwhile, were a respectable 7-3 and hoping to upset the Hawks and win back Floyd of Rosedale for the third time in five years.

The Hawkeyes flew down the field on their opening possession, racking up 80 yards on only five plays with Fred Russell scoring from 10 yards out. It was almost too easy with huge lanes for Russell to run through and chunk passes from Brad Banks.

Iowa’s next couple of series wouldn’t end in points, however. Despite moving the ball fairly well again, the offense was forced to punt on their second drive and Nate Kaeding missed a 47-yard field goal on their third. Minnesota would even things up following the miss, with quarterback Asad Abdul-Khaliq tossing the 11-yard equalizer to Antoine Burns.

The Gopher score must’ve sparked something in the Iowa offense. On Iowa’s first play of the drive, Fred Russell burst out of the backfield on a fake reverse for 53 yards. Two plays later Jermelle Lewis took an option pitch from Banks into the end zone. It took only 1:15 and three plays for the Hawks to regain the lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter got of to a great start as Howard Hodges strip sacked Abdul-Khaliq at the Gopher 15, and Banks would scamper in a couple of plays later to push the lead to 21-7. Iowa would add another touchdown on a 31-yard strike to Maurice Brown halfway through the quarter. The Hawkeyes were imposing their will on the Gophers on both sides of the ball, holding the Big Ten’s top rushing attack to less than 20 yards of rushing. Meanwhile Fred Russell has 120 all on his own, and his total only continued to rise. The defense continued to smother Minnesota until right before halftime, when the Gophers sustained an 80-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Abdul-Khaliq. Even so, the Hawkeyes were clearly in control with only one half separating them from a possible Rose Bowl berth.

Iowa would once again be the beneficiary of a turnover with Derek Pagel recovering a fumble and setting the offense up inside the Minnesota 40. Russell continued to gash the Gopher defense with big runs before Clinton Solomon hauled in a touchdown pass of his own. Minnesota wouldn’t go away, however. They’d respond with a scoring drive of their own to cut the lead to 35-21 but - spoiler alert - it’d be their last gasp of the game. Entering the final quarter Iowa still maintained a two score lead and were knocking on the door of another one.

That final quarter would be short on drama as Iowa pulled even farther away on the legs of Nate Kaeding and Brad Banks. Kaeding added a field goal early on and Banks added the final touchdown of the day after yet another Gopher turnover deep in their own territory. Prior to Banks’ touchdown Iowa had actually turned the ball over on downs, but Minnesota just could not hold onto the ball that day, coughing it up a total of six times. The big defensive tackle, Colin Cole, simply bulldozed the center with Jared Clauss falling on the ball.

A desperation heave by Abdul-Khaliq led to an Antwan Allen interception and that was curtains for the Gophers. With fans waving roses the minutes melted away and as the clock hit four zeroes, the Hawkeye players hoisted Kirk Ferentz onto their shoulders to carry him off the field. From 0-8 in his first year to 8-0 four years later, Ferentz had a Big Ten champion early in his Iowa career, much like his mentor Hayden Fry before him. Meanwhile, those fans swarmed the Metrodome turf and tore down the goalposts, breaking them into smaller pieces and carrying them away. In a season full of iconic moments and memories there was no better way to end the regular season than taking the pride and posts of your rival, all while bringing Floyd and a Big Ten championship back to Iowa City.

But there’s a flip side to this euphoric moment in Hawkeye history, one that leaves a bit of a bittersweet taste. Iowa players and fans were expecting nothing less than the Rose Bowl following the 2002 regular season. Not only did they have a perfect 8-0 record in Big Ten play along with a share of the conference title, but with Ohio State ranked #2 in the BCS Iowa was next in line to be the representative in Pasadena. But the Orange Bowl was ahead of the Rose in the pecking order, and they had just lost their first choice in #1 Miami, who joined Ohio State in the national championship Fiesta Bowl. Faced with their choice of at large teams, the Orange Bowl sniped Iowa away from the Rose and left Hawkeye fans with a lifetime of “what if” scenarios. It’s hard to go back and rewatch this game and hear all the references to a possible Rose Bowl berth knowing what would ultimately happen.

There is no guarantee that had Iowa gone to Pasadena they’d have beaten Washington State for their first win in the Granddaddy since 1958. But after one of the most legendary Iowa seasons ended in Miami at the hands of a semi-professional caliber USC Trojans squad, it’s hard not to look back and dream of what could have been.

Regardless, the disappointment in the Orange Bowl can’t completely overshadow that day in Minneapolis when the Iowa Hawkeyes broke Minnesota’s spirit and took their goal posts for good measure.

Iowa Football: An Early Look at Minnesota

2025-07-28T07:00:00-05:00

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

I have to say it, I’d be okay with the Golden Flecks playing in, and winning, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl every year until they finally get sick of PJ, because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing PJ Fleck drenched head to toe in thick, creamy, disgusting, mayonnaise.

The Golden Gophers roll into town the week after Penn State, and I’m really not sure where this team will be at that point, but what I can say is this, PJ will definitely be looking to bring Floyd home again for some...uh...cuddling.

The Schedule
Week 1: Saturday, August 30 vs Albany
Week 2: Saturday, September 6 at Iowa State
Week 3: Saturday, September 13 vs UMass
Week 4: Saturday, September 20 at Rutgers
Week 5: Saturday, September 27 vs Indiana
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Saturday, October 11 at Wisconsin
Week 8: Saturday, October 18 vs Penn State
Week 9: Saturday, October 25 vs Minnesota
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: Saturday, November 8 vs Oregon
Week 12: Saturday, November 15 at USC
Week 13: Saturday, November 22 vs Michigan State
Week 14: Friday, November 28 at Nebraska

Series History

This year’s meeting will be the 118th all-time between Iowa and Minnesota. Minnesota holds the all-time series advantage at 63-52-2, though since Kirk Ferentz took over, Iowa has won 19 of 26 games, including 9 of the last 10. Minnesota’s last victory came in 2023 with a 12-10 defensive struggle in Iowa City where PJ finally got off the schnide against Kirk.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: P.J. Fleck (9th season at Minnesota)
Offensive Coordinator: Greg Harbaugh (6th season at Minnesota, 3rd as OC)
Defensive Coordinator: Danny Collins (9th season at Minnesota, 1st as DC)

Fleck enters the 2025 season with an 88-61 overall record in 149 career games, including 58-39 in 97 games at Minnesota. His .598 winning percentage ranks fourth-best in program history for coaches with at least five seasons, and his 58 wins put him sixth behind Glen Mason’s 64. More importantly for Gopher fans, Fleck has led the program to four seasons of eight or more wins, including three in the last four seasons, with four straight bowl appearances and six wins in six bowl games under his leadership.

