The Hawkeyes may have already identified one of their most crucial offseason needs a dependable kickeras Iowa football’s activity on the transfer portal picks up steam.
Eli Ozick, a standout player for North Dakota State, was seen in Iowa City on Saturday, January 3, at the Hawkeyes’ men’s basketball game against UCLA at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Both Hawkeye supporters and analysts took notice of the visit, which was Iowa’s first known chance to host the accomplished kicker since the NCAA transfer portal formally opened.
Ozick, a 5-foot-11, 191-pound placekicker from Liberty, Missouri, enters the portal with a strong resume and a track record of reliability. He made 19 of his 23 field goal attempts during his three seasons at North Dakota State, including a spectacular 54-yard attempt. He was named an FCS All-American for his accuracy and poise, solidifying his position as one of the subdivision’s most esteemed specialists.
For Iowa, the timing of Ozick’s visit is extremely important. The Hawkeyes have a significant uncertainty at kicker going into the 2026 season due to the departure of longtime starter Drew Stevens. Reliable special teams play is essential for a program that has built its identity on defense, field position, and winning close games.
Ozick might be the perfect plug-and-play option Iowa is looking for, based on his performance at North Dakota State. Ozick demonstrated accuracy and dependability under duress during the 2025 season, going 16-for-18 on field goal attempts for the top-seeded Bison.
His experience in high-stakes situations was further cemented when he was a major contributor to a North Dakota State team that won the 2024 FCS National Championship and went into the postseason with championship hopes. Ozick’s individual performance remained consistent throughout the season, solidifying his reputation as a reliable weapon in close games, even though the Bison’s most recent playoff run ended in a historic second-round upset loss to Illinois State.
Ozick’s poise is more appealing to Iowa than his leg strength or field goal percentage. Known for its physicality, discipline, and championship expectations, North Dakota State has long been one of the FCS’s most demanding programs. A player’s mental toughness is demonstrated by their consistent performance in that setting, particularly at a position where confidence is crucial to success.
As of right now, Ozick has only visited one program since logging into the portal: Iowa. Just that fact highlights how both parties have similar interests. However, it is generally anticipated that additional programs will be added. Ozick has two years left in his eligibility, which makes him an even more valuable target. Proven kickers with several years of eligibility rarely stay in the portal for very long.
From Iowa’s point of view, adding Ozick would help stabilize a situation that frequently goes unnoticed until it doesn’t. The Hawkeyes have relied significantly on their kicking ability in recent seasons to prevail in close games and win field-position battles. The margin for error is significantly reduced when a reliable starter like Stevens is lost.
Because of this fact, finding an experienced transfer kicker becomes a strategic priority rather than just wise roster management. Ozick checks almost every box, but Iowa could keep assessing other kickers during the open portal window. He has a championship background, size, experience, demonstrated accuracy, and a range of more than 50 yards. Combining those qualities is challenging, especially in a single portal prospect.
The cultural fit is another factor to take into account. Kirk Ferentz, the head coach of Iowa, has always placed a high value on preparation, consistency, and mental discipline qualities that Ozick frequently displayed while attending North Dakota State. Although moving from Fargo to Iowa City would still present difficulties, particularly entering the Big Ten spotlight, Ozick’s resume indicates he is prepared for the change. Ozick’s visit is still just that a visit for the time being.
The transfer portal procedure is rarely simple, and no commitment has been made. However, the fact that he is in Iowa City so early in the window indicates that the Hawkeyes are committed to finding their next starting kicker.
A player like Eli Ozick could offer much-needed stability at a crucial position as Iowa navigates a hectic portal period full of visits, departures, and roster reorganizations. It remains to be seen if he wears the black and gold in the end, but one thing is certain: the Hawkeyes have found a top target, and the pursuit is now formally under way.
