
Iowa Hawkeyes Eye Lou Groza Award Glory with Transfer Kicker Eli Ozick
Iowa’s football program is counting on transfer kicker Eli Ozick to revive its placekicking prestige after a two‑decade drought of Lou Groza Award winners
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Eli Ozick across Football.

Iowa’s football program is counting on transfer kicker Eli Ozick to revive its placekicking prestige after a two‑decade drought of Lou Groza Award winners

The Hawkeyes' 2026 campaign hinges on a wave of emerging stars across offense, defense and special teams, each poised to assume larger roles and drive the squad toward a transformative year.

The Iowa Hawkeyes open the 2026 campaign ranked No. 22 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, but a wave of departures from the special‑teams unit has sparked a rebuilding effort led by new coordinator Chris Polizzi and a trio of fresh specialists.

With the 2026 campaign on the horizon, Iowa's coaching staff is navigating a series of high‑stakes competitions that will determine the starting lineup across offense, defense and special teams.
Coach Kirk Ferentz discusses the evolving quarterback race, the potential of the secondary and linebackers, and the challenges facing the defensive line and special teams.
Ferentz discusses the quarterback duel between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, the potential extension of the race into the season, and the challenges facing the defensive line, while highlighting the promise of the secondary, linebackers, and special teams.

As the Hawkeyes prepare for the 2026 season, five narrative threads — quarterback competition, kicker evolution, offensive line reshaping, safety transitions, and the future of head coach Kirk Ferentz — define the conversation around Iowa football.

The Hawkeyes' offense, led by Tim Lester, is expected to exceed its over/under line, while the defense under Phil Parker continues to limit scoring, setting the stage for a compelling campaign.
North Dakota State University announced the addition of CJ Anderson and Tochi Okoro, completing a transfer class that now totals twelve athletes. Both players bring recent collegiate experience and are expected to contribute immediately on special teams and at the receiver position.

Analysts forecast a dynamic season for the Hawkeyes, highlighting quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski's debut, a deep rushing attack, dominant line play, and several marquee victories.

With several first‑year starters stepping into pivotal roles, the Hawkeyes are poised for both opportunity and pressure in the upcoming Big Ten campaign.

Phil Steele's preseason accolades place five Iowa Hawkeyes on his teams, celebrating standout talent while raising questions about the fairness of certain rankings.

With Chris Polizzi taking the reins, the Hawkeyes are reshaping their kicking game, adding experienced talent and fresh competition ahead of their Week 1 matchup against Northern Illinois.

Phil Steele's preseason All-Conference and All-American teams recognize five Iowa football players, highlighting their potential and the program's bright outlook for 2026.

Five Hawkeyes earn preseason honors from Phil Steele, including All-American nods for Pieper and Lutmer and All-Big Ten selections for Lauck, Ozick and Vonnahme, setting high expectations for the 2026 campaign.

The latest rankings highlight a blend of seasoned starters, promising newcomers, and versatile specialists poised to shape Iowa’s performance on both sides of the ball.

With LeVar Woods departing for Michigan State and Chris Polizzi stepping in, Iowa must replace key special teams contributors and integrate new talent to preserve its historic edge.

The Hawkeyes are reshaping their roster and coaching staff as they gear up for the upcoming campaign, blending new talent with Iowa's distinctive traditions.

The Hawkeyes are leveraging recent portal activity to add a pass‑rusher, a big‑play receiver and a reliable kicker, reshaping their outlook for the upcoming season.

The Hawkeyes’ latest roster overhaul brings three standout transfers who bring proven production and could influence outcomes in tight games.