Iowa Hawkeyes suffered a serious and emotional setback as they were getting ready for the ReliaQuest Bowl, which goes right to the core of one of their most dependable strengths. Iowa’s special teams unit has once again made a significant impact this season. The Hawkeyes relied heavily on excellent execution in the kicking and return phases during close games where offense was scarce. Kaden Wetjen, a return specialist, has been at the center of it all. His explosive play has frequently changed the course of events and, in certain situations, completely saved games.
Wetjen has been electrifying. With 965 total return yards and four total touchdowns at the end of the season, he not only stands out but also commands national attention. Wetjen consistently provided Iowa with a spark by effortlessly flipping field position and slicing through coverage units. His influence has been so great that, once postseason awards are decided, it is generally anticipated that he will be named a consensus All-American. Because Wetjen ensured the Hawkeyes never lost the hidden-yardage battle, Iowa seemed to be able to endure offensively for periods of the season.
There is still more excellence to come. Under the direction of senior placekicker Drew Stevens, Iowa’s kicking game has been equally reliable. Stevens made history during Iowa’s victory over Penn State by becoming the program’s all-time leader in career field goals made with 68. He didn’t stop there either; as the season progressed, he kept breaking that record. Stevens’ reliability has been crucial in tight, tough Big Ten games; coaches can rely on him without question.
Iowa has established itself as one of the top special teams programs in college football under Kirk Ferentz for many years. It has been a defining feature of the Ferentz era, frequently setting the Hawkeyes apart from more gifted opponents. However, Ferentz’s announcement that longtime special teams coordinator LeVar Woods was leaving the program severely damaged that proud tradition. Michigan State is anticipated to appoint Woods as its assistant head coach and special teams coordinator, according to reports from ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Woods, a longtime assistant and former Iowa player, has gained national recognition as one of the nation’s best special teams minds. He is now on his way to East Lansing to work with Pat Fitzgerald, the new head coach of the Spartans.
At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Ferentz confirmed the news and emphasized the importance of Woods to the program. His tone was one of gratitude rather than resentment. After all, Woods has long been a pillar of Iowa football, both as a player and as a coach, leaving his mark on the program’s identity. When Woods became Iowa’s special teams coordinator in 2018, the team saw immediate and long-lasting success. The Hawkeyes routinely placed among the top teams in the country for return efficiency, coverage, and punting under his direction. Against Iowa, opponents were aware that even a simple kick could become a nightmare.
The story is told by the numbers. Iowa has produced 14 consensus All-Americans in the last 12 seasons. Woods personally coached three of those players: punter Tory Taylor in 2023, kicker Keith Duncan in 2019, and most recently, Wetjen in 2025. That degree of exceptional, consistent success doesn’t just happen. It is the result of careful coaching, close attention to detail, and a culture that views special teams as an instrument rather than an afterthought.
Woods is not leaving just yet, even though his departure is imminent. In order to maintain continuity during bowl preparations, he confirmed that he will stay with Iowa through the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, he mentioned that his son, tight end Mason Woods, intends to remain with the Hawkeyes, which is a minor but significant indication of the family’s ongoing ties to the program.
Without a doubt, Woods’ absence will be felt by Iowa in the future. It will be difficult to replace a coach of his caliber and one who is so integral to the program’s success. His legacy in Iowa City is safe, though. Don’t be shocked if Woods’ name comes up again in the future, even though his next chapter starts in East Lansing. Iowa might call for one of its own when Kirk Ferentz finally makes the decision to resign.
