The Iowa Hawkeyes enter the 2026 college football season ranked No. 22 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, positioning themselves among the Big Ten’s elite alongside Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, USC, Michigan, Penn State and Washington.
Quarterback Mark Gronowski’s departure has opened a competitive battle for the starting role, a situation that could stretch deep into the fall as the coaching staff evaluates emerging talent.
Rebuilding the Special Teams
A wave of departures has left Iowa’s special teams unit in flux. Kicker Drew Stevens and All‑America returner Kaden Wetjen have moved on, and longtime coordinator LeVar Woods along with punter Rhys Dakin finished their tenures at Iowa to join Michigan State in East Lansing.
In response, the program has promoted Chris Polizzi from defensive analyst to special teams coordinator and added a trio of newcomers: transfer Eli Ozick from North Dakota State, D‑III All‑American punter Tanner Philpott from Simpson College, and Australian punter Boston Everitt, who was signed to bolster the unit.
Coach Kirk Ferentz has acknowledged the transition, stressing that patience will be essential as the new specialists integrate and the team works to restore its historically strong special‑teams performance.
Looking Ahead
If the Hawkeyes can harness the potential of their new specialists and maintain the depth that has characterized Iowa football for decades, the 2026 season could see the special teams reclaim a position of strength within the conference.