Greg Harbaugh returns for his third season as offensive coordinator after a sluggish 2023, but his offense showed improvement in 2024, averaging 26.2 points and 337.8 yards per game. On defense, longtime Fleck assistant Danny Collins takes over after Corey Hetherman departed for Miami. Collins has been with Fleck for 13 years and has worked his way up from quality control to safeties coach, suggesting continuity in defensive philosophy even with the title change.

Previous Season Results

Overall: 8-5 Conference: 5-4 (tied for 8th in Big Ten)

Minnesota finished the 2024 season with an 8-5 record, including a 24-10 victory over Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl for the program’s eighth straight bowl victory – a Big Ten record tied for fourth-longest in college football history. The regular season included some impressive moments, particularly a 24-7 Black Friday victory over Wisconsin in Madison, marking their third win in the series over the past four years.

However, the season wasn’t without frustrations. The Gophers’ 5-4 conference record left them tied for eighth in the Big Ten, a disappointing result for a program with higher aspirations. Their offense averaged 26.2 points per game while the defense showed some regression from previous years. The season included that painful 31-14 loss to Iowa in Minneapolis, where the Hawkeyes’ ground game dominated behind Kaleb Johnson’s performance.

The bowl victory over Virginia Tech highlighted Minnesota’s ceiling under Fleck – consistently bowl-eligible, occasionally dangerous, but struggling to break into the conference’s upper tier in the expanded Big Ten era.

Key Departures

QB Max Brosmer (6th Year Senior) - NFL Draft - The savvy sixth-year senior who provided stability at quarterback
OT Aireontae Ersery (Senior) - NFL Draft - All-American honors and Big Ten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year
LB Cody Lindenberg (Senior) - NFL Draft - Top tackler and team leader
DC Corey Hetherman - Miami (coaching change) - Defensive coordinator departure

The loss of Ersery particularly stings for Minnesota’s offensive line, as he finished his Gopher career with All-American honors and anchored the protection schemes. Brosmer’s departure creates the biggest question mark, as the veteran provided steady leadership during the 2024 season. Lindenberg’s absence leaves a significant hole at linebacker, where his tackling ability and experience will be difficult to replace.

Key Returners

S Koi Perich (Sophomore) - Became the first freshman in school history to earn All-American accolades and was one of five finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award
DT Deven Eastern (Senior) - 6’6, 310-pound nose tackle who doubled his pressure rate in his second year as a starter, projected as 3rd team all-conference
EDGE Anthony Smith (Senior) - Had a breakout season with 32 pressures and 6 sacks, listed on 4th team all-conference
RB Darius Taylor (Junior) - Returning starter in the backfield
TE Jameson Geers (Senior) - Had 290 receiving yards and 4 TDs, which were 4th and t-2nd on the team respectively

Perich represents the crown jewel of Minnesota’s returning talent, a dynamic safety who could potentially get snaps on offense as well, with rumor of his involvement in offensive packages. The defensive front returns solid experience with Eastern and Smith anchoring the line, though Smith’s 285-pound frame puts him in a jumbo DE role that blurs traditional position lines.

Transfer Portal/New Additions

QB Drake Lindsey (Redshirt Freshman) - 6-foot-5, 230-pound redshirt freshman who comes well regarded and takes over as presumed starter
RB A.J. Turner (Transfer from Marshall) - Averaged 8.3 yards per carry at Marshall, could complement returnee Darius Taylor beautifully
WR Javon Tracy (Transfer from Miami-Ohio) - Receiver transfer expected to work well with returning players
WR Logan Loya (Transfer from UCLA) - Another receiver transfer to bolster the passing game
WR Malachi Coleman (Transfer from Nebraska) - Blue-chip sophomore addition from the Huskers
LB Jeff Roberson (Transfer from Oklahoma State) - Should comfortably replace Cody Lindenberg

The quarterback transition to Lindsey represents the biggest storyline entering 2025. The goal is for the success of Max Brosmer to rub off on the redshirt freshman, though that’s asking a lot from an unproven player. The skill position additions suggest Fleck is trying to add explosiveness to an offense that has historically been methodical rather than dynamic.

Season Expectations

Wins: 6.5 (FanDuel)
Big Ten Championship: +10000 odds (11th-best in conference)

With the 11th-best odds at +10000, the Gophers’ implied probability of winning the Big Ten is ~1% – a fair assessment given the conference’s expanded field and established powerhouses. The situation is more encouraging than discouraging, as Minnesota was competitive in every game last season, including narrow defeats to College Football Playoff teams.

The betting markets reflect uncertainty around the quarterback position and general skepticism about Minnesota’s ceiling in an 18-team Big Ten. However, those +10000 odds could be halved by November if things break right, especially given Fleck’s track record of developing competitive teams over time.

The high variance potential of the offense makes Minnesota hard to project – trips to Ohio State and Oregon are probably the only unwinnable games, but just about any opponent besides Northwestern State could trip the Gophers up on a bad day. That uncertainty cuts both ways for Iowa’s preparation.

Game Details

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: TBD
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
TV Network: TBD

The Golden Flecks will row their boat to Iowa City in an attempt to recreate their 2023 out-Ferentzing of the Hawks. Late October in the uppper-midwest is always a crapshoot, it could be a beautiful day for football or it be a rainy, cold, slopfest (let me know if you want to discuss how little I miss Iowa in the fall/winter).

Fun Fact

The original Floyd of Rosedale – the actual pig wagered between governors in 1935 – died of cholera just eight months after making headlines and was buried on a farm near the Iowa-Minnesota border, approximately halfway between the two universities. The farm where Floyd was buried sits just six miles north of the Iowa border in southeastern Minnesota, a fitting resting place for the symbol of this border rivalry.

