Iowa Football

He has the perfect name for a University of Iowa football player. Hayden Large is from Michigan and really didn’t know much of anything about the Hawkeyes and former legendary coach Hayden Fry before going to college at Dordt in Sioux Center. He is a graduate transfer walk-on for Iowa who hopes to see playing time at the fullback position this season.

In the wake of allegations of at least four current and former Iowa football players betting on their own games, the Big Ten Conference has unveiled new measures to protect the integrity of its competitions.

With the talent and experience the 2023 Winfield-Mount Union football team boasts, it’s easy to see why it has lofty aspirations.

Xavier Nwankpa was a big-time recruit out of Southeast Polk High School two years ago, a five-star safety. He picked Iowa over Ohio State and Notre Dame but didn’t see major playing time for the Hawkeyes last season until recording a Pick-6 interception in the Music City Bowl. He seeks to make a huge impact this season.

Kirk Ferentz lamented being the “lucky ones” and “chosen ones” in the NCAA’s enforcement of sports wagering rules.

Luke Elkin’s consistency as a long snapper has made punter Tory Taylor and kicker Drew Stevens’ jobs “so much easier.” He also adds unique athleticism to a position that does not got the spotlight often.

Kirk Ferentz is “really optimistic” about quarterback Cade McNamara’s injury status, which “looks like it’s on schedule.”

Nick Brooks grew up in Cedar Rapids and attended middle school here. He went to Georgia for a couple of years and became a big-time college recruit. He’s back now in Cedar Rapids for his junior year, and the 6-foot-8, 385-pound offensive lineman is eager to help Cedar Rapids Kennedy win a lot of football games.

Kirk Ferentz said Iowa will appeal Noah Shannon’s one-year suspension. If it stands, it would effectively end his college football career.

Along with running routes in practice or “goofing around” with teammates, Iowa tight end Erick All has the “blessing” of raising his first child, Houston.

The NCAA has come up with reinstatement “determinations” for 11 current University of Iowa athletes, the athletic department said in a news release Tuesday, following a sports gambling investigation lasting more than three months.

Iowa defensive lineman Yahya Black has “unique ability and unique size.” Now that he’s finally healthy, Black will have a chance to showcase those things in 2023.

Williamsburg senior and University of Iowa commit Derek Weisskopf can run, jump, tackle and punt and is developing into a blocker in his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame. He has played a major role in the Raiders’ success the last couple seasons but his approach to the game might be as strong as his physical skills.

Before he heads off to Iowa City, there is one more year of prep competition for Preston Ries to complete. As he gets set to start his senior year at Monticello, his numbers almost match Cooper DeJean's.

Two Iowa games are scheduled to be on the streaming service Peacock this season, which means hard feelings and confusion will precede them.

Iowa Hawkeyes center Logan Jones was placed into an impossible situation last football season, moving from the defensive line to starting center. He struggled a lot, questioned himself a lot, but has made it through the transition and is a key piece to what should be an improved offensive line.

As the ACC’s leader in tackles per game last year acclimates to Iowa, Nick Jackson has impressed his new coaches with his unselfishness and maturity.

Kaleb Brown is “better prospect” than in high school, Kirk Ferentz believes, although he is not yet in same category as more experienced transfers like tight end Erick All.

The Hawkeyes will “take it week-by-week” as Cade McNamara recovers from an apparent leg injury.