Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Leighton Jones across Football.
Iowa Hawkeyes enter 2026 with an 8‑4 record and an 11th straight winning season, but quarterback uncertainty and defensive depth questions loom as they prepare for a challenging schedule.
The University of Iowa confronts the challenge of replacing recent Rimington Trophy winners at center, with Kade Pieper and other emerging players vying for the role.
With two recent Rimington Trophy winners leaving the program, Iowa’s offensive line coach George Barnett and head coach Kirk Ferentz are counting on a blend of experienced returners and emerging talent to keep the Hawkeyes’ front line competitive.
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.
With key departures from last year’s roster, the Iowa Hawkeyes are counting on a mix of seasoned holdovers and promising newcomers to step up and keep the program competitive.
Cael Winter, an Iowa offensive lineman entering his fourth season, won the 2026 Solon Beef Days Hay Bale Toss with a 13‑foot‑6‑inch throw, defeating teammate Lucas Allgeyer in a sudden‑death finale. Coach Kirk Ferentz praised the performance, while the absence of defending champion Kade Pieper added extra drama.
In a dramatic showdown at the 2026 Solon Beef Days, Iowa offensive lineman Cael Winter cleared 13 feet 6 inches to win the Hay Bale Toss, edging out teammate Lucas Allgeyer in a sudden‑death finish. The victory marks a symbolic passing of the event’s title and highlights Winter’s rising profile under coach Kirk Ferentz.
Cael Winter secured the Solon Beef Days Hay Bale Toss title with a 13‑foot‑6‑inch throw, edging out teammate Lucas Allgeyer in a dramatic sudden‑death round.
Cael Winter cleared a hay bale 13 feet and six inches to win the 2026 Solon Beef Days competition, surpassing the previous record and joining a lineage of Hawkeye champions.
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.
Returning anchors Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck lead a revamped Iowa offensive line that earned a ninth‑best national ranking from CBS Sports, while the team replaces key departures with promising newcomers.
With the launch of EA Sports' College Football 27 slated for July 9, Iowa reveals the ratings of its 14 highest‑rated players, emphasizing a strong offensive line and secondary while raising questions at quarterback, linebacker and defensive line.
With several first‑year starters stepping into pivotal roles, the Hawkeyes are poised for both opportunity and pressure in the upcoming Big Ten campaign.
Iowa's offensive line depth is both a strength and a hurdle as the program misses out on top 2027 prospects.
Keyon Thomas, a 3-star recruit from Warren Central High School, announced his commitment to Iowa, joining a class that continues to draw top talent from Indiana.
Keyon Thomas, a 3‑star running back from Indianapolis, announced his commitment to the University of Iowa, joining a growing list of Indiana products in the Hawkeye program.
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.
A look at three under‑the‑radar Iowa players who could reshape the team's fortunes in the upcoming 2026 campaign.