As always, GO HAWKS!!!

The Ferentz Succession Plan

2025-07-25T16:01:36-05:00

Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

We look into the most intriguing coaching candidates post-Ferentz.

The 2020s will be marked as the decade of change for Iowa athletics. Men’s and Women’s basketball both made changes after long tenures at the university. Rick Heller is in his 60s and could hang it up relatively soon. It’s a bittersweet time to be a Hawkeye fan. I’m sitting on pins and needles waiting to see what the future holds. That’s all fun, but at the end of the day, it’s all small potatoes compared to the looming question with the football program.

I’m not running Ferentz out of town, but having a plan when he calls it quits is paramount in today’s college football landscape. Everything is fast-moving chaos; there’s no way to avoid it, only to adapt.

Being a head coach today is like being a whitewater rafting instructor. The best of them dodge disasters constantly, can bark orders but still show you a good time, and make you feel like everything is alright. Ferentz has done surprisingly well as Iowa’s guide on the NIL and portal river. He makes you feel safe, and you’ll go home satisfied, even if it was a little tame. We should keep him around as long as he wants to be here.

The man will be 70 by the time we kick off against Albany in the fall. I see a world where we get a Clint Eastwood career arc from Ferentz. The year is 2040, and Patrick Mahomes Jr leads the Hawkeyes to an undefeated season under Iowa’s football czar, Kirk Ferentz. Still punishing his gum on the sidelines, now with his dentures. This isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds, folks. 2040 could be Ferentz’s version of Eastwood’s “The Mule”.

As fun or weird as elderly Ferentz recruiting 17-year-olds would be, it’s not what the athletic department should bank on. Admittedly, I have no clue what the athletic department has done in preparation for his imminent retirement. They could have a succession plan for all I know. I suspect they won’t prepare much for fear of upsetting Ferentz on his way out of town. We’re going with the ignorance is bliss method for now. I’ll do what I hope Goetz and company have started. ?It’s time to do a preliminary coaching search.

There’s no obvious choice out there waiting for the hawks like there was for the men’s basketball program. When the opening comes around, I pray that the perfect man for the job is sitting right there. Iowa could be the most attractive job available. Iowa is a top-tier job if Kirk doesn’t crash and burn in the last few years. The previous two coaches lasted at Iowa for as long as we would have them. The track record would give the next potential head coach ample time to establish themselves in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes are a top 20 brand in football and are safely in one of the two mega conferences. It seems unlikely that a program bigger than Iowa would have a vacancy that has no strings attached.

The disadvantage we get is not having hired a head coach since before I was born. It’s a champagne problem for us, but a challenge regardless. There’s a crucial pitfall to avoid that our little brother failed to do. Do not fall for the shiny thing when you’re not a shiny program.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette burns the Badgers secondary from the slot and comes up with touchdown #2 on the day. Newark, NJ native is going to regret that front flip though. pic.twitter.com/CRMHytp2ik
— George Balekji (@GeorgeBalekji) December 12, 2020

When Wisconsin went with Luke Fickell in 2022, I was shocked and nervous for Iowa’s future. Fickell undeniably did a fantastic job at Cincinnati. Bringing a G5 program to the four-team playoffs was an impressive feat and a credit to the culture he created. I thought he’d turn the Badgers into a nationally competitive powerhouse in 2022. That’s why I’m writing blogs and not making institution changing decisions.

Like Iowa, Wisconsin had its brand of football solidified for twenty years. That identity doesn’t just consume the team on the field, but the fans, local prep football, and the entire state. The problem is that Fickell tried to change that identity on day one. Going from the power run game to the “Dairy Raid” undid what Barry Alvarez started and others continued.

I love country music, and the twangier the better for me. Real “my dog ran off and she left me” type of stuff is what I love. I know what I’m getting and don’t worry about finding new stuff. Fickell to Wisconsin was like Beyonce wanting to do country music. I’m a Beyonce guy for the record, but really? Because country music is hot in the streets doesn’t mean anyone can do it. The music wasn’t true to the genre and was dishonestly labeled country. It alienated her and country fans alike, leaving all parties unhappy.

That’s what I fear about Iowa’s future. It’s easy to fall in love with a young guru who wants to shake things up. We should embrace change whilst still keeping the strong foundation that has been built. I’m generally against offensive coordinators who are below 40. Sorry, those guys usually think they know everything and never actually do.

Now here’s where I differ from most of the fanbase. I am strongly against promoting within the program. How could anyone invigorate the program into a new era? The excitement wouldn’t be there. Excitement matters a lot when hiring a college coach. In today’s game of NIL, getting our wealthy boosters excited will do wonders. It’s like how Madden trots out the same game at the same price. I’ll pay for it, but I will not go any higher. A new version advertised as fun, adding more unique features, would get me to shell out some extra bucks. We’d have an incredible talent budget if every donor threw in a couple of extra bucks.

The Usual Suspects

The two internal options would be LeVar Woods and Seth Wallace. Woods would’ve excited me a few years ago, but we missed the boat on him. He’d be good, but it doesn’t move the needle enough for me. Ferentz also has shown a preference for Seth Wallace.

I suspect Wallace will have the best shot at the job. I can’t express how much I don’t agree with it. What can he do? Linebackers have been great, we do appreciate it, but Phil Parker is the brains behind everything on defense. The promotion to assistant head coach was to ensure he didn’t leave us for Minnesota. He’s a little prickly and he’d be way over his head if he got the job. Wallace doesn’t have the personality or experience to take the reins.

Regarding external options, it’s broader than most would limit us to. I hope Ferentz has little to no input on who succeeds him. Let’s go outside of the realm of conventional thinking when it comes to Iowa sports. Why can’t we get someone with no prior ties to Iowa? It happens everywhere else in college sports, except Iowa. I don’t want to be limited to Mark Stoops and Chris Klieman.

To the people who wish to get Klieman, I am with you. He’s done a great job. He’s just not into us. In an interview, he recently said he has no ties to Iowa or Iowa State. Plus, Klieman is doing just fine in Manhattan and seems comfortable.

