next season.

[Cliffking]

It's way to early to be confident, especially considering recent disappointing seasons, but it sure feels like this coming year has some real possibility.

1.) Gronowski has the potential to be a Beathard like dude. He's gotta prove it, but he sure looks the part. I'm definitely in wait-and-see mode with him, but it's hard not to be a little excited about what he brings to the table.

2.) Early buzz via kakert is that the passing game looks better than it ever has. With Lester in his second year and Ruggerio assisting, it's certainly possible we see a substantial uptick here.

3.) folks saying hank brown and seth anderson are two of the stories of camp. that's exciting.

4.) o-line looks strong and experienced and the addition of george at LT could be a big boost. depth also looks to be in great shape..

5.) running back and te room look solid.

6.) it's possible that the defense will take a step back, but I love the way we are attacking the portal right now. Get a few additions at key spots and I like the odds of Phil and Company putting together a formidable squad.

7.) I kind of love the way the hawks are attacking the portal right now as I mentioned. I love going after studs from division 2 or FCS ranks. it makes for hungry dudes looking to make a mark. sounds like it's already proven to be effective with guys like Bryce Hawthorn.

8).... who are we kidding? We haven't seen a single snap of football yet but it's still exciting to think about

 

[ItsAllBallBearingsNowadays]

It's way to early to be confident, especially considering recent disappointing seasons, but it sure feels like this coming year has some real possibility.

1.) Gronowski has the potential to be a Beathard like dude. He's gotta prove it, but he sure looks the part. I'm definitely in wait-and-see mode with him, but it's hard not to be a little excited about what he brings to the table.

2.) Early buzz via kakert is that the passing game looks better than it ever has. With Lester in his second year and Ruggerio assisting, it's certainly possible we see a substantial uptick here.

3.) folks saying hank brown and seth anderson are two of the stories of camp. that's exciting.

4.) o-line looks strong and experienced and the addition of george at LT could be a big boost. depth also looks to be in great shape..

5.) running back and te room look solid.

6.) it's possible that the defense will take a step back, but I love the way we are attacking the portal right now. Get a few additions at key spots and I like the odds of Phil and Company putting together a formidable squad.

7.) I kind of love the way the hawks are attacking the portal right now as I mentioned. I love going after studs from division 2 or FCS ranks. it makes for hungry dudes looking to make a mark. sounds like it's already proven to be effective with guys like Bryce Hawthorn.

8).... who are we kidding? We haven't seen a single snap of football yet but it's still exciting to think about

Need a solid DB and DT. I think they’ll figure it at LB but might take some lumps early.

 

[2D_]

Lots of reasons to be excited, plenty of reasons to be wary. Our secondary is a big concern of mine. We can only hope that the guys took a big step forward in the off season.

I also think our schedule doesn't do us any favors. Penn State and Oregon could get ugly really quick. Luckily both are in the latter half of the season, plenty of time to get the offense running. Really hope this is the year our passing game goes from broken to functional.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Need a solid DB and DT. I think they’ll figure it at LB but might take some lumps early.

We have guys in the secondary who have experience. I remember that guys like Bradley Fletcher and Josh Jackson took their lumps, before ultimately shining for us in the secondary. I could see guys like TJ Hall snd Lutmer following that mold. Lee has had solid snaps under his belt. Last I heard, it seems like Watson has earned some trust. We've also landed some other good young guys in the secondary. Could be interesting. I honestly don't know what to expect.

I agree with your concerns at DT. However, that is also why they hit the transfer portal and landed Pace and Hawthorne. Graves is rock-solid ... but having more strong play up the middle will be important. I think that we have good guys at DE ... they just need to make sure that they retain their outside leverage (contain is still really important in our D ... even when we're using the CASH instead of the LEO).

Linebacking situation is funky. We've got some guys who've "been in the pipeline" for quite some time. We got some good snaps from Sharar and Harrell last year. I agree that the LBs will take their lumps ... but I think that we also have a lot of talent (young talent) in that room.

I think that the shocker will be that the OL will be a unit from which I expect that we'll see continued growth. Given that Kamari averaged over 5.5 ypc last season ... even managing to hold that number steady while having an increased workload would be impressive. Furthermore, as many have indicated, if our passing game can actually find a pulse ... then things could get really interesting! Given Anderson, Gill, Phillips, Vander Zee, and Buie ... I think that we have a WR room that might be able to do something.

Given all the returning talent we had on the defensive side of the ball last year - I think that the defensive performance we saw probably embarrassed the defensive guys. I'll be really curious to see how they respond.

 

[binsfeldcyhawk2]

The schedule is tougher but the Hawks get Indiana, Oregon and PSU at home. Gives me hope.

We need a couple Kinnick specials in there.

 

[jonesy5960]

Given all the returning talent we had on the defensive side of the ball last year - I think that the defensive performance we saw probably embarrassed the defensive guys. I'll be really curious to see how they respond.

