In today’s quickly evolving college football landscape, the Iowa Hawkeyes continue to stand out if long-term success and consistent stability are the benchmarks. Iowa has maintained its identity as revenue-sharing models and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities change how programs construct rosters. The Hawkeyes are still dedicated to finding, nurturing, and keeping players in their system, despite the fact that many teams now rely on frequent turnover, seeking immediate impact through transfers and short-term contracts. That philosophy hasn’t changed under head coach Kirk Ferentz, and it’s working again.
This strategy is evident in Iowa’s roster, which is dominated by veterans. The Hawkeyes have more than 20 seniors or graduates this season, which is evidence of a program that values consistency over band-aid solutions. Despite the lack of a consistent flow of five-star recruits, Iowa has established itself as a model of reliability, winning 13 straight seasons and gaining respect across the country each year. National recognition has ensued. Iowa continued its remarkable run of at least one player being named to the first or second team for 12 consecutive seasons when the Associated Press announced its All-American teams. Hawkeye seniors are lining up to prove themselves to NFL scouts during postseason showcase opportunities, continuing the tradition of player development.
Beau Stephens, a senior offensive lineman who has formally accepted an invitation to the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, is the most recent member of that group. Stephens will be well-accompanied by fellow Hawkeyes Drew Stevens and TJ Hall at the esteemed all-star game, which takes place every year in Mobile, Alabama, and is one of the top evaluation events for NFL Draft prospects.
Following an exceptional season, Stephens received an invitation. He became the third Iowa player chosen to play in the Senior Bowl after being named an AP First-Team All-American. Stephens, a two-year left guard starter who started all 33 games in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, has been a pillar of consistency on the offensive line. His dependability, resilience, and consistent development are exactly what Iowa seeks in linemen.
The Senior Bowl selections demonstrate even more how evaluators at the next level are still drawn to Iowa’s development-first philosophy. These are not one-year marvels. As Ferentz has long advocated, these players have developed within the program, honed their skills, and reached their pinnacle as upperclassmen. The roster as a whole exhibits that same theme. There are currently 28 seniors or graduate players at Iowa, many of whom have been in the program for four years or longer. One exception is quarterback Mark Gronowski, who came as a graduate transfer, played for one season, and then moved on. However, Iowa generally prefers to develop its talent internally rather than heavily depending on temporary fixes.
That identity is further reinforced by the Big Ten awards that are given out following the regular season. Five Hawkeyes, all upperclassmen, were named to the All-Big Ten:
All-Big Ten First Team
Beau Stephens (senior), offensive line
Kaden Wetjen (graduate), wide receiver/return specialist
Logan Jones (graduate), offensive line
All-Big Ten Second Team
Aaron Graves (graduate), defensive line
Gennings Dunker (senior), offensive line
For Iowa supporters, it’s a familiar sight. After years of training in Ferentz’s system, players frequently reach their peak late in their careers. As the seasoned head coach has previously stated, the staff hasn’t performed its duties if players aren’t playing their best football as upperclassmen. In the future, Iowa will have to make some crucial choices. It’s unclear if Stephens or Dunker will use a fifth-year option to return, and three of the five All-Big Ten selections have used up all of their eligibility. The Hawkeyes would have to replace three offensive line starters—Stephens, Dunker, and Jones—for the upcoming campaign if both go.
Although it won’t be simple, assistance is on the way. Iowa will welcome a talented freshman class in 2026, but past performance indicates that playing time may be limited. Ferentz has always preferred patience and preparation over rushing freshmen into the lineup. It will be critical to hold onto that new talent, particularly as the Hawkeyes use the January transfer portal window to add depth and fill gaps. It’s difficult to maintain a tried-and-true system while managing roster turnover. However, Iowa’s past performance suggests that the Hawkeyes are capable of handling the task, and their increasing attendance at occasions like the Senior Bowl is evidence that the formula is still effective.
