A fresh direction for Iowa’s special teams
The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to undergo a significant transformation of their special teams unit as the 2026 season approaches.
Long‑time coordinator LeVar Woods accepted a position at Michigan State, opening the door for Chris Polizzi, who enters his fifth year with the program, to assume the coordinator role.
The departure of three pivotal starters — return specialist Kaden Wetjen and kicker Drew Stevens, both of whom have signed NFL contracts — creates a void that the coaching staff is addressing through fresh faces.
Eli Ozick and Caden Buhr have been entrusted with the kicking duties, with Ozick bringing a career field‑goal record of 19‑23 that offers a promising foundation for the new unit.
Punting responsibilities will be shared by Tanner Philpott and Boston Everitt, each of whom arrives with a strong collegiate background that the staff believes can translate into consistent field position.
Special teams have long been a cornerstone of Iowa’s identity, often providing the momentum swings that define the Hawkeyes’ play style. Maintaining that edge will be essential as the new roster settles into its roles.
What the changes mean for the 2026 campaign
The adjustments also reflect a broader strategy that blends experience with youthful energy, aiming to keep Iowa competitive in a crowded Big Ten landscape.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz has emphasized that the unit must be sharp from the outset, noting that early‑season performance could set the tone for the entire campaign.
Fans will notice a different look on kickoffs and punt returns, but the underlying philosophy remains unchanged: leverage precision and discipline to create scoring opportunities.
Looking ahead
As the team prepares for the first scrimmage, the focus will be on chemistry and execution, with the new coordinator watching closely how the newcomers adapt to game‑day pressure.