Tag: Hawkeyes Football

Iowa Football has something better than the transfer portal

Iowa football has not been very active in the transfer portal this year. But make no mistake, the Hawkeyes are making some serious moves.

The transfer portal has been bonkers this offseason, not that it should be a surprise. We saw last year a massive influx of players trying their hand at the portal, searching for greener pastures.

It wasn’t just intriguing bench players looking for a starting spot, or aging players looking to keep playing the sport they love at another school. Over the past two years, we’ve seen real, legitimate, top-tier talent entering the transfer portal in almost a new-age version of free agency for college football. This is just how it is now.

A criticism levied on the Hawkeyes entering the 2022 season was just straight up not using the transfer portal. While they saw players such as Charlie Jones and Tyrone Tracey departing, they only opted to bring in a veteran backup tight end. Shoutout to Steven Stillianos for stepping up when he was needed thoughout this year.

In 2023, Iowa took a much different approach and everyone loved it. They brought in a new quarterback, a highly-rated wide receiver, and a starting-caliber linebacker amongst other additions. They brought in eight players in total, all of whom played a role in this past season for the Hawkeyes.

Now, entering the nitty-gritty of this offseason, Iowa has not added a single player through the portal. At first glance, you might think this reverting back to old ways would be cause for complaints by the Hawkeyes fan base. But, in truth, Iowa’s lack of activity this offseason makes a ton of sense.

This offseason they’ve had a much bigger plan, utilizing a talent pool superior to what they can bring in. The focus has been on retaining the top-notch talent that they already possess coming off a 10-win campaign. The results have been extremely fruitful so far.

Kirk Ferentz received a monumental bit of news on Friday when starting tight end Luke Lachey committed to another year in black and gold. Despite missing most of the season due to a right ankle injury that required surgery, everyone knew just how talented Lachey was. He was the lone bright spot on offense early in the season for the Hawkeyes after being one of the few bright spots the season prior.

Lachey has NFL talent, and still would have received a lot of interest in this 2024 NFL draft. Instead, he wants to return to Iowa City one last time to help leave his mark on program history.

Lachey is not the only returnee, joining All-American linebacker Jay Higgins. Higgins was the breakout star on defense for the Hawkeyes, filling the shoes of departing Butkus Award winner Jack Campbell remarkably well. Higgins was named one of 12 semifinalists for that same award.

Soon to be 22 and coming off an incredible season, most would be preparing for the draft. They already would have opted out for this bowl game. Not Jay Higgins, though, he’s already committed to another year.

Opting out of bowl games is the new norm for soon-to-be NFL draft prospects. Not for the Iowa Hawkeyes, though. Even Brian Ferentz, for as much criticism as this publication and most of the Iowa fan base have given him over the years, is giving this last game his full attention.

There are a few players speculated to join Lachey and Higgins for one more run at Kinnick Stadium. Linebacker Nick Jackson, who was recently granted another year by the NCAA, joins Hawkeye defensive backs Sebastian Castro, Quinn Schulte, and even Cooper DeJean among a group still deciding whether or not to declare for the NFL draft. Save for DeJean who is physically unable to step on the field without crutches, each had no doubts about playing in this bowl game.

For obvious reasons, the transfer portal was not going to be an area of focus for the Hawkeyes this offseason. It’s kind of hard to bring in players on offense without an offensive coordinator to hang your hat on. This isn’t to say that Iowa won’t bring in any players either, it just hasn’t been their top priority. That doesn’t mean that Iowa is ignoring the new age of college football and NIL. Name, image and likeness is not only a tool to bring in players, it can be used to keep guys in school another year.

Instead of dwelling on lack of transfer activity, remember that Iowa and their strong culture has brought back arguably the best linebacker and tight end in the conference with possibly more names to come. Alongside the young talent they’ve been preparing for the spotlight, things are going right according to plan for Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes.

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Cardiac Hawkeyes: Takeaways from Iowa’s thrilling win over Nebraska

It took every bit of 60 minutes, but the Iowa Hawkeyes did it. They hit the 10-win mark. Takeaways from the thrilling win over Nebraska.

The 2023 Iowa Hawkeyes have an uncanny knack for puling out the most improbable wins in ways that seem unbelievable. Each week seems to be a new way to win a football game and it has Iowa sitting at a 10-2 record.

This week’s 13-10 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers came on a game-winning field goal as time expired off of the foot of backup kicker Marshall Meeder. Iowa was set up for success due to an interception from an unlikely candidate, defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett.

The Hawkeyes spoiled Nebraska’s day by cementing their record at 5-7 and putting a big damper on any thoughts of a bowl game. Iowa also is taking the Heroes Trophy back home to Iowa City.

It was unlikely and might just be the Hawkeyes’ most improbable win yet, but a win is a win and no one can take away 10-2. Here are the takeaways from the exhilirating win.

