One storyline keeps coming up as Iowa football prepares for its ReliaQuest Bowl matchup with No. 14 Vanderbilt on New Year’s Eve: the quick ascent of redshirt freshman linebacker Cam Buffington. While the No. 23 Hawkeyes (8-4) have spent the last week in Tampa getting ready to play the 10-win Commodores, those practices have also served as a useful sneak peek at the program’s future.
The bowl season has provided Iowa’s coaching staff and players with an extended look at young talent ready to assume larger roles in the upcoming seasons, as a number of veterans are nearing the end of their careers. Among that group, Buffington has been one of the most discussed names.
Buffington already has the appearance of a Big Ten linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 239 pounds. Earlier this season, during Iowa’s 41-3 victory over rival Minnesota on October 25, the Winfield, Iowa native showed off his potential by recording an interception in the fourth quarter. Buffington not only intercepted a pass from Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey, but he also returned it 21 yards to Minnesota’s 21-yard line. Shortly after, Iowa’s quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski scored a 6-yard rushing touchdown to seal the rivalry victory. That moment, according to Iowa defensive back Xavier Nwankpa, perfectly encapsulated Buffington’s contributions to the game.
For Iowa defensive back Xavier Nwankpa, that moment perfectly captured what Buffington brings to the field.
“It was a good play,” Nwankpa said. “When you’re a good player and the opportunity presents itself, you capitalize. He was able to, especially that game.”
Nor did that play appear out of nowhere. Several of Buffington’s teammates claim that the young linebacker has continuously drawn attention during bowl preparation. When asked which younger player had stood out the most, fellow defensive back TJ Hall responded without hesitation.
“Cam Buffington,” Hall said. “That’s the first person that comes to mind.”
Ethan Hurkett, a graduate defensive end, echoed that compliment, highlighting Buffington’s 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 went one step further by emphasizing a quality that isn’t always visible on the stat sheet.
Hurkett continued, “I think he’s just disciplined.” He seems to be taking the game seriously, which isn’t always the case with younger guys. Sometimes it takes a few years to truly gain traction and become completely committed to your work. However, he hasn’t had any issues with that. He wants to move forward because he is already hungry.
Kirk Ferentz, the head coach of Iowa, has also observed this hunger. Ferentz emphasized the importance of these additional practices and live reps when asked about Buffington’s growth, particularly for younger players who don’t always get a lot of game action during the regular season.
Ferentz remarked, “He’s done a really nice job.” “Seeing these young guys get this exposure has been beneficial to us. He’s moving at full speed right now. Even though he’s not always moving at full speed in the correct direction, he’s doing a great job.
Ferentz highlighted that bowl preparation provides repetition, which the fall season may not always offer.
Ferentz stated, “These practices are really beneficial for him.” “He is receiving coaching in our defense, receiving repetition that he might not receive in the fall, and receiving a lot of excellent work and meeting time. He has a positive outlook. Everything is going well so far.
The timing of that development couldn’t be more ideal. With veterans Jaden Harrell, Karson Sharar, and Jaxon Rexroth nearing the end of their Hawkeye careers, Iowa’s linebacker room is expected to change in 2026. Younger players who are prepared to take on leadership and production roles will take center stage as those names fade.
Iowa is still completely focused on Vanderbilt for the time being. However, it’s evident that Buffington stands for more on the practice field and in the locker room. A young linebacker who learns quickly, plays hard, and gains trust one rep at a time is a preview of what’s to come. Cam Buffington’s name won’t go away anytime soon if his bowl prep performance is any guide.