Stoops doesn’t do it for me. I’m sorry, the guy is fine, but I don’t know where he can take us. Stoops is your favorite hoodie when the temperature hits 50 degrees. It’s comfortable and familiar, but you’re not getting complimented when you walk down the street. There’s another level to be accessed. Here’s who’s taking us there.

The Better Options

I chose two candidates for this exercise. One is for if Ferentz is gone within two years, and the other is three plus years down the road. The guy for the immediate future that I would love is Jeff Monken from Army. What he has done with a service academy is unbelievably impressive. Monken is 82-57 in his time at West Point. He turned around the program and, most importantly, turned around their fortunes in the biggest rivalry in sports.

Monken is an older gentleman, but the guy is tough as nails. The kids would say he has aura. He looks like he’d crush your hand when he goes to shake it. Monken reminds me of Kirk in a lot of ways. They’re beloved by their players, establish a culture, and maximize what they are given. Recruiting at Army is virtually impossible, with the rigorous standards and military service. Last year, he went 12-2, undefeated in American Athletic Conference play against legitimate programs like Tulane and Memphis. Monken has proven he’s able to win with huge disadvantages.

I’d love to see what he could do with Iowa’s resources. The culture of assignment-sound, disciplined football would fit seamlessly into the program. Tough, smart, physical would continue to thrive if Monken took over. It makes too much sense. Monken is also a midwestern guy who would respect what Ferentz built. He was rumored to have turned down a West Virginia offer this offseason. Turning down a return to Big Ten country with a program like Iowa seems impossible to say no to. He’d just get it at Iowa. It’d keep the current Iowa football identity going into the future.

Monken probably wouldn’t be the grand slam, national champion, program-elevating hire that could be out there somewhere. Nothing wrong with a solo shot, that’s what Monken is. He’d elevate the existing culture, and the fanbase would get behind him.

If I were Beth Goetz, I’d call Monken all the time. Chat the guy up. Go find out what music he likes, what car he drives, how he likes his coffee, and let him know we have around 20 million dollars to build a super version of what he has at Army. If I called the shots, I’d do what I could to steal him away from West Point.

Unfortunately, Monken is no spring chicken. He’s 58 years old (looks great though, still keeping it tight) and not getting younger. If Ferentz sticks around for a few more years, we’re missing the window to make Monken a feasible option. In that case, we should look at what Jordon Hudson is up to. Unfortunately, it’s looking like she’ll stay at North Carolina with her hubby, Bill Belichick. In that case, we should look into Jason Candle of Toledo.

Bill Belichick's girlfriend, 24 year old Jordon Hudson on the field during practice at UNC
pic.twitter.com/RyxxciNdDx
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) April 16, 2025

I’ll address the sizeable red flag with Candle (great name, wow). He was an assistant to Matt Campbell during his time at Toledo. Not great.

I’m sure they’re still friendly, but if he got hired at Iowa, that’d be over. Candle and Campbell understand the rivalry. It’s a classic student surpasses the master situation. Candle is proving to be a force in everyone’s favorite Wednesday night conference, the MAC. Candle hasn’t had a losing season in a conference of volatile change. Not only does he not lose, he wins big. Toledo takes down a Power 5 team each year and has had four seasons with nine-plus wins. Candle is a mild-mannered Ohio guy who knows how to coach football.

He’s cranked out NFL talent from a program that doesn’t get big recruits. Candle reminds me a little bit of a younger Ferentz. Real low-key offensive guy who gets the job done. No tricks, no flash, just a good culture that squeezes every ounce of talent out of their guys. It would get me excited, but it feels very safe. Candle seems like a guy you trust with your darkest secrets. The best part is that he’s been at the helm in Toledo for ten years and is only forty-five.

There’s a chance Candle is just scratching the surface of what he can do as the figurehead of a small brand. Iowa could unlock Candle, and I want to see what that looks like.

Predicting things like a successor to a legend isn’t easy. The most likely outcome, much to my chagrin, will be a Seth Wallace promotion. Gross. We can do so much better. Get on the phones and start poking around and see what’s possible for us. Just don’t let Kirk know we’re snooping around. If you’re reading this, Beth Goetz, I’m prepared to dial any number you want. I have nothing else going on, so don’t be a stranger. That’s enough conjecture for today. Go Hawks (especially you, Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend).

#TBT: Murray’s (Almost) Walk Off

2025-07-24T15:01:00-05:00

Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images

Daniel Murray derails Penn State’s perfect season under the lights.

I hadn’t planned to do another recent game for the Penn State #TBT. I’ve yet to do a game from the 90’s and was going to look at the 1996 21-20 Iowa victory in Happy Valley. But I’m two days back from vacation, starting a new job this week and just don’t have it in me to write about a game I’ve only briefly read about. Sometimes in life you just have to hit the Easy button, so this week we’re going to look at one of the most legendary games inside Kinnick Stadium and one that’s memorable for me personally for reasons I’ll get to at the end.

Looking just at the 9-4 record, the 2008 season appears like a very good but not exceptional year for the Hawks. But those four losses were all one-score affairs with the largest margin being five points against Northwestern. The final record also doesn’t show was just how strong a defense the Hawkeyes fielded (#5 nationally in total defense), effective offense (#34), along with the Doak Walker winner at running back in Shonn Greene. Iowa very easily could’ve cracked double digit wins had they just gotten a few breaks here or there, or settled on a quarterback earlier in the season.

Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images

On November 8, sitting at 5-4, the Iowa Hawkeyes hosted the undefeated Penn State Nittany Lions, then ranked #3 in the BCS. With dreams of a national championship, Penn State boasted top-11 units on both sides of the ball. Iowa needed to play a perfect game to be competitive, and even then it may not be enough. With a 2:30 PM start time, it wasn’t a true night game, but with daylight savings time ending a week earlier, darkness descended partway through the game and it became a quintessential “Kinnick at Night” experience.

Iowa got that perfect, if bizarre, start. The defense held Penn State to a three and out deep in their own territory, including a confusing fumble recovery situation where Adrian Clayborn forced a fumble on quarterback Daryll Clark. Christian Ballard came up with the ball and the officials initially ruled Iowa ball at the 1 before heading to replay with the call on the field a Penn State recovery (huh?). The “call on the field” was confirmed and the Lions punted away. With the game an informal “green out”, Shonn Green needed only two runs to go 25 yards for a touchdown and things were looking and feeling good.