The majority of guys you're referring to aren't around anymore. Last season has no bearing on this one.

In addition, it was far from embarrassing for anyone. Only at Iowa would fans see their team defense ranked 11th in the nation in points allowed and call it embarrassing. I hope this season is equally embarrassing.

 

[IowaHawk1994]

It's way to early to be confident, especially considering recent disappointing seasons, but it sure feels like this coming year has some real possibility.

1.) Gronowski has the potential to be a Beathard like dude. He's gotta prove it, but he sure looks the part. I'm definitely in wait-and-see mode with him, but it's hard not to be a little excited about what he brings to the table.

2.) Early buzz via kakert is that the passing game looks better than it ever has. With Lester in his second year and Ruggerio assisting, it's certainly possible we see a substantial uptick here.

3.) folks saying hank brown and seth anderson are two of the stories of camp. that's exciting.

4.) o-line looks strong and experienced and the addition of george at LT could be a big boost. depth also looks to be in great shape..

5.) running back and te room look solid.

6.) it's possible that the defense will take a step back, but I love the way we are attacking the portal right now. Get a few additions at key spots and I like the odds of Phil and Company putting together a formidable squad.

7.) I kind of love the way the hawks are attacking the portal right now as I mentioned. I love going after studs from division 2 or FCS ranks. it makes for hungry dudes looking to make a mark. sounds like it's already proven to be effective with guys like Bryce Hawthorn.

8).... who are we kidding? We haven't seen a single snap of football yet but it's still exciting to think about

This team is going to be the worst team since the late Fry years. Don't get your hopes up.

 

[JerseyCityHawki]

This team is going to be the worst team since the late Fry years. Don't get your hopes up.

lol… come on man, where’s the fighting spirit? I think you will be pleased with this years team … they have the pieces to be really good but that’s why the games are played

 

[IACub]

This team is going to be the worst team since the late Fry years. Don't get your hopes up.

What are you basing that prediction on? I don't think we're going to contend for the conference, but I don't see this team getting thrashed.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

This team is going to be the worst team since the late Fry years. Don't get your hopes up.

Nebraska not looking good, I agree; just not sure why you’re using “Fry years” as a measuring stick; strange.

 

[HawkMachine]

1.) Gronowski has the potential to be a Beathard like dude.

I guess I have much higher expectations than you.

 

[Greenway4Prez]

It’s all about intangibles and bounce-backs with KF teams. We lost a bunch of close games in 2022. We won them in 2023. Lost them in 2024. History says we’re in for a rebound this year despite the tougher schedule.

Last year’s secondary was weak (by Iowa standards), history suggests that Phil will have a much sharper unit out there.

Our QB play will be solid, potentially better than solid.

I’m excited about the potential at LB. Weiskopf, Sharar, Buffington, Van Kek, etc. We’ve acquired a bunch of athletes, and I absolutely trust Wallace to mold guys into outstanding LB’s. I’m a little worried about Harrell; hopefully either the light comes on or we find a better option because he looked rough in his limited time.

At any rate, we’re going to be a solid team that becomes a royal PITA in November.

 

[Packer54]

- Who are the guys on Defense that we snagged in the portal? I am slow on the uptake.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Let’s be real - when was the last time that spring football didn’t have buzz going around about something being the best it’s been in a long time, how so-and-so is performing better than expected, and/or how the team really seems to be a family/jelling/coming together?

Hope springs eternal…

 

[Beattheohiostate]

Need a solid DB and DT. I think they’ll figure it at LB but might take some lumps early.

Albany and UMass should keep the lumps on the small side.

 

[pistachio1999]

Albany and UMass should keep the lumps on the small side.

Ames will be a really good test and get newbies prepped for hostile crowds.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I would feel better about the defense if I understood why the 2024 defense wasn't as awesome as the 2023 defense. Lots of guys came back that didn't have to. CDJ was incredible, but I didn't think the D relied on him so much.
IDK. But I trust PP to put a solid defense on the field for 2025

 

[TX_DeputyDude]

The so called "early buzz" about certain position groups is from within the program. Not from observers so I would use caution because what else are coaches and other players going to say? "Oh we are worried about the WRs, they aren't practicing up to speed. The DL hasn't been getting off their blocks, etc" I will be there on Saturday once again to see if progress has been made.

 

[Ferentz_Fan]

I support the team no matter what but how can we not drop off in D when guys like Castro and LBs are gone?

 

[SDHawkDoc]

The so called "early buzz" about certain position groups is from within the program. Not from observers so I would use caution because what else are coaches and other players going to say? "Oh we are worried about the WRs, they aren't practicing up to speed. The DL hasn't been getting off their blocks, etc" I will be there on Saturday once again to see if progress has been made.

