Nate Marcus

The Iowa Hawkeyes… One of the nations most consistent programs led by the longest tenured coach in college football. Iowa looks to break through in the Big Ten West led by third year starter and NFL hopeful Nathan Stanley and coach Kirk Ferentz.

Prestige Ranking: 4*

Since Ferentz took over in 1998, the Iowa program has been a semi-consistent Big 10 contender. They have twice appeared in NY6 level bowl games and have consistently put standout players into the NFL. This is helped by the fact that Kinnick Stadium is among the best home field advantages in America.

Last Year: 9-4 (5-4 B1G)

Iowa, in 2018, was one of the most boring teams in college football. They lost all the games they were underdogs in and aside from Northwestern, won all they were favored in. Close losses to Purdue and Penn St. along with the aforementioned Northwestern cost them a chance at the Big Ten title. The season did end on a high note with a 27-22 upset win over Mississippi St. in the Outback Bowl.

Returning Starters

Offense: 6

  • QB Nathan Stanley
  • RB Mekhi Sargent
  • RB Toren Young
  • WR Brandon Smith
  • LT Alaric Jackson
  • RT Tristan Wirfs

Quarterback play will not be a problem for the Hawkeyes this year. Third year starter and senior, Nathan Stanley, is coming off two consecutive seasons with 26 touchdown passes. He hopes to build on these numbers and become a highly taken NFL draft pick in 2020.

The running back unit returns all three significant pieces from the 2018 team. Mekhi Sargent, Toren Young, and Ivory Kelly-Martin look to improve on the nearly 2,000 yards they rushed for last year.

The receiving production figures to be the biggest issue with the Iowa offense in 2019. Gone are first round draft choices Noah Fant and Mackey Award winner TJ Hockenson. The only returner with significant production in 2018 is junior Brandon Smith who had 28 catches for more than 350 yards.

Ferentz’s best work has been done with the offensive line during his tenure at Iowa. He has had 17 lineman drafted in his 21 years which is among the most in college football. This year’s unit figures to be inexperienced but does return both offensive tackles including 2018 second team All-B1G selection, Alaric Jackson.

Defense: 5

  • LB Djimon Colbert
  • LB Kristian Welch
  • CB Matt Hankins
  • CB Michael Ojemudia
  • SS Geno Stone

The Defensive Line is in for a rebuild as they lose all four starters from the 2018 team. Returning though are leading sack man and preseason first team All-B1G, AJ Espensa. Espensa along with his defensive end partner, Chauncey Golston, should create havoc for opposing QBs as the two combined for 14 sacks and 11.5 TFL’s in 2018.

The linebacking unit is more experienced than the defensive front. The Hawkeyes do, however, lose a first team All-American for the second consecutive year in, Amani Hooker. The loss of Hooker could be lessened by the return of two of the top six tacklers in Djimon Colbert and Kristian Welch.

Iowa’s secondary should anchor the defense in 2019. With three returning starters including both cornerbacks, this group should be dynamic and limit opportunities for opponents down the field.

Specialists

  • K Caleb Shudak
  • K Keith Duncan
  • P Michael Sleep-Dalton

The competition at kicker will be the most interesting to follow during camp. Neither kicker attempted a PAT or field goal last season. Duncan is the more experienced of the two as he held the Hawks share of the kicking duties as a true freshman in 2016. There will be no competition at punter as grad-transfer Michael Sleep-Dalton (all name team) averaged 43.2 yards per punt last season at ASU.

Key Losses

  • TE TJ Hockenson: 2018 1st Team AA and top 10 pick in 2019 Draft.
  • TE Noah Fant: 2018 3rd Team AA along with being a first round pick in 2019 Draft.
  • LB Amani Hooker: Joint leader in interceptions with four on his way to 1st Team AA season.

Key Newcomer on Defense: Chauncey Golston

This could have gone to AJ Espensa as well, but he got significant action last season. In limited time, Golston last season had 3.5 sacks along with 5.5 TFL’s while even contributing an interception. Numbers like this multiplied out over a 12 game season will help rebuild a d-line decimated by graduation.

Key Newcomer on Offense: Shaun Beyer

The tight end position has become vital to the success of Iowa’s offense. The consistency of this program churning out NFL tight ends is almost unmatched nationally. That was seen this spring with two first round draft choices that were All-Americans in 2018. It will be Beyer that gets the first crack at replacing them, and his production will play a vital role in this offense continuing to produce.

Will Win the Conference if….

Nathan Stanley has a Heisman caliber season. The defense should be solid, but with few weapons returning on offense, Stanley will need to elevate that unit. This needs to be while navigating a difficult schedule that sees trips to Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

Circle the Game: @ Nebraska

In a wide open Big Ten West, this rivalry game on the last week of the season could be the one to decide it. Experts are pegging Nebraska to be among the most improved teams in college football with Adrian Martinez leading a dynamic offense. The Big Ten media poll almost had an even split between these two only adding to the build up.

2019 Outlook: 8-4

A difficult schedule beginning with an early season trip to Ames will cause problems for the Hawkeyes. They also draw two of the East’s top three teams in Michigan and Penn State. These three games along with previously mentioned road trips to Wisconsin and Nebraska make four losses seem probable.