But Penn State quickly came back, with a lengthy 17 play, nine minute drive before the Hawkeye defense stuffed Even Royster on third and goal and the Lions had to settle for a field goal. Iowa’s offense couldn’t do much of anything after their early touchdown drive. Going three and out on their second drive and only five plays on their third.

Penn State didn’t have the same problem. Early in the second quarter, Royster would find the end zone after an 11-play, 75-yard drive and the Lions would add another field goal after 16 plays right before halftime to take a 13-7 lead into the locker room. Despite the offense’s struggles, the defense was doing its best to keep the game within reach. Penn State’s drives were long, yes, but they only had one touchdown to show for them, and the Hawkeyes were happy to keep it a one score game at the break. If they could just find a way to sustain drives and create opportunities on defense the game could flip.

Set Number: X81383 TK1 R6 F158

The second half started poorly for Iowa as Ricky Stanzi threw into quadruple coverage and linebacker Tyrell Sales happily picked him off. With the offense struggling and the defense doing everything they could to keep things within reach, it was the type of mistake Iowa could not afford to make. Once again, the defense stiffened and held PSU to a field goal but it was now a two score game. If Stanzi, Greene, and Co. could not make something happen the upset opportunity would slip away.

Respond they did. Greene did his best to make things happen on the ground but Penn State was not making it easy, the passing game had to contribute. On their next drive, Stanzi connected on clutch third downs to receivers Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Trey Stross to sustain their longest drive of the game. On third and long Stanzi uncorked a 27-yard strike to a wide open DJK for Iowa’s second touchdown of the game and Iowa had new life. The defense fed off the offense’s success and held Penn State to a three and out on their next drive.

But Iowa’s offense would stumble on their next drive with a botched snap giving the Nittany Lions the ball back at the Hawkeye 28. Four plays later they’d cash in on a Derrick Williams 9-yard touchdown run. Kinnick deflated as the momentum that was so dearly won evaporated. The offense would have to claw it back with only one quarter left.

After trading punts to begin the final frame, the Hawkeyes took over with good field position at their own 44. After a couple 1-yard runs by Greene, Stanzi connected with tight end Brandon Myers on two consecutive plays to drive down to the Lion 17. Greene would then rip off another patented punishing rush to give Iowa first and goal before punching it in from the 6 yard line and appearing to injure his wrist in the process. Luckily, the injury scare would not take the star running back out of the game as Iowa trailed by only two.

On a Penn State 3rd and 1, Iowa’s defense stuffed Royster for a 7-yard loss and Iowa prepared to get the ball back with 7:00 minutes to play. But a roughing the punter penalty on Colin Sandeman gave the Nittany Lions a fresh set of downs. They set out to put the upstart Hawkeyes away for good, driving down inside the Iowa 25. Tackles for loss and penalties pushed them back and facing 3rd and 24, Clark went for the big gain only to be picked off by, you guessed it, Tyler Sash. Finally, the 2008 Iowa Hawkeyes had the break go their way. With under 4:00 to go, Iowa had the ball and needed only a field goal to pull of an improbable upset. This was another “Kinnick moment”, where you knew something special was about to happen.

But Iowa was still on their own 29 with a long way to go against the nation’s 8th best defense. After going backwards on the first two plays, Stanzi threw to Stross. The ball was too high for Trey, but it didn’t matter as safety Anthony Scirrotto ran into him early drawing the pass interference. On another 3rd and long, Brandon Myers gained just enough for another first down and moved into Penn State territory. DJK added a tightrope reception on the sideline and with half a minute left to play and the entire world expecting a run, Stanzi rolled left and again found DJK again on the sideline inside the 20. A Shonn Green run to the 14 set up Daniel Murray for a chance to hit a game winning field goal.

Kinnick quieted to allow Murray to focus, about as quiet as I can remember the stadium being outside of a loss. Punter Ryan Donahue grabbed a bit-too high snap and quickly set the ball for Murray, who booted it right down the middle towards the marching band in the south end zone. Murray took off for midfield even before the ball split the uprights, sliding on his knees as Donahue embraced him. As quiet as Kinnick was before the kick, it was as loud as can be after it, as fans spilled onto the field to celebrate the 24-23 win.

Except with :01 still on the clock the game wasn’t technically over. Players, security, and even the public address announcer worked to clear the field for Murry to squib the ensuing kickoff - minus the premature celebration penalty yardage. Penn State wouldn’t even get a chance for a miracle return, as their front line return team muffed the kick right back into the hands of Iowa and the clock finally his four zeroes. Fans again stormed the field, properly this time, as the Hawkeyes earned their first victory over a top ten team since 1990.

Set Number: X81383 TK1 R3 F366

The victory was the first of 13 straight stretching into the following season, including once again upsetting the Nittany Lions in Happy Valley. It was a supremely satisfying win after dropping four other one score games in 2008. Believe it or not, it wasn’t the only upset that weekend, as I proposed to my now wife of 15 years the next day. There’s no better aphrodisiac than a Hawkeye victory.

A new look coming for Black Heart Gold Pants in August

2025-07-24T11:00:00-05:00

Our coverage remains the same but with a new look

In just a couple of weeks, Black Heart Gold Pants is switching to a new platform as part of SB Nation’s network-wide move to a new publishing platform. This will change the look of the site and also make it faster and more reliable on any device you use. This is an upgrade.

When you land on the site, it will look cleaner – less clunky, with more white space, a better ad experience with faster load times – but will still have all the usual articles, analysis, and news by all the folks you know.

Community discussion and content created by you will be more prominent in the new design. The best comment threads will be easy to find, and staff and commenters alike will be able to start conversations whenever they like with a brand new tool.

We’re planning on an early August reveal, so we wanted to give you a heads up. You’ll hear more from us when it’s almost here. The site will look a little different, feel a little faster, and, most importantly, have a bigger role for you, the community.

So, stick around and check it out!

Hawkeye Football Position Preview: Quarterback

2025-07-22T07:00:00-05:00

Joseph Cress/For the Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Out with the old, in with the new.

