One name has repeatedly come up during bowl practices as No. 23 Iowa gets ready to play No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve. This young player is drawing attention within the Hawkeyes program. As the Hawkeyes get ready for roster turnover in 2026, redshirt freshman linebacker Cam Buffington has shown himself to be one of the standout players during Iowa’s prolonged bowl preparation.
Buffington has taken full advantage of the bowl period, which has given younger players a great opportunity to demonstrate their development with more practice reps available during the postseason.
The Winfield, Iowa, linebacker, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 239 pounds, already has a memorable moment on his resume. Buffington caught an interception in the fourth quarter of Iowa’s convincing 41-3 victory over rival Minnesota on October 25. He set up Iowa’s final score, a six-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski, by picking off Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey and returning the ball to Minnesota’s 21-yard line. That play wasn’t an anomaly for teammates. Buffington’s readiness and instincts were evident.
“It was a good play,” defensive back Xavier Nwankpa said. “When you’re a good player and the opportunity presents itself, you capitalize. He was able to, especially that game.”
As bowl practices have unfolded in Tampa, Buffington’s presence has continued to stand out. Defensive back TJ Hall didn’t hesitate when asked which young Hawkeye has caught his attention during bowl prep.
“Cam Buffington,” Hall said. “That’s the first person that comes to mind.”
Ethan Hurkett, a graduate defensive end, agreed, highlighting Buffington’s maturity and style of play in addition to his athleticism.
“One that I’ve seen is Cam Buffington,” Hurkett said. “I think he’s going to be a really good player. I think he’s mature for his age. He’s starting to really get the game and fly around, so it’s fun to watch.”
Hurkett stressed that discipline and focus, qualities that frequently take time to develop at the collegiate level, are what set Buffington apart from many young players.
Hurkett went on, “I think he’s just disciplined.” He seems to be taking the game seriously, which isn’t always the case with younger guys. Being laser-focused and gaining traction sometimes takes a few years, but for him, that hasn’t been an issue. He wants to move forward because he is already hungry.
Kirk Ferentz, the head coach of Iowa, has observed the same things. Ferentz emphasized the importance of bowl practices for young players, particularly those who don’t always receive extensive game reps during the regular season, when asked about Buffington’s development.
“He’s done a really nice job,” Ferentz said. “He’s going full speed. He’s not always going the right way full speed, but he’s going full speed, and he’s really done a good job.”
Ferentz also mentioned the linebacker room at Iowa’s larger context. Opportunities will arise in the future as three seniors Jaden Harrell, Karson Sharar, and Jaxon Rexroth are scheduled to graduate. Buffington is well-positioned to be a member of the upcoming generation.
Ferentz remarked, “We have a good group of young guys.” “He benefits greatly from these practices. He is receiving good work, meeting time, coaching in our defense, and repetitions that he might not receive in the fall. He has a wonderful disposition. Everything is going well so far.
Buffington’s ascent is one of several positive indicators for a program striking a balance between current objectives and future requirements as Iowa prepares for a physical test against Vanderbilt. The Hawkeyes are undoubtedly preparing for what lies ahead, and Cam Buffington is making a compelling case that he will play a significant role in that future, even though the emphasis is still on finishing the 2025 season strong.
