Tag: 2022 Iowa Hawkeyes Football

Iowa cornerback tabbed to make headlines at NFL Scouting Combine

The Wright Way Network tabbed Riley Moss as one of its top NFL draft risers heading into the NFL Scouting Combine.

The NFL Scouting Combine is awesome.

No matter what you in the comments try to say about it being an “Underwear Olympics” and how it should not be taken seriously, we all secretly love the Combine. For those of us brave enough to admit it, we live for this weekend!

There’s few things more exciting than that 40-yard dash. Like it or not, a strong performance at the Combine will get heads turning. We see it every year where a player shows us just how truly athletic he is. Suddenly, every positive thing you’ve had to say about them is totally validated!

There are great candidates every year to be a post-combine NFL draft riser, and Kyle Smith of The Wright Way Network sees Iowa cornerback Riley Moss as one of the most likely candidates.

Riley Moss can FLY. The former Hawkeye was a high school state champion in the 110m hurdles and the speed has translated to his game. He even clocked the fastest speed from a defender at the Senior Bowl at 19.7mph. Some have projected Moss to safety, but he has the long-speed and agility to hold up as a boundary corner. – Smith, The Wright Way Network.

I hope you’re reading this Kyle, because you really missed a good opportunity for a bird pun there!

In all seriousness though, Moss’ athleticism should not be a surprise at this point. The mobility is clear as day on the tape, and people in the know have been raving about his athletic upside all year.

Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy literally called Moss a 4.3 guy all the way back in July and he seemed to prove that down in Mobile!

Again, the upcoming big-time performance should not come as a surprise, but it unfortunately will. Combined with his first-team All-America selection by Sporting News in 2021 and his two first-team All-Big Ten selections, and there’s a good shot that Riley Moss becomes everyone’s favorite sleeper heading into March.

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Handful of Iowa Hawkeyes among The Athletic’s top 100 2023 NFL draft prospects

The Athletic released their newest top 100 rankings of 2023 NFL draft prospects. See which Iowa Hawkeyes have made the cut.

There seems to be a national consensus of a few Iowa Hawkeyes and their rapid ascents up NFL draft boards. Their names continue to pop up among national news outlets and are growing in popularity as the 2023 NFL draft continues to approach.

Recently, The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler released his top 100 prospects for the 2023 NFL draft (subscription required). The three Hawkeyes on the list are no surprise as two of them come from one of the best defenses that Iowa has had and another is a talent that Iowa is famous for producing.

Check out which Hawkeyes are among the top 100 NFL draft prospects, their rankings, and where they could be expected to hear their name called when their dreams of playing in the NFL come true.

Iowa an early potential landing spot for Michigan transfer QB Cade McNamara

The Iowa Hawkeyes have been linked as an early potential landing spot for Michigan transfer quarterback Cade McNamara.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are a team and program becoming very much linked to the transfer portal this offseason, which hasn’t even gotten underway yet. News today has only sparked that intrigue even more.

Cade McNamara, a quarterback from Michigan, is reportedly entering the NCAA transfer portal. He has made the choice to do so as Michigan has went with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback and guy for the future.

In a full season during 2021, McNamara led Michigan to the Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. He threw for 2,576 yards, 15 touchdowns, and completed 64.2% of his passes to go along with a rating of 141.9.

The talk surrounding Iowa is how to fix the quarterback room and McNamara is a name that makes a lot of sense early on. He fits the mold that Hawkeyes’ head coach Kirk Ferentz would go after in the portal.

McNamara is an upperclassman with tons of experience and coming from a top tier program. Iowa is likely seeing Spencer Petras depart after he celebrated his Senior Day in their final home game. Behind him, the rest of the Iowa quarterback room is full of question marks and unknowns.

FOX Sports reporter Bruce Feldman believes that the Hawkeyes could be a landing spot for McNamara. This is likely just the start of the rumors for where McNamara lands, the Hawkeyes’ work in the portal, and the revamping of the quarterback position in Iowa City.

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Iowa Stock Index: Hawkeyes’ stock report after loss to Nebraska

Iowa lost a heartbreaker to Nebraska. Whose stock is rising, whose stock is falling after the loss to the Cornhuskers?

The Iowa Hawkeyes fell 24-17 to the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a game that felt as though anything that could have went wrong did go wrong. From penalties, to turnovers, to injuries, the Hawkeyes could not catch a break and that came at the worst possible time of the year for it to occur.

As we enter the wait before finding out what bowl game Iowa will be headed to, there is certainly some time for reflection, both positively and what could have went differently. Luckily, the Hawkeyes get one more game. They will be in a bowl and have a chance to end this season with a win and get to a mark of 8-5.

Quite a few Hawkeyes have had their hands in the mix in this game and some did everything they could to pull of the comeback, but there are a few that are seeing their stock rising as we continue down the final stretch of the season.