My junior year in high school I had an English teacher (I hope you’re reading this, VanNatter) who was a die-hard Michigan fan. He had wolverines posters dotting the walls, his screensaver was a picture of Jared Goff, etc etc. He and I got along about as well as a Hawkeye and a Wolverine could, and we always found the time to get into spirited debates about our beloved teams.

Prior to the 2023 season, I asked him how he thought we’d do. He said, “Iowa is a dark-horse to compete in Indianapolis, but they’ll never get anywhere until they get a Quarterback.” I told him Cade McNamara would dog-walk the Wolverines, and that I had full confidence that we had finally found the answer to the QB question.

We all, of course, know how that unfolded.

I’m sure that after the disastrous McNamara experiment, most of the Hawkeye faithful are wary of transfer QBs. Gronowski might seem like the answer to all of our worries, but a few glaring questions remain, and I doubt the non-believers will be converted until they see Gronowski in action.

It is in my humble opinion, however, that the Iowa QB room is not only set to perform at a playoff level this year, but for years to come.

So, without further ado, let’s meet the Quarterbacks.

MARK GRONOWSKI

Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Stats:

2024:

-2,721 Passing Yards

-23tds/7ints, 60% Completion

-10 Rushing TDs, 380 yards

-146.9 QBR

Career:

-10,330 Passing Yards

-93tds/20ints, 64% Completion

-37 rushing TDs, 1,767 yards

-Average QBR of 158.5 across four years

If you’ve never seen Mark Gronowski’s tape, I highly recommend you click off of this article and go watch it. Now. I’ll wait.

Back? Great.

Gronowski’s passing ability is frankly absurd. I’ve watched his tape over and over again over the course of about two months now, and every time I watch it back, I swear he gets better. He throws on rhythm with pin-point accuracy. His deep-ball is a thing of beauty, somehow always landing exactly where it needs to be no matter the situation. Heavy pressure? Perfect ball. Forced outside the pocket? Gronowski channels his inner Cam Newton and delivers a perfectly placed throw on the run. While it might seem early, I feel confident enough to make a declarative statement here and now: Mark Gronowski is the best pure-thrower Iowa has seen since CJ Beathard. (And trust me, it’s close).

Beyond just a golden arm, Gronowski is an impressive athlete. 1700 career rushing yards is nothing to scoff at, even against FCS competition. (Mind you, Gronowski played for a top team in the MVFC, which is essentially the SEC of the FCS. Need I remind you that NDSU almost upset Colorado last season). South Dakota State implemented Gronowski as a dual threat for his entire career with the Jackrabbits, and his tape is filled with 20-30 yard scrambles for TDs on designed QB runs. If Tim Lester can design the playbook around Gronowski similar to how he utilized Brendan Sullivan last season, the Hawkeye faithful can expect nothing less than fireworks.

Pro-Comp:

Ceiling: Josh Allen

On paper, Allen and Gronowski are practically the same player. Massive frame, incredible athleticism, golden arm. Always looks for contact, never backs down from a play, and most importantly, never quits. If Gronowski is comfortable in this system and can adapt to playing FBS level defenses, Gronowski can expect a first round draft grade coming into the 2026 draft, and hopefully, a play-off berth under his belt.

Floor: Chris Streveler

A deep-cut for those who frequently tune into the CFL during the off-season (Allez-vouz Alouettes), and for Jets fans hanging onto pre-season heroes (J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS), Chris Streveler is no player to scoff at. Another player hailing from South Dakota, and a grey-cup winner with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Streveler is a big-body athlete with a serviceable arm that has proven himself capable of winning games at the CFL level while being an adequate back-up in the NFL. Without refinement, and without any sense of comfort in Iowa’s system, I can see Gronowski being no worse than Streveler is currently in the CFL. At his worst, I am sure Gronowski will out-perform any Iowa QB from the past 5 years.

HANK BROWN

Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images

The Stats:

2024:

-403 Passing Yards

-6tds/3ints, 62.8% Completion

-3 carries for 10 yards

-173.6 QBR

Admittedly, Hank Brown’s stats aren’t exactly eye-catching. He only started two games for Auburn last year after multiple disappointing performances from former starter and current Cincinnati Bengal Payton Thorne, but after a three interception game against Arkansas, Brown was banished to the lower rungs of the depth chart for the rest of the season. This is less of a testament to his skill, however, and more of a shining example of two factors: how hard it is to start games in the SEC, and how hard it is to start games in the SEC as a freshman.

While Hank Brown definitely did not transfer for immediate playing time, Brown represents everything the new Lester offense wants to implement at the QB position. Brown has shown that, against lower-level competition (I.E. New Mexico), he can absolutely sling the rock, throwing four touchdowns with Auburn against the Lobos. While he struggled against SEC competition, it is important to note that he is incredibly young, and had little time to refine his passing skills at Auburn. Given time to learn under Gronowski and Lester during the 2025 season, Brown has a real chance at competing for the starting role after Gronowski’s eventual departure. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s already won the back-up spot over a two time Hawkeye starter with an unblemished win record...

JACKSON STRATTON

Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images

The Stats:

2024:

-219 Passing Yards

-1td/0ints, 60% Completion

-6 carries for 4 yards

-122.0 QBR

Iowa legend and my personal favorite in the QB room, Jackson Stratton started the final two games of the 2024 season in relief of back-up QB Brendan Sullivan, who sprained his ankle in the loss against UCLA. Stratton, a transfer from Colorado State, went 2-0 as a starter for the Hawkeyes and was instrumental in Iowa’s 13-10 win over Nebraska, delivering the strike that led to one of the greatest Iowa touchdowns of all time at the hands of Kaleb Johnson. Stratton walked-on at Iowa and started the year as QB5, even taking reps at linebacker for the scout team before being thrust into the starting role late in the regular season.

Stratton represents everything Iowa stands for. Stratton is a true yeoman at the position, having started from the very bottom of the depth chart, only to work his way up to the starting role and do exactly what was required of him when asked. Stratton’s best traits come with his decision making, as proven during his time as a Hawkeye starter. Stratton makes very few mistakes, remains calm in the pocket, and has shown decent mobility when pressured. Of course, Stratton’s chemistry with the receivers left a little something to be desired, but what can truly be expected from the 5th string QB who’s first reps with the starters came during a road game against UCLA? Stratton is currently listed at QB3 on the depth chart, behind Hank Brown, but three years of eligibility remaining and starter experience under his belt, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him listed at QB2 come the start of the season.

