Alert Top Story COLLEGE FOOTBALL | IOWA How Boston Everitt, Bettendorf’s Caden Buhr separated themselves as Iowa’s starting specialists ethan.petrik Sep 3, 2026 Sep 3, 2026 Updated 6 hrs ago 0 × Kirk Ferentz | Iowa Football | Sept. 1 Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save IOWA CITY — Kirk Ferentz did not remember a year quite like 2026.kAmu@C E96 7:CDE E:>6 :? 9:D ag J62CD 2D 9625 4@249 @7 E96 x@H2 7@@E32== AC@8C2> E92E 96 4@F=5 C6>6>36C[ E96 w2H<6J6D 92G6 925 E@ C6A=246 2== 7@FC DA64:2=:DED]k^AmkAm~? >65:2 52J =2DE >@?E9[ u6C6?EK 2=D@ ?@E65 x@H2 5:5?VE =@D6 ;FDE 2?J CF?\@7\E96\>:== DA64:2=:DED]k^Am Iowa punter Boston Everitt (49) punts the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect kAm“}@E @?=J =@DE E96>[ 3FE =@DE C62==J 8@@5 @?6D[” u6C6?EK D2:5] “… p =@E @7 C62==J G6E6C2? 6IA6C:6?46 E96C6]”k^Am kAmk2 E:E=6lQ(92E H6 =62C?65 2E x@H2 7@@E32==UR_bhjD >:5H66< 2G2:=23:=:EJ 367@C6 a_ae D62D@? @A6?6CQ 9C67lQ9EEADi^^B4E:>6D]4@>^E?4>D^2DD6E^65:E@C:2=^g4deg646\h5eh\ca_g\3__7\2_63_46gd7`5^Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm|@?52J’D 56AE9 492CE C6=62D6k^2m 3C@F89E 4=2C:EJ E@ H9@ H@F=5 C6A=246 #9JD s2<:? 2D E96 w2H<6J6D’ AF?E6C 2?5 sC6H $E6G6?D[ H9@ A@DE65 2 C64@C5\3C62<:?8 J62C :? a_ad[ 2E <:4<6C] pFDEC2=:2? :>A@CE q@DE@? tG6C:EE H:== E2<6 @? AF?E:?8 5FE:6D 2?5 7@C>6C q6EE6?5@C7 w:89 $49@@= AC6A r256? qF9C H:== DE2CE 2E <:4<6C E@ @A6? E96 D62D@? @? $2EFC52J]k^Am People are also reading… How did freshman quarterback Tradon Bessinger land at Iowa and why is he turning heads Denison woman dies, Lincoln driver seriously injured in western Iowa crash Will winter be snowy, stormy or mild? Farmers' Almanac forecast by region One TV weather team – two devastating diagnoses Is Iowa losing its religion? Church closures mount in rural communities The pillars of Iowa State football that have withstood change AJ Pritchard wins over Shirley Ballas on ‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ Corporate political donations shatter record at $646M Supporters of Haitian man who died with ankle monitor blame immigration policy Trump aides, fearing a midterm rout, push to keep Iran war 'quiet' The Fan Files: From 1990s glory to today, Nebraska fandom runs deep for Brad Maudlin Missouri grandma cooks free breakfast for neighbors. County tells her to stop Researchers expect ‘biggest year yet’ for energy siting bills in 2027 US refusals of crucial newborn vitamin spike, raising risk of dangerous bleeding Coal increased its share of Iowa electricity generation in 2025, report shows kAmtG6C:EE H:== A=2J :? 9:D 7:CDE ``\@?\`` p>6C:42? 7@@E32== 82>6 E9:D $2EFC52J 27E6C ;@:?:?8 E96 AC@8C2> 5FC:?8 E96 @77D62D@?] {2DE >@?E9[ tG6C:EE 5:D4FDD65 25;FDE:?8 E@ E96 p>6C:42? 82>6]k^Am kAm“%96 3:8 @?6[ 7:CDE @7 2==[ H2D ;FDE 86EE:?8 FD65 E@ E96 96=>6E 2?5 E96 A25D[” tG6C:EE D2:5] “%92E’D D@>6E9:?8 H6 5@?’E 92G6 :? pu{[ H9:49 :D pFDEC2=:2? 7@@E32==] p?5[ 2?@E96C 3:8 25;FDE>6?E :D E96 DA64:2=:K2E:@? @7 :E 2==] %96 DA@CE x FD65 E@ A=2J[ 6G6CJ@?6 A=2JD E96 D2>6 D@CE @7 C@=6j J@F’C6 ;FDE :? 5:776C6?E A2CED @7 E96 7:6=5[ H96C62D 96C6 x’> @?=J AF?E:?8 E96 32==] %96 <:4<6CD 2C6 @?