Week 13 Iowa opponent preview: Breaking down the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ offense

The Iowa Hawkeyes host Nebraska in Week 13. Here is an offensive outlook for what the Cornhuskers will try to do and who to watch.

Week 13 for the Iowa Hawkeyes is for all the marbles. The Big Ten West is on the line with a win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Just simply find a way to win this game and you are going back to Indianapolis for a second year in a row.

In their way stands the Cornhuskers in the midst of a turbulent year. With the early season firing of Scott Frost after a rather unsuccessful tenure in Lincoln, Nebraska has been led by interim head coach Mickey Joseph. It is unfair to give him a grade on this season as he took over a brutal situation and is trying to get this team to the offseason to regroup.

This matchup is a rivalry and Nebraska knows they can play ultimate spoiler. They will have to get something going offensively against the stout Iowa defense should they want to make this interesting in Kinnick Stadium.

Iowa Hawkeyes Senior Day: Here’s to you, 22

As we near Iowa’s Senior Day this season, a more personal note to my little brother that I now get to look up to. Here’s to you, 22.

Some of you may know I have a tie to the Iowa program. I have hinted at it and toyed with it, but out of respect for him, I haven’t outwardly said that my little brother is a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Until today. That changes a bit. My little brother, Nolan Donald, is a senior at Iowa right now. This week is a bit bittersweet for me if I am being honest. Bitter due to it being the final time he will suit up inside Kinnick. Sweet because he gets to reap the rewards of the immense effort, time, and sacrifice he has put in. That is what I want to talk about. His hard work has been so quietly done and always so dedicated that even though I am four years older, I truly feel that I get to look up to my younger brother and it’s one of the best things in the world.

Credit: Riley Donald

It hasn’t been easy to get to this day. In fact, it has been an absolute grind. Not just the four years at Iowa, either. Your grind started when you were just a kid.

When we were just kids, our youngest sister, Sophia, passed away in a car accident. Nothing prepares you for that. There is no playbook to handle that, no scheme you can run, nothing. It was life-changing. There was really a turning point of letting it keep each other down or leaning on one another to keep going.

What that did do, though, is bring you, our sister Livia, and myself closer than ever and create a bond that doesn’t even have adjectives to describe how strong it is. It taught us we need each other. And it taught us how to persevere through the hardest of adversities that life can give you. One thing I can tell you, as well, is that Sophia has been at Kinnick with you every single time. You have her angel wings on your right arm and you have her sitting on your shoulder every game.

Credit: Riley Donald

Life and football are two different things, but it can sort of encapsulate how your career at Iowa has went. There was the broken foot that required surgery two years ago. You got the surgery and kept moving forward. That is until December of 2021.

I’ll never forget when you called me and told me the news. You tore your ACL right before the Big Ten Championship game. My heart sank for you as surgery was required and traveling to the game was off the table. Rather than sulking, you called me up and told me to do whatever it takes to get to Indy and be there.

I wanted to come home to watch it with you, but you weren’t having it. You wanted me in Indy to support Iowa and stay true to a cause bigger than yourself. It wasn’t about you, and you never made it about you, even in the moments you were what mattered most. That’s special.

Credit: Riley Donald

It all culminates for you this Friday when you get your moment inside Kinnick Stadium. So many memories come to mind. The time we were playing backyard football as kids and tackled each other into the fence, taking down 10 yards of the new fence that had just been put in.

Every Saturday you would get up early after playing your high school games on Friday night and travel the Midwest to watch me play and Livia cheerlead while we were at Augustana College. And now every single Saturday we have gotten to enjoy with you during this ride at Iowa.

Seeing you choose to go to Iowa as a walk-on and give it everything has shown me what it looks like to be dedicated to something bigger than yourself. You have stuck with it, regardless of the circumstances, and done something so few people can say that they did.

You taught me what it looks like to have a dream, reach for that dream, and go get that dream. You are living your dream of being a Big Ten football player who will graduate with a degree. No one can take it. You went out and made your dream happen.

So, when Friday rolls around and you suit up in that 22, just know that even though I am your older brother, you have taught me so much and I look up to you.

I had some tears on my Senior Day at Augie. I had some tears writing this. I know I will have some tears on Friday. I am so proud of your hard work. I am so proud of you. I love you, 22.

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Where the Hawks may be headed: Week 12 Iowa Hawkeyes bowl projection round up

While the Iowa Hawkeyes have a bigger goal to focus on, they are still bowling. Here is where the Hawkeyes may be headed this postseason.

While the Iowa Hawkeyes have their full focus and attention on their Week 13 matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, there is a bowl berth waiting for them and it is a matter of where they are headed.

Just a month ago, some projections had Iowa playing in the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit and some had the Hawkeyes not even becoming bowl eligible. The tide has turned quickly and the bowl projections have continued to reflect that with their bowl, opponent, and location all improving week over week.