JEREMY HECKLINSKI

Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images

The Stats:

Highschool:

-3,835 Passing Yards

-50tds/6ints, 63.5% Completion

-64 carries for 23 yards and 3tds

-134.9 QBR

Transferring late in the cycle from Wake Forest, Hecklinski spent his 2024 campaign on the bench behind Hank Bachmeier, who led the Demon Deacons to an unimpressive 4-8 record. Hecklinski is one of the more prototypical Lester recruits; a true pocket passer with limited mobility but a strong arm and quick decision making skills. A developmental piece with incredibly impressive HS stats, Hecklinski barely edged out freshman Jimmy Sullivan for the QB4 spot, though neither of them are expected to see the field at all for the Hawkeyes in 2025.

Hecklinski represents a shift in Iowa’s approach to quarterback development, and is a prime example of Lester’s mentality toward the QB position. Lester has taken this recruitment cycle very seriously, signing a number of young quarterbacks he believes he can mold into effective starters in his new, pass-heavy offense. Hecklinski, Sullivan, Brown, and even Stratton (to an extent) will all hopefully spend the 2025 season on the bench, learning behind the experienced Mark Gronowski and learning the new Iowa offense, preparing for what could potentially be a 4-way battle for the QB1 spot come 2026.

JIMMY SULLIVAN

Joseph Cress/For the Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Stats:

Highschool:

-2.001 Passing Yards

-24tds/5ints, 62.2% Completion

-142 carries for 718 yards and 10tds

-115.9 QBR

The second ever Lester QB recruit to wear the black and gold, Sullivan is the youngest QB in the room, being the only true freshman QB on the roster. Sullivan enrolled early last year, joining the team for bowl practice prior to Iowa’s 27-24 loss to Missouri in the Music City Bowl. Sullivan is obviously not expected to take any real snaps for the Hawkeyes in the 2025 season, but his development will be incredibly important to Lester and Ferentz as they prepare to groom the younger quarterbacks in the room for Gronowski’s eventual departure at the end of the season.

A pocket-mobile QB, Sullivan’s game relies heavily on a mobile offense. Sullivan is a slightly more mobile QB than the three ahead of him on the depth chart, and likely has the most to learn about athleticism, RPOs, and designed runs from Gronowski compared to the other QBs. Sullivan also has the most time to learn, and is expected to compete for a starting role either late in the 2026 season or in 2027. For now, Sullivan will remain a depth piece, watching and learning behind the more senior QBs.

Quarterback has never been a position that came with much prestige at Iowa. When it comes to legendary QBs, Iowa boasts only three or four talented players that can reasonably be discussed. When it comes to QBs with success at the professional level... Iowa has none. With the removal of Brian Ferentz and the arrival of Tim Lester, however, it appears this is soon to change.

With a QB room headed by a two time national champ already predicted to be a mid-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL draft with all the time in the world to raise his stock, with four young QBs expected to learn behind him and compete for a starting role next season, it appears that, for the first time since 2015, Iowa has genuine hope at the quarterback position. Not just for the ‘25 season, but for many years to come.

Time will only tell how Lester’s vision will play out, but one thing is for certain: Things are changing in Iowa City.

As always,

GO HAWKS!

Iowa Football: An Early Look at Penn State

2025-07-21T07:00:00-05:00

Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Can the Nittany Lions finally get over the hump and win the B1G?

Iowa Football: An Early Look at Penn State

Opening Hook/Lead-in

The Penn State Nittany Lions come to Kinnick Stadium on October 18th for what promises to be a pivotal test in the new world of Iowa City, with Mark Gronowski running the show and Tim Lester calling the shots on offense, let’s hope we can, i dunno, score on Penn State this year.

There’s genuine hope coursing through Hawkeye Nation, the kind we haven’t felt since those magical early weeks of 2024 before reality set in. But Penn State? They’re loaded for bear in 2025, returning superstar quarterback Drew Allar, the best RB tandem in the B1G and a core of talent that nearly reached the national championship game last season. James Franklin is not rebuilding, he’s looking for a Championship.

The Schedule
Week 1: Saturday, August 30 vs Albany
Week 2: Saturday, September 6 at Iowa State
Week 3: Saturday, September 13 vs UMass
Week 4: Saturday, September 20 at Rutgers
Week 5: Saturday, September 27 vs Indiana
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Saturday, October 11 at Wisconsin
Week 8: Saturday, October 18 vs Penn State
Week 9: Saturday, October 25 vs Minnesota
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: Saturday, November 8 vs Oregon
Week 12: Saturday, November 15 at USC
Week 13: Saturday, November 22 vs Michigan State
Week 14: Friday, November 28 at Nebraska

Series History

Iowa v. Penn State has always been a consistently entertaining football series, though the results haven’t always been kind to the Hawkeyes. The series stands at 18-14 in favor of Penn State, with the Nittany Lions holding a slight 11-11 edge since Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993. Penn State had actually won six straight games in the series from 2011-2019 until Iowa’s stunning 41-21 victory at Happy Valley in 2020, a game that dropped the Nittany Lions to 0-5 for the first time in school history.

The most recent matchup in 2023 saw Penn State cruise to a 31-0 victory in State College, a result that pretty much proved what every Iowa fan already knew, 2023 was going to be a very frustrating season. Penn State’s last trip to Kinnick in 2021 didn’t end well for them, but they got all sorts of revenge last year.

The historical context here matters: these are two programs built on similar foundations of tough defense, strong offensive lines, and consistent coaching. The difference is that Penn State is a blue blood and can recruit at an elite level that Iowa cannot.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: James Franklin (12th season at Penn State)

Offensive Coordinator: Andy Kotelnicki (2nd season at Penn State)

Defensive Coordinator: Jim Knowles (1st season at Penn State)

James Franklin enters his 12th season in Happy Valley, and love him or hate him (and I do hate him), the man has built Penn State into a consistent contender. His career record speaks to sustained success, even if the ultimate breakthrough has remained elusive. Franklin’s teams are known for their recruiting prowess and their ability to develop NFL talent, particularly on defense.

