The Iowa Hawkeyes' running back corps is perhaps the most underrated unit on the roster, yet it boasts a depth and talent that could reshape the team's offensive identity. With two established No. 1 backs and a pipeline of capable successors, the position group is poised to become the engine of the Hawkeyes' attack.
A deep and talented group
Kamari Moulton returns as the team's leading rusher, having posted an average of 5.32 yards per carry last season, while L.J. Phillips Jr. earned acclaim as a ‘rolling ball of butcher knives’ after topping the FCS in rushing yards the previous year. Both players bring a blend of size, speed, and vision that makes them the centerpiece of Iowa's ground game.
Adding to the mix, freshman Xavier Williams made an immediate impact by becoming the first freshman to rush for 100 yards in Iowa's season opener since 2005, and Nathan McNeil provides additional depth. Their emergence gives the Hawkeyes a rare luxury of multiple proven options at the top of the depth chart.
A scheme built for the run
Offensive coordinator Tim Lester has embraced a Shanahan‑style outside‑zone system that emphasizes power running from the backfield. The scheme leverages the offensive line's physicality and the tight ends' blocking ability, allowing the backs to hit seams and cut back with confidence. In 2024, the Hawkeyes finished second in Big Ten rushing yards, a testament to the effectiveness of this approach.
The combination of experienced backs, versatile playmakers, and a run‑centric scheme suggests that Iowa will continue to rely heavily on the ground game in the upcoming 2026 season. With all seven running backs eligible to return through 2027, the program has locked in a long‑term commitment to developing this position group.
Looking ahead
Fans can expect a more balanced attack that leans on the running backs to control the tempo and wear down defenses. If the current trajectory holds, the Hawkeyes' rushing attack could become a defining strength, propelling the team toward its goals in the next few years.