The Hawkeyes gathered at Kinnick Stadium for a Kid’s Day practice that turned into a showcase of offensive firepower. Quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski delivered five touchdown passes, connecting especially with JD Vonnahme and James Evans, setting a lively tone for the session.
A Promising Outlook
Among the standouts was running back LJ Philips, a South Dakota transfer who previously amassed 1,921 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. His presence added a dynamic rushing threat, while Nathan McNeil handled the majority of swing passes and checkdowns, underscoring his role in the offense.
The line saw Kade Pieper take the first snap at center, with Cael Winter and Michael Myslinski also earning significant playing time, indicating a rotating approach to the interior.
Special teams produced mixed results. Kicker Caden Buhr was accurate from beyond 40 yards, but punter Tanner Philpott’s placements were inconsistent, and head coach Kirk Ferentz noted Zach Lutmer’s potential in kick returns, though returns were not permitted during practice.
Defensively, the staff experimented with new alignments, and players such as Tony Diaz and KJ Parker continued to impress with multiple receptions that kept the offense moving.
The practice also featured a high‑scoring burst, with the offense finding the end zone six times in a single session — a rarity that highlighted the team’s early‑season readiness. High school recruit Tradon Bessinger, who had watched the Hawkeyes defeat Minnesota 41‑3, announced his commitment after previously decommitting from Boise State.
The atmosphere was amplified by the Wave tradition and the efforts of Kid Captain Isaac, whose presence added a community‑focused spark to the day.