Iowa football enters the postseason with the goal of concluding 2025 in a fitting manner following yet another consistent and prosperous regular season under longtime head coach Kirk Ferentz. At Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on New Year’s Eve, the Hawkeyes play No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl, a high-profile game that has significance long after the final whistle.
Vanderbilt is 10-2 and 6-2 in the SEC going into the bowl game, while Iowa is 8-4 overall and 6-3 in Big Ten play. Against a ranked opponent, the Hawkeyes game offers yet another chance to make a breakthrough. This season, Iowa has knocked on doors several times, losing close, one-score games against all of its ranked opponents. In addition to ending that annoying run, a victory over Vanderbilt would give the program momentum as it looks to 2026. It’s also a natural time to plan ahead as the calendar turns and Christmas approaches. As Iowa gets ready for the next chapter, what could it hope to find under the tree? The Hawkeyes’ future could be shaped by three areas that stand out as potential gifts.
It’s also a natural time to plan ahead as the calendar turns and Christmas approaches. As Iowa gets ready for the next chapter, what could it hope to find under the tree? The Hawkeyes’ future could be shaped by three areas that stand out as potential gifts.
Another seasoned quarterback from the transfer portal is the first. By signing four-star prospect Tradon Bessinger in its 2026 recruiting class, Iowa has already set the stage for the future. Bessinger is a player who many believe has the potential to become the offense’s face. Meanwhile, the current quarterback room is full of intrigue. Jeremy Hecklinski, a transfer from Wake Forest, has reportedly impressed the coaching staff with his steady growth throughout the 2025 campaign, while Hank Brown, who joined from Auburn following the 2024 season, had early flashes.
Tim Lester, the offensive coordinator, is in the best position to determine whether the solution for 2026 is already present on campus. Particularly for quarterbacks attempting to set themselves apart, bowl practices frequently offer clarity. However, it is impossible to overlook Mark Gronowski’s influence this season. His leadership and dual-threat skills ignited Iowa and improved the offense as a whole. It would be shocking if the Hawkeyes didn’t at least consider using the portal to add another seasoned signal-caller to supplement their young talent, considering how much stability he offered.
Wide receiver assistance is another top priority for Iowa. DJ Vonnahme, a redshirt freshman tight end with 22 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns, is Iowa’s top pass-catcher going into the bowl game. Although Vonnahme’s rise is positive, it also draws attention to a persistent problem. The Hawkeyes’ wideouts need to be more productive and explosive.
There are important snaps and targets to replace as veterans Sam Phillips, Jacob Gill, and Kaden Wetjen have all used up all of their eligibility. With 16 receptions for 261 yards, Phillips led Iowa’s wide receivers, but the position group’s total output was insufficient in the current college football environment. Although Reece Vander Zee is a good place to start, general manager Tyler Barnes will probably need to make significant investments in the transfer portal in this area. Stretching defenses and relieving pressure on the offensive line and run game would be made possible by the addition of dynamic receivers.
And lastly, there is the issue of the trenches, where Iowa faces genuine difficulties as well as pride. The Hawkeyes are losing right tackle Gennings Dunker, left guard Beau Stephens, and center Logan Jones, the winner of the Rimington Trophy. Together, they anchored an offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award and reclaimed its title as the best in the country.
It will be difficult to replace that level of experience and leadership. Finding an offensive tackle seems essential, and a proven center would be a huge help. Iowa anticipates the return of important defensive players like Zach Lutmer, Deshaun Lee in the secondary, and Koen Entringer, but there are still gaps to be filled. The departure of TJ Hall and Xavier Nwankpa may require depth at safety or cornerback.
The defensive front, however, is even more urgent. The Hawkeyes need to replace starting defensive ends Max Llewellyn and Ethan Hurkett as well as interior lineman Aaron Graves. It seems almost inevitable to add an edge rusher and at least one interior defensive lineman via the portal.
These possible “gifts” are necessities rather than luxuries as Iowa gets ready for Vanderbilt and considers 2026. The Hawkeyes may be ready to make yet another significant advancement if they can acquire the necessary components this offseason.
