Ben Kueter, a former Iowa football prospect, has permanently left the team for wrestling after announcing in 2024 that he would step away from the gridiron. The move ends a brief but eventful stint on the Hawkeyes’ defensive line, where the four‑star linebacker from the 2023 recruiting class never recorded a snap.
Kueter’s wrestling résumé, however, tells a different story. He has risen to become an All‑American heavyweight for the Hawkeyes, battling through multiple offseason surgeries that have tested his durability. In March 2024, his mother disclosed a life‑threatening health crisis following one of those operations, describing a near‑fatal episode in which he struggled to breathe.
The revelation underscores the resilience that has defined Kueter’s athletic journey. His departure leaves a void on the 2026 Iowa football roster, a roster that will be led by linebackers Jayden Montgomery and Cam Buffington, both of whom are expected to shoulder increased responsibilities after gaining starting experience last season.
Roots at Iowa City High School
Before arriving in College Park, Kueter starred at Iowa City High School, where he excelled in both football and wrestling. As a freshman he participated in the Hawkeyes’ football and wrestling programs, though he did not make his collegiate football debut on the field.
Kueter’s transition reflects a growing trend of elite high‑school athletes opting for wrestling after early football setbacks, a path that has allowed him to showcase his talent on the mat while navigating serious health challenges.