Hawkeyes’ locker room is filled with a clear message as No. 23 Iowa football prepares for its postseason matchup: the season is far from over. As Iowa prepares to play No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl, sophomore offensive lineman Trevor Lauck says the team’s attitude hasn’t changed despite the shifting nature of college football. Iowa is currently 8-4 overall and 6-3 in Big Ten play.
Lauck clarified why Iowa’s roster has decided to stick together and compete despite name, image, and likeness deals and the transfer portal changing how players approach bowl season. He believes that playing in the bowl game is a way to honor what college football is meant to stand for.
Lauck stated, “I think the goal of college football is to go out there and win games with your team.” “I think that during bowl season, people tend to forget about that. I’m extremely fortunate to be at a school like this because it kind of turns into people thinking about themselves. It remains a team. Right now, nobody is actually thinking about themselves. We want to end the 2025 season on a high note.
Iowa football has long been known for its team-first mentality, and Lauck’s remarks highlight a culture that prioritizes group achievement over individual choices. Although opt-outs are becoming more popular nationwide, particularly for players who want to play professionally, the Hawkeyes have adopted a different strategy going into Tampa.
Lauck has a significant voice in the show. The sophomore has already made 15 appearances for Iowa and has been a mainstay on the offensive line for the entire 2025 season. At left tackle, a tough position that calls for both mental and physical toughness, he started all 12 regular-season games. An Iowa offensive line that has gained national recognition has been anchored by his consistent presence.
Currently, that team is one of three finalists for the Joe Moore Award, which is given to the best offensive line in the country each year. It reflects cohesiveness, consistency, and selfless play—qualities that closely correspond with Lauck’s view of bowl participation. Perhaps more than any other position group, offensive lines depend on continuity and trust, and Iowa’s front has embraced this trait throughout the season.
The Hawkeyes’ lack of opt-outs has been noticeable as they get ready for Vanderbilt. In a time when postseason rosters can differ significantly from regular-season lineups, no Iowa player has opted to miss the ReliaQuest Bowl. The team’s choice to remain together conveys how they see the opportunity at hand.
But there is impending movement. When the transfer portal formally opens on January 2, 2026, Terrell Washington Jr., a running back, is anticipated to sign up. Despite the news, the program’s main priorities are still the bowl game and finishing the year on a high note. Lauck and other players see the bowl as another opportunity to compete with teammates who have fought together since August.
Iowa will have a benchmark against an SEC team that had a successful regular season in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Hawkeyes will face a difficult test from Vanderbilt, who comes to Tampa with a 10-2 record and a 6-2 record in conference play. It’s the kind of game that can influence a young roster’s offseason momentum and make a lasting impression. The significance is increased by the setting. On December 31, the game will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, providing Iowa with a stage on New Year’s Eve to display its style of football. The game will air nationally on ESPN, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT.
The bowl is more than just a prize for Lauck and his teammates for finishing a challenging schedule. It’s a continuation of the season, a last phase that merits the same dedication as the previous games. Iowa’s strategy serves as a reminder that, at its foundation, college football is still about playing for one another and finishing what you started, even as the sport continues to change. The fan base, which still views bowl games as earned stages rather than obligations, shares this belief. Attending together is important for a program that is based on pride and continuity. The players at Iowa are aware that their performance this season will have an impact on the following one.