Cooper DeJean to one of NFL’s most storied franchises in recent CBS Sports mock draft

It is a matter of when and where Cooper DeJean gets drafted. CBS Sports has him joining an Iowa Hawkeyes legend on a storied NFL franchise.

If Cooper DeJean declares for the 2024 NFL draft, which he should to the dismay of some Iowa Hawkeyes’ fans, he is putting together an incredibly strong case to be the next Hawkeye drafted in the first round.

His coverage is elite, his ability to make plays on the ball in the air is highly instinctual, and his electric playmaking when the ball gets in his hands is something you can’t teach. It doesn’t hurt that he is freakishly athletic as well.

All of those traits paired with his film are building for Cooper DeJean to be taken in the first round next April. CBS Sports’ most recent mock draft has DeJean headed to a storied NFL franchise, the San Francisco 49ers.

The ball-hawking DeJean can line up just about anywhere (and he’s an asset in the return game, too), and that versatility and rare athleticism are what make him such an enticing prospect. – Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

The pipeline from Iowa City to San Francisco is already paved as well. It is a road that has been traveled and done so with great success. Should this move come to fruition, DeJean would join 49ers tight end and Iowa legend George Kittle, who would surely welcome the young playmaker with open arms.

DeJean would be joining a secondary room that currently features five cornerbacks with three or more years of experience. This would allow DeJean the opportunity to come in and learn as he transitions to the NFL.

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Iowa dominance! Takeaways as the Hawkeyes topple Rutgers to move to 8-2

The Iowa Hawkeyes have moved to 8-2 and are on the cusp of clinching the Big Ten West outright. Takeaways as they toppled Rutgers 22-0.

Oh, how sweet it is to be 8-2!

The Iowa Hawkeyes showed out today against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and poured on a dominant 22-0 victory inside Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes suffocated Rutgers defensively and had arguably their best offensive showing of the season against a defense that had been stout in 2023. The Iowa Hawkeyes topped the 400-yard mark offensively while holding Rutgers to just 127 yards.

Brian Ferentz called a good game. Deacon Hill played well. The defense continued to be dominant. And things broke Iowa’s way around the rest of the conference. This was an all-around showing for the Hawkeyes and if it is a sign of things to come, it is the perfect time to have things start coming together for this team.

As Iowa moves to 8-2 with a two-handed grasp on the drive to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship game, here are the biggest takeaways from their win over Rutgers.

The rightful heir: Tory Taylor named a Ray Guy Award Semifinalist

America’s favorite punter is up for the most important award in America. Tory Taylor has been named a Ray Guy Award Semifinalist

Some awards and decisions make themselves. There is no need for overthinking or questioning the final outcome.

It isn’t often we face that easy of a decision but when it involves the punter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Tory Taylor, it becomes a clear-cut decision. The best punter in America deserves the recognition and it is clear the impact that he has on games.

After being snubbed in the eyes of many last year, Tory Taylor is among the finalists for the Ray Guy Award this year. The award is given out annually to the nation’s best collegiate punter.

Taylor hasn’t just been a great punter for the Hawkeyes, there is an argument that he has been the MVP for this team. His ability to not only boom long punts but also land them with precision has helped the Hawkeyes get out to a 7-2 record.

On the year, Taylor has punted 60 times for an average of 47.5 yards, almost a full yard and a half better than his previous best which came during the 2021-22 season. He has a long of 62 yards and has landed a whopping 23 punts (38.3% of all punts) inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

Tory Taylor is Iowa’s MVP. Tory Taylor is the future Ray Guy Award winner. Tory Taylor should be the next Heisman.

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Iowa legend coming back as honorary captain for Hawkeyes vs. Rutgers

Iowa has an abundance of legends that have worn the black and gold. One of those legends will be the honorary captain versus Rutgers.

Some are believers that the presence of greatness can elevate others. For the Iowa Hawkeyes, they are hopeful that can be the case this Saturday as they host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a massive tilt with Big Ten West implications on the line for the Hawkeyes.

Everyone knows that Iowa produces NFL-caliber tight ends like an assembly line at a factory. One position group that they also consistently pump out talent from is the secondary, be it safeties or cornerbacks.

One of those talents will be back this Saturday inside Kinnick Stadium. Desmond King will be the honorary captain.

King’s career at Iowa is up there among the best that have been through the program. his career is littered with awards and recognition. At Iowa, he totaled 263 tackles, 47 pass breakups, and 14 interceptions.

Desmond King was first-team All-Big Ten in 2015 and 2016, a unanimous All-American in 2016, the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2015, and the Jim Thorpe Award winner in 2015. King went on the be drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers. In 2018, he was a first-team All-Pro.

