
The Unsung Architects of Iowa Hawkeyes Football
Behind Iowa’s on‑field resurgence lie three pivotal figures whose behind‑the‑scenes work fuels player development, roster management and physical conditioning.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Seth Wallace across Football, Basketball.

Behind Iowa’s on‑field resurgence lie three pivotal figures whose behind‑the‑scenes work fuels player development, roster management and physical conditioning.

With Jack Campbell and Jay Higgins gone, Iowa’s linebackers enter 2026 under a new coach’s confidence, featuring returning starter Jayden Montgomery and a promising mix of veterans and newcomers.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz enters his 28th year as Iowa’s head coach, supported by a largely unchanged staff that includes offensive coordinator Tim Lester, defensive coordinator Phil Parker, and new special teams coordinator Chris Polizzi.
A deep dive into Iowa's 2026 freshman class, spotlighting standout recruits and their potential impact.
From four‑star defensive back Marcello Vitti to Australian punter Boston Everitt, Iowa's 2026 newcomers are poised to reshape the team's dynamics.
The Iowa Hawkeyes defensive line will look markedly different when the 2026 season opens, after the program lost 24 of the 25 sacks it recorded a year earlier. The departure of those pass‑rush producers has left a void that the coaching staff is eager to fill with a blend of experience and untapped talent.
The Iowa Hawkeyes lost 24 of 25 sacks from last season, prompting a search for new leaders on the edge. Veteran Kenny Merrieweather, high‑upside transfer Kahmari Brown and recovering Drew Campbell headline a group that must step up under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
Iowa’s defensive line seeks renewal through transfer portal additions, highlighted by defensive end Kahmari Brown’s proven sack record and film‑driven preparation.
After losing five top tacklers and four sack leaders, Iowa brings in four portal players, highlighted by Kahmari Brown, who hopes his film‑driven preparation will translate into immediate impact.
The Hawkeyes lost three starting linemen from the 2025 roster, but a mix of transfer portal talent and home‑grown prospects aims to fill the void before the 2026 campaign.
The Hawkeyes lost three starting defensive linemen and are turning to four transfer‑portal recruits, including standout pass‑rusher Kahmari Brown, while returning veterans and emerging talents aim to fill the gap ahead of the next campaign.
Karson Sharar’s NFL draft selection highlights Iowa’s linebacker pipeline, but the Hawkeyes must replace several key players. Coach Wallace’s confidence in a six‑ or seven‑person unit offers a glimpse of continuity.
The Hawkeyes' defense will rely on a blend of home‑grown talent and proven leaders as they replace departing NFL linebackers.
After losing Xavier Nwankpa and Koen Entringer, Iowa’s defensive coordinator Phil Parker brings in Tyler Brown and Anthony Hawkins, hoping their experience and physicality will restore depth and versatility to the secondary.

The University of Iowa’s Hawkeye community will converge in Muscatine for a spring event featuring basketball, football and wrestling coaches, with registration now open.
Gavin Stecker, a four-star linebacker from Bettendorf, announced his commitment to the Iowa Hawkeyes in December 2023, becoming the first player from the 2027 class to do so. He chose Iowa over offers from Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, and Minnesota, drawn by the program's track record of producing NFL linebackers and its enduring culture under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
Gavin Stecker, a four‑star linebacker from Bettendorf, announced his commitment to Iowa in December 2023, becoming the first recruit in the 2027 class to do so. His decision reflects a blend of family legacy, program stability and a clear vision for his development.
Gavin Stecker, a four-star linebacker from Bettendorf, announced his commitment to Iowa in December 2023, becoming the first recruit in the 2027 class to do so. His decision reflects both the program’s defensive pedigree and its stable leadership under longtime coach Kirk Ferentz.