Iowa Hawkeyes’ award season is still going strong, and as December draws near, the accolades keep coming in. Sporting News named three Hawkeye standouts to its All-American teams on Wednesday, adding another significant national honor to Iowa’s stellar 2025 campaign and confirming what fans witnessed throughout Iowa City.
Center Logan Jones and dynamic return specialist Kaden Wetjen were named First-Team All-Americans by Sporting News, while offensive lineman Beau Stephens was named Second-Team All-American. Together, the three stand for Iowa’s physical character, meticulousness, and capacity to influence games in a variety of ways—all hallmarks of the program under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
Jones views the award as a fitting conclusion to a season in which he was Iowa’s offensive line’s emotional engine and anchor. As the season went on, the team quietly emerged as one of the Big Ten’s most dependable units thanks to the senior center’s steady presence. Jones was at the center of everything, both literally and figuratively, whether he was making protection calls, creating interior running lanes, or setting the tone with his toughness.
Jones is among the best at his position in the country after being named a First-Team All-American by Sporting News. It also shows how much respect he has gained outside of the stat sheet. Although centers don’t often make news, coaches, scouts, and national evaluators recognize how important the role is, and Jones regularly performed well when it mattered most.
Wetjen’s selection to the First Team conveys a very different but no less fascinating tale. In 2025, a few players nationwide altered the course of events like Iowa’s return man. There was always a sense of anticipation surrounding each kickoff and punt, and Wetjen frequently rewarded that feeling with spectacular plays that changed field position or ignited the Hawkeyes at crucial times.
Even casual fans watching Iowa games had to watch him because of his vision, speed, and bravery. Wetjen stood out as one of the most potent weapons in the country during a season in which special teams once again contributed significantly to Iowa’s success. The fact that Sporting News acknowledged him shows how significant his contributions were on a national level.
Stephens, on the other hand, had another excellent season in the trenches and was named to the Second Team All-American. His recognition is just as significant even though it might not have the same media attention as a first-team selection. Stephens complemented Jones’ leadership in the middle and was a model of consistency, offering power and stability along the offensive line. Jones and Stephens worked together to create a physical base that kept Iowa competitive every week. Over the course of the season, their efforts frequently manifested in small ways—a clean pocket here, an important third-down conversion there—but they added up.
As the Hawkeyes continue to win postseason awards from all around the college football world, Sporting News is just the most recent national publication to highlight Iowa’s talent. The program’s capacity to develop players and make the most of their strengths is demonstrated by the consistent flow of awards, which also reflects individual excellence. The All-American announcements are a source of celebration and validation for Iowa supporters. They serve as evidence that Hawkeye football’s work ethic, discipline, and focus on the fundamentals are still relevant across the country. These awards serve as a reminder of what this 2025 team accomplished and the standards it upheld as the offseason draws near and attention shifts to what lies ahead.
Jones, Wetjen, and Stephens personified what it means to wear the black and gold in a year full of pivotal moments and hard-fought games. The accolades from Sporting News merely give performances that Iowa supporters won’t soon forget a national stamp. Beyond awards season, the trio’s recognition has ramifications. It gives younger players in the locker room a clear picture of what Iowa can achieve with dedication and growth. These honors are developed over years, not weeks, through practice routines, film study, and weight room sessions.
Within the program, that message strikes a deep chord and upholds the culture Ferentz has fostered for many years. The achievements of Jones, Wetjen, and Stephens will continue to serve as a benchmark as Iowa moves into the next phase of its football career, serving as a reminder that even the smallest efforts can have a significant impact. The next generation of Hawkeyes, who are determined to make their own mark, will be shaped by those lessons through fall Saturdays, spring practices, and winter workouts.