Iowa has continued its ways of producing outstanding defensive talent to follow in King’s footsteps. For Hawkeye fans, they may be hoping that his presence can bring some ball-hawking this Saturday.

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Next in line: Jay Higgins named a Dick Butkus Award Semifinalist

Jay Higgins is filling the big shoes of being an Iowa linebacker. The Hawkeyes’ defensive leader is a Dick Butkus Award Semifinalist.

Entering this season, the linebacker position might have been viewed as one of the question marks facing the Iowa Hawkeyes and their defense. That question has been answered and then some this year.

Jay Higgins is the answer. The leader of the Iowa defense has waited for his time to shine and taken full advantage of it. The linebacker leads the team in tackles and is among the best tacklers in America.

His play this year has earned him a spot among the nation’s finest linebackers. Jay Higgins has been named a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award. The award is given out annually to the most impactful linebacker in America.

Jay Higgins has been every bit of impactful so far this year. He leads Iowa in tackles with 113 tackles through nine games. He averages 12.6 tackles per game. Higgins is third in the nation in total tackles and second in tackles per game.

Higgins is stepping into his role right on the heels of one of Iowa’s best linebackers they have ever seen in Jack Campbell, last year’s Dick Butkus Award recipient. Higgins is looking to be Iowa’s second Dick Butkus Award winner in as many years.

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Iowa Hawkeyes’ Drew Stevens earns the title of Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week

After a game-winning field goal to move the Iowa Hawkeyes to 7-2, Drew Stevens has been named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.

The money man for the Iowa Hawkeyes once again came through in the clutch as he has done so many times before. Drew Stevens saved the day for Iowa in their 10-7 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats on a blustery day at Wrigley Field.

The 52-yard field goal proved to be the game-winning kick to put Northwestern to bed. The kick was the most important play of the day for the Hawkeyes and may prove to be one of the most important plays of the season with the trajectory it could put the Hawkeyes on. The kick was also good enough to earn Drew Stevens honors as the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.

Stevens has been a luxury for the Hawkeyes this year. He is proving to be one of the most consistent players on this team and one of the best kickers in America. On the year he is 14-18 on field goal attempts with a long of 53 yards while being a perfect 16-16 on extra points.

Drew Stevens has been great since the day he began at Iowa. In just his second season, Stevens has a career mark of 30-36 on field goals while being automatic on extra points by connecting on all 40 tries.

Iowa is going to be in tight ballgames the rest of the way and each kick coming off of Stevens’ right is going to be amplified. He has answered the bell every time so far with ice in his veins.

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Hawkeyes trending in opposite directions in USA TODAY Sports Re-Rank, CBS Sports 133

Despite being on a bye week, the Hawkeyes saw some movement in the rankings. Curiously enough, they trended in opposite directions.

The last week and a half for the Iowa Hawkeyes has been nothing short of tumultuous and full of storylines. From the punt return issue versus Minnesota to the decision that Brian Ferentz will not be back as offensive coordinator in 2024, it can be forgotten Iowa has a game coming up.

Not just any game, either. They are headed to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, to take on the Northwestern Wildcats who suddenly look frisky and not the cakewalk game many envisioned.

Amid all of that, the Hawkeyes still saw some movement in multiple ranking outlets despite not playing. All movement is due to other teams winning or losing and moving the Hawkeyes around. What is interesting is these rankings view Iowa as moving in different directions.

USA TODAY Sports provides the weekly re-rank and slotted Iowa up at No. 28, despite a three-spot slide. Northwestern saw a four-spot jump and sits at No. 81 with a 4-4 overall record.

CBS Sports 133 also moved the Hawkeyes but it was by no work done themselves. Their rankings moved the Hawkeyes up two spots to No. 35. The Wildcats are No. 80 but saw one of the biggest jumps of the week after they climbed 12 spots.

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Cooper DeJean named Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist

Cooper DeJean has been nothing short of spectacular this year. His play has him as a Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist.

The 2023 campaign for Cooper DeJean has not skipped a beat from where he left off after bursting onto the scene in 2022. All of the preseason hype and recognition are for real and may have even underestimated the product out of Odebolt, Iowa.

DeJean has been nothing short of spectacular for the Iowa Hawkeyes on the defensive side of the ball. He takes away teams’ top receivers and eliminates half of the field at times with his stickiness in coverage. His play has earned him recognition as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.

Each year, the Jim Thorpe Award is given out to the best defensive back in college football. It isn’t only that, though. The player’s athletic ability and character also play into the decision. DeJean has proven to be an exemplary defensive back in all three areas.

DeJean’s 2023 season has seen him make plays regardless of where he is on the field. He has 38 total tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, is averaging 12.28 yards per punt return, and has a punt return touchdown.

If DeJean were to take home this hardware, he would join fellow Iowa defensive back Desmond King, the 2015 winner of the Jim Thorpe Award.

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