The University of Iowa Health Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the Iowa Hawkeyes football program have extended a partnership that began in 2009, designating twelve pediatric patients as Kid Captains for the 2026‑27 campaign. Each child will be linked to a specific game, allowing them to step onto the field alongside the team’s starters.
The initiative, known as Kids Day at Kinnick, is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, at 11 a.m. CT, when the Hawkeyes will host a special ceremony to recognize the young ambassadors before the season opener.
Harlow Taube will lead the charge as Kid Captain for the September 5 matchup against Northern Illinois, while Charlie Price will follow in the role for the September 12 clash with Iowa State. Beau Harvey, Lily Lee, Eliana Gaul, JJ Ward, Kaelyn O’Brien, Charley Rasmussen, Ellie Walker, Beau Byers, Henry Jaeger, and Isaac Raue round out the roster, each slated to represent the hospital during a different contest.
The assignments span the breadth of the schedule, from early‑season games at home and on the road to late‑season conference battles, underscoring the program’s commitment to giving each participant a meaningful presence on game day.
Hospital officials say the experience does more than provide a memorable outing; it reinforces the resilience of the youngsters and highlights the hospital’s broader mission of healing through community engagement.
Coach Kirk Ferentz has repeatedly praised the program for its ability to inspire both the players and the fans, noting that the presence of the Kid Captains adds a palpable sense of purpose to every snap.
A tradition that unites sport and healing
Since its inception, the Kid Captains program has become a cornerstone of Iowa’s community outreach, weaving together the excitement of college football with the compassion of pediatric care. The partnership illustrates how athletic platforms can amplify messages of hope and solidarity.