Sam Phillips and receivers optimistic for visible improvement in 2025

Editor’s note: Second in a 9-part series looking at the Iowa football team ahead of the season opener on Aug. 30.

The story of Iowa football’s wide receivers hasn’t changed for a few years: fans are left wanting more. Whether it be wanting more usage of the receivers, a more explosive offense or simply more receiving touchdowns.

The Hawkeyes have heard the request. They’ve been striving to generate more, too.

One new transfer won’t fix a team’s lingering issue, Chattanooga transfer Sam Phillips understands that. He’s spent the offseason learning to become one piece in a complex receiver puzzle.

He’s instead confident that the entire Hawkeye group will be the ones to take a step forward this season.

“I’m not gonna change it,” Phillips said during Iowa’s Kids Day, “the whole receiver room is gonna change it.”

The former Mocs joined Iowa at the start of the year, after spending three seasons in the heart of FCS football. Phillips set a freshman record for single-season receptions, 44, and led the Southern Conference in receiving yards his final year at Chattanooga with 823 yards and averaged 16.3 yards per catch.

But for his final year of eligibility, he saw a chance to be a part of something bigger at Iowa.

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Phillips said he’s focused on adjusting to the speed of Big Ten football. It’s quicker, but not too much more physical than what he fared against Conference USA programs. He was also attracted to the chance of having bigger leadership roles, especially in the position group.

“I feel like I’m good all around,” Phillips said. “But just not only that but since I’m a little older guy, you know, kind of lead the younger guys as well.”

But it’s not just Phillips who believes his teammates can change the narrative around the receivers. Head coach Kirk Ferentz said he’s been pleased with the amount of depth and competition that’s surrounded training camp. The Hawkeyes have seven players back this season, along with the freshmen and transfers like Phillips.

Jarriett Buie was cleared a week ago after fracturing his arm, and Ferentz said the receiver has since been “progressing.” KJ Parker is also poised to build off an impressive spring and could see some action.

It’s also year 2 with Tim Lester as the offensive coordinator. One offseason, just like one player, won’t magically eliminate the growing pains of a new OC, but returners like Buie, Jacob Gill and Reece Vander Zee know the playbook better than they did this time last year.

Ferentz, too, will have Kaden Wetjen, who the head coach joked is trying to be a junior and not a senior. Wetjen didn’t have reps as a wide receiver last season, but was a stellar punt and kick returner. Ferentz said that speed and wherewithal Wetjen has could easily translate on the field for more offense.

It’s generating more competition, and a lot of potential for some high-energy offense.

“They’re a good group right now,” Ferentz said. “The older guys are doing a good job, and then we’ve got younger guys coming up the ladder.”

Ferentz, however, still believes any decisions on how the depth chart will shake out come conference play won’t be determined by the season opener. In fact, there’s a chance the coaching staff are making decisions on the entire lineup throughout the first few weeks of the season.

“It’s kind of too close to call right now, but they’re all doing some good things, and we’ll see what it looks like over three weeks,” Ferentz said during the team’s media day. “We’re really not going to make too many big judgments at least until you start game prepping a little bit, then you’ve got to kind of start squeezing it down. But it’s good healthy competition, and that’s encouraging.”

Encouraging might be the word to hope for from Ferentz and co. ahead of this season. The receivers flashed some potential during the team’s annual Kids Day, too, which can help prove to those who want to see change with their own eyes.

Or simply take Phillips’ word for what it’s worth.

“We’re gonna be good,” Phillips said. “I promise.”

Comments: madison.hricik@thegazette.com