Of course. Many, if not most, fan bases have some optimism in the spring. There are multiple other teams in the B1G that think they'll take a step up this year.
Realistically, Iowa is a mixed bag of personnel additions and losses. Big question mark at the most important position on the field coming off an injury/surgery. Still, reasons to be optimistic the offense is trending toward being average.
More question marks about the D in a while.
7.5 over/under win mark prediction makes sense.

 

[kceasthawk]

lol… come on man, where’s the fighting spirit? I think you will be pleased with this years team … they have the pieces to be really good but that’s why the games are played

Dude. You realize he's a troll, and not a Hawk fan in anyway. Have you looked at his post history?

 

[RicoSuave102954]

Dude. You realize he's a troll, and not a Hawk fan in anyway. Have you looked at his post history?

LOL - As if you're a Hawk fan (which you aren't).

 

[jonesy5960]

lol… come on man, where’s the fighting spirit? I think you will be pleased with this years team … they have the pieces to be really good but that’s why the games are played

What are you basing that prediction on? I don't think we're going to contend for the conference, but I don't see this team getting thrashed.

Please don't feed the troll.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

The majority of guys you're referring to aren't around anymore. Last season has no bearing on this one.

In addition, it was far from embarrassing for anyone. Only at Iowa would fans see their team defense ranked 11th in the nation in points allowed and call it embarrassing. I hope this season is equally embarrassing.

My implication was more that the Iowa standard on defense is high. Obviously, having such an excellent scoring D is great. However, the D also gave up too many big pass plays on the season ... which directly led to our loss against ISU. Furthermore, our D inexplicably wasn't able to stop the run against UCLA.

We lost around half the starters on D ... however, Phil played a lot of guys in the secondary and Kelvin played a bunch of guys on the DL.

I wholly agree that it's a new season ... and I think that the new group will place their stamp on this defense.

 

[jonesy5960]

My implication was more that the Iowa standard on defense is high. Obviously, having such an excellent scoring D is great. However, the D also gave up too many big pass plays on the season ... which directly led to our loss against ISU. Furthermore, our D inexplicably wasn't able to stop the run against UCLA.

We lost around half the starters on D ... however, Phil played a lot of guys in the secondary and Kelvin played a bunch of guys on the DL.

I wholly agree that it's a new season ... and I think that the new group will place their stamp on this defense.

You can't expect to win games scoring less than 20 points in today's game. That's why Iowa lost to ISU and UCLA. The offense sucked in both of those games scoring 19 and 17 points.

 

[kceasthawk]

LOL - As if you're a Hawk fan (which you aren't).

Your crap would be interesting if you weren't so ignorant. Like fans who have better things to do with their HARD earned money then throw it away in a meaningless attempt to scale the mountain that is OSU, etc..and YOU have nothing better to do then set your money on fire, then have at it. I've said 100 times that paying players from the rev share, and TRUE NIL (which these collectives have NOTHING to do with NIL), is fine but fans paying players is ridiculous.

There really is no reason to continue this conversation, as you think your right, and I KNOW I am, SO, lets revisit this in 4 or 5 years (if massive changes haven't been made) and without question, you'll see the exact same teams winning the titles, and you'll have pissed away all that money for absolutely nothing, (for a bunch of young people who wouldn't give you the time of day, and would leave for another school for an extra $100), and I'll be enjoying my family in retirement.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

You can't expect to win games scoring less than 20 points in today's game. That's why Iowa lost to ISU and UCLA. The offense sucked in both of those games scoring 19 and 17 points.

The offense turned the ball over twice ... but still gained over 200 yards on the ground. Furthermore, we built a nice early lead. I don't know if I'd say that our O entirely sucked in that game. Also, ISU has a high-quality DC ... and they've traditionally be quite good against the pass.

On O, Iowa really had no answer for UCLA's huge NT. When Sullivan effectively knocked himself out of the game ... we simply didn't have much shot with poor Stratton at the helm.

Anyhow, despite my comments above ... what you say is entirely fair.

 

[JerseyCityHawki]

Please don't feed the troll.

lol

 

[JerseyCityHawki]

Dude. You realize he's a troll, and not a Hawk fan in anyway. Have you looked at his post history?

Nope.. but I am well aware now…

 

[stanzithemanzi12]

I think there's a good possibility we could be 5-0 heading into Penn State @ Iowa. There's also a good chance we could be 4-2 or even 3-3. We're going to need to play well on the road @ Iowa State, @ Rutgers, and @ Wisconsin. We can't lose the turnover battle. Offense is going to be better, but I think we're going to have to soften up on defense a bit more because of our secondary.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

I don't like sullivan leaving, but I can't do much about that now can I ....

 

[IACub]

I don't like sullivan leaving, but I can't do much about that now can I ....

Sweep the leg, OiT.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

Sweep the leg, OiT.

you want me to do martial arts on him? might not work out too well for me....

 

[squeezebox]

 

[squeezebox]