This is all subject to change with one, or potentially two, games to go for Iowa and how those shake out. For teams with postseason games on the line, it is nearly impossible to determine their fate before they wrap up every game, but there is some belief that Iowa may be headed to a certain bowl down south right now. Their opponent shuffles as well but here are the projections for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa Hawkeyes’ Jack Campbell named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

Iowa Hawkeyes’ linebacker Jack Campbell has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against Minnesota.

Jack Campbell is the heart and soul of not just the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ defense, but arguably the entire team. He is the epitome of the Iowa program in never giving up, losing hope, and trusting your instincts when it matters the most.

His performance against Minnesota, that exuded all of the above, has earned him the recognition and title as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

Down the stretch, Campbell was the conductor of the games’ two most defining plays. He was able to force Minnesota’s running back, Mohamed Ibrahim, who won the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, to fumble on Iowa’s 10-yard line and not give up any points.

Campbell was asked about the fumble and his typical fashion of being the team-first leader he is, he expanded on what it took.

“Just keep fighting every single snap. They’re a talented running back, talented offensive line, but we’re not going to give up ever. So, we just kept going and that opportunity presented itself and I just tried to get the hat on the ball. Coach Parker talks about it all the time. It happened, but you’ve got to do your job every single snap. There’s some snaps we left out there defensively, but, you know what, we brought Floyd home for another year. As a senior, it means a lot. I’ve had him my whole career, so just continuing to build that legacy, that tradition for these young guys to let them see and feel and be a part of a trophy game win. Like for me when I was young, those older guys showing me the way. I feel like that’s kind of what our program’s all about. The oldest players always got to lead and coach Ferentz talks about that. Again, we got the job done and I’m just proud of this team,” Campbell explained how the Iowa defense never gave up amidst adversity.

With the game tied at 10-10 late in the fourth quarter, Campbell was the recipient of a tipped ball and intercepted the pass. He ran it back for what should have been a game-winning touchdown return but was wrongly called out of bounds. Regardless, it set the Hawkeyes up for a game-winning field goal by freshman kicker Drew Stevens.

Campbell has totaled a team-leading 110 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery through 11 games.

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Incredibly, the Iowa Hawkeyes are just 60 minutes from Indy

The Iowa Hawkeyes have done the unthinkable. They control their own destiny in the Big Ten. They are just 60 minutes from returning to Indy.

Unbelievable. Incredible. Turnaround. Belief. Hope.

All of those can describe the Iowa Hawkeyes program this season, specifically down the stretch. Amidst a rollercoaster year of national criticism, the brunt of jokes, and so much more, few teams in America have the opportunity that the Hawkeyes have.

The Hawkeyes are just 60 minutes away from winning the Big Ten West championship and returning to Indianapolis for a second straight year. They need no one’s help and no scenarios to play out. They just have 60 minutes of football between them and the Big Ten West title.

When Iowa suits up on Friday, it will be a fully charged up Kinnick Stadium. It is Senior Day at a program known for its rich tradition of upperclassmen. It is the day after Thanksgiving. It is a sellout. It is a win-and-in game for the Hawkeyes.

But what got us here? How did this happen? What made this possible?

I could go into all of the X’s and O’s involving how offensive performance stayed afloat and scored just enough. There is the defense that is arguably the best Iowa defense we have ever seen. There is the special teams unit that continues to flip games and do their part week in and week out.

That said, there is one man that got us here. Head coach Kirk Ferentz made this happen. After being under fire for more than half the season, he didn’t flinch. He brought the Hawkeyes team closer together. He has them believing and turned that belief into tangible success up to this point.

At this point, enjoying the ride is all we can do. This Hawkeyes team has stuck together through so much adversity and has put themselves in a position where they need one more win to achieve a goal they set out for at the beginning of the season.

This Iowa team refused to give up at any point this year. Don’t give up on them, yet, either. Get on board for next week. Get behind this team. Don’t worry about who they may play or anything down the road.

This Friday’s game is everything. It has the Iowa Hawkeyes just 60 minutes away from Indy.

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Iowa Stock Index: Hawkeyes’ stock report after win over Minnesota

Iowa got the job done in a 13-10 win over Minnesota. Whose stock is rising, whose stock is falling after the win over the Gophers?

The Iowa Hawkeyes officially control their own destiny in the Big Ten West. A sentence more or less unfathomable just a month ago is a very real situation and a reality that is fully upon us. Next Friday is a win-and-in game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

At 7-4, following a rivalry victory over the Minnesota Badgers for the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy, the Hawkeyes are one win away from returning to Indianapolis. Their turnaround is nothing short of miraculous.

The four-game win streak they are riding right now has seen efforts from all three units at different times and has Iowa with a large preseason goal sitting right in front of them. The opportunity is theirs to take.

Quite a few Hawkeyes have had their hands in the mix helping create this winning streak, but there are a few that are seeing their stock rising as we continue down the final stretch of the season.