The most significant change on the staff is the hiring of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator, fresh off his championship run at Ohio State. This is a massive addition for a program that has consistently fielded elite defenses under multiple coordinators. Knowles brings a proven track record of stopping high-powered offenses and organizing championship-level units.

Andy Kotelnicki returns for his second season as offensive coordinator, and his impact was immediate in 2024. The Penn State offense took a significant step forward under his guidance, becoming more balanced and explosive than it had been in years. His experience at Kansas, where he engineered a remarkable offensive turnaround, bodes well for continued growth in his second season with superior talent.

Previous Season Results

Overall: 13-3

Conference: 8-1 (Big Ten)

Penn State concluded the 2024 season with a record of 13-3, making this Penn State’s first ever 13-win season. Following a 44–7 win against Maryland and a Michigan win over Ohio State in the final week of the regular season, the Nittany Lions clinched their first Big Ten Championship appearance since 2016, losing to Oregon in the title game.

The season culminated with their first ever appearance in the College Football Playoff, in which they defeated No. 11 seed SMU 38–10 in the first round at home, then the No. 3 seed Boise State 31–14 in the Fiesta Bowl. Their playoff run ended in Miami, falling 27-24 to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

Penn State averaged 33.1 points per game on offense (28th) while allowing just 16.5 points per game on defense (8th).

Key Departures

TE Tyler Warren (Senior) - NFL Draft - 1st Round, Indianapolis Colts (#14 overall) - Won the Mackey Award, finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting

DE Abdul Carter (Junior) - NFL Draft - 1st Round, New York Giants (#3 overall) - Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year

S Kevin Winston Jr. (Junior) - NFL Draft - 3rd Round, Tennessee Titans (#82 overall) - Expected early second rounder before season-ending injury

LB Kobe King (Senior) - NFL Draft - 6th Round, Minnesota Vikings (#201 overall) - Team captain who started all 16 games

S Jaylen Reed (Senior) - NFL Draft - 6th Round, Houston Texans (#187 overall)

The loss of Tyler Warren cannot be overstated. Warren was the Mackey Award winner who fell into the Colts’ laps at No. 14 after some thinking he might be chosen in the second round. His ability to run, pass, catch, and block made him arguably the most valuable non-quarterback in college football.

Abdul Carter’s departure as the #3 overall pick leaves a massive hole on the defensive line. The 2024 Big Ten defensive player of the year should quickly become a force on the Giants’ defensive line. Replacing that kind of impact player is never easy, even for a program with Penn State’s depth.

Key Returners

QB Drew Allar (Senior) - Entering his third season as the Nittany Lions’ starter, Allar will be a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2025 and is projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

RB Kaytron Allen (Senior) - Penn State’s leading rusher in 2024, running for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns, and is the Nittany Lions’ 11th most prolific rusher of all time

RB Nicholas Singleton (Senior) - With Allen and Singleton back in 2025, Penn State’s run game will be nigh unstoppable

DE Dani Dennis-Sutton (Senior) - 42 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks in 2024 and likely the best defensive player the Nittany Lions have in 2025

S Zakee Wheatley (Senior) - Could have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, but instead returned to Penn State for his final year. Tallied 96 tackles and three interceptions in 2024

CB AJ Harris (Senior) - Penn State’s best cornerback last year, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors with 48 tackles, four TFLs, one interception, and five PBUs

Drew Allar’s return is the foundation of Penn State’s championship hopes. Allar is 21-5 as a Penn State starter and has the highest completion percentage (63.6%) of any quarterback in school history. His development under Kotelnicki was evident in 2024, and with another year in the system, he should be one of the premier quarterbacks in college football.

The retention of both running backs gives Penn State arguably the best backfield in college football. The “thunder and thunder” combination provides Penn State with incredible depth and versatility in their ground attack.

Transfer Portal/New Additions

LB Amare Campbell (Transfer from North Carolina) - Campbell started 13 games for the Tar Heels last season and made 76 tackles, including 10.5 for losses, 6.5 sacks, forced a fumble and broke up two passes

WR Trebor Pena (Transfer from Syracuse) - Pena recorded at least six receptions in nine games for Syracuse last season and led the ACC in kick-return average (27.2 yards per attempt)

DE Daniel Jennings (Early Enrollee) - Originally committed to Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class, Jennings reclassified and was named first-team Class 3A all-state after rushing for 1,373 yards and 23 touchdowns and making 10 sacks

The addition of Campbell addresses a key need at linebacker with his proven production and versatility. Pena brings much-needed experience and production to a wide receiver room that needs to replace some departed talent.

Penn State’s transfer portal class has been highlighted by several key additions that should bolster depth across the roster, particularly on the offensive side of the ball where they need to replace Warren’s production.

Season Expectations

Wins: 10.5 O/U Line
Big Ten Championship Game: +250
College Football Playoff: +900 odds to win the 2025-26 CFP National Championship, giving PSU the fifth-shortest odds to win the title

According to FanDuel, Penn State has +134 odds to win over 10.5 games in the upcoming regular season, and -164 odds to hit the under. The expectations are sky-high for a program that feels like it’s on the cusp of something special.

FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt named Penn State the best team in the country in his preseason rankings, saying “They are following the blueprint of the teams that just won the national championship”. The comparison to Michigan in 2023 and Ohio State in 2024—teams that won championships with veteran cores—is particularly apt.

The schedule presents challenges, particularly with Oregon and Ohio State expected to give Penn State the most trouble. However, both games last season were competitive, with Penn State losing by eight points or less to each team.

From an Iowa perspective, this is exactly the type of opponent that can derail a season or propel it to new heights. Penn State will likely be favored by double digits in Iowa City, making this a classic Iowa opportunity to play spoiler against a team with championship aspirations.

Game Details Box

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Time: TBA

Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa

TV Network: TBA

I’d imagine this will be a night game if both teams come in with 1 or fewer losses, so let’s hope we get to see some Kinnick Magic.

Fun Fact

Penn State’s 2024 season marked their first-ever 13-win campaign, but Iowa fans can hang their hat on 2020, when we smoked them 41-21 in Happy Valley dropping them to 0-5 for the first time in school history. Oh, and we also ended any hope of a playoff birth in 2021 as well...

As always, GO HAWKS!!!