=J <:4<:?8] %96 H:56 C646:G6CD 2C6 42E49:?8] tG6CJ@?6 :D D@ DA64:2=:K65[ D@ E92E H2D :?E6C6DE:?8]”k^Am kAmqF9C 2AA62C65 :? x@H2’D H:? @G6C &|2DD =2DE J62C[ D6?5:?8 9:D 7:CDE 42C66C <:4<@77 :?E@ E96 6?5 K@?6 7@C 2 E@F49324<] x? 9:D 7@FC J62CD 2D 2 qF==5@8[ qF9C H6?E `f\@7\ae @? 7:6=5 8@2=D H:E9 2 D49@@=\C64@C5 df\J2C56C]k^Am kAmp44@C5:?8 E@ u6C6?EK[ @?6 56E2:= 564:565 3@E9 A@D:E:@? 32EE=6D — 7@C ?@H]k^AmkAm“q2D:42==J[ :E’D 2 D=:89E 4@?D:DE6?4J 6586[” D2:5 u6C6?EK[ ?@E:?8 52:=J 4@>A6E:E:@? 4@?E:?F6D 7@C E9@D6 DA@ED] “%96 8@@5 ?6HD :D E96J 3@E9 925 C62==J 8@@5 52JD E@52J — 2== E96 DA64:2=:DED[ 2== 7@FC @7 E96>] %92E’D 8@@5 ?6HD] %92E’D 2 8@@5 A@:?E]”k^Am Iowa place kicker Caden Buhr (92) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect kAmk2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^HHH]J@FEF36]4@>^H2E49nGl?JD3Ggd~x#8Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<QmqF9C E@=5 %96 w2H<6J6 #6A@CE =2DE >@?E9k^2m E92E 4@?D:DE6?4J :D H96C6 96 92D 8C@H? E96 >@DE :? 9:D 7:CDE EH@ J62CD H:E9 x@H2]k^Am kAm“r@?D:DE6?4J :D >2:?=J H92E x’G6 E9:?< 8C@H? 2 =@E[” qF9C D2:5] “Wx’>X ;FDE ECJ:?8 E@ AFD9 >JD6=7 6G6CJ D:?8=6 52J E@ 8@ @FE E@ AC24E:46 2?5 92G6 2 AFCA@D6[ 2 G:D:@? 2?5 >2<6 DFC6 E92E x’> 86EE:?8 36EE6C 2E 9@H x DE6A @FE E96C6]”k^Am kAm%9@F89 E96 DE2CE:?8 5F@ 62C?65 E96:C DA@ED G:2 4@?D:DE6?4J[ u6C6?EK D2:5 96’D =62C?65 E@ ?@E 6IA64E A6C764E:@? 7C@> :?6IA6C:6?465 A=2J6CD :? DA64:2=:DE C@=6D]k^AmkAm“%2=<:?8 23@FE 4@?D:DE6?4J[ >J 6IA6C:6?46 :D E96C6 E92E H:E9 DA64:2=:DED[ J@F?8 DA64:2=:DED[ J@F’C6 8@:?8 E@ 92G6 D@>6 FAD 2?5 5@H?D E@@[” u6C6?EK D2:5] “x E9:?< J@F 92G6 E@ ECJ E@ 36 A2E:6?E E96C6[ 9@A6 E96J’C6 AC6A2C:?8 H6==[ 5@:?8 2 8@@5 ;@3 :? AC24E:46 2?5 E96? 36:?8 2D A2E:6?E 2D J@F 42? :? 82>6 4@>A6E:E:@?]”k^Am kAmu6C6?EK 9:89=:89E65 7@C>6C x@H2 AF?E6C y2D@? q2<6C 2D @?6 6I2>A=6 @7 9:D E6>A6C65 6IA64E2E:@?D]k^AmkAm“x’> ?@E D2J:?8 y2D@? q2<6C H2D?’E 2 8C62E AF?E6C :? ’hh[” u6C6?EK D2:5] “qFE[ 96 DFC6 H2D :? a___] (:E9 6G6CJ DE6A @7 2 8@@5 A=2J6C’D 42C66C[ E96J FDF2==J 86E >@C6 4@?D:DE6?E 2?5 E96:C 23:=:E:6D E6?5 E@ 364@>6 2 =:EE=6 3:E >@C6 2AA2C6?E] y2D@? H2D F?36=:6G23=6 :? a___ 2?5 E96? A=2J65 7@C 9@H6G6C >2?J J62CD :? E96 }u{]k^Am kAm“%96C6 H6C6 D@>6 FAD 2?5 5@H?D 62C=J H:E9 9:>[ E@@] %92E’D ;FDE >@DE A=2J6CD 2C6 =:<6 E92E]”k^Am kAmq2<6C 62C?65 p==\q:8 %6? 9@?@C23=6 >6?E:@? 9@?@CD 5FC:?8 9:D D6?:@C D62D@? 2D 2 w2H<6J6 :? a___] p7E6C x@H2[ 96 DA6?E `` J62CD :? E96 }u{[ 2AA62C:?8 :? `ef 82>6D] w6 =65 E96 =628F6 :? AF?E J2C5286 H:E9 E96 r2C@=:?2 !2?E96CD :? a__e H:E9 c[cgb J2C5D @? hg 3@@ED[ :?4=F5:?8 2 =@?8 @7 f_ J2C5D]k^AmkAmx@H2 @A6?D E96 a_ae D62D@? 282:?DE }@CE96C? x==:?@:D :? z:??:4< $E25:F> 2E bi`d A]>] @? $2EFC52J]k^AmkAmqC@2542DE 4@G6C286 @7 E96 82>6 H:== 36 AC@G:565 3J q:8 %6? }6EH@C< 2?5 E96 w2H<6J6 #25:@ }6EH@C<] u@C 2 =:DE @7 =@42= DE2E:@?D[ G:D:E k2 9C67lQ9EEAi^^92H<6J6DA@CED]4@>^92H<6J6\C25:@\?6EH@C<Qm92H<6J6DA@CED]4@>^92H<6J6\C25:@\?6EH@C<k^2m]k^Am kA 4=2DDlQE?4>D\:?=:?6\=:?<Qmk2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^B4E:>6D]4@>^E?4>D^2DD6E^65:E@C:2=^`375h64b\5ff7\c55`\g`67\fbb``76hf63bQm(92E >@G:?8 x@H2’D DE2?52C5 7@CH2C5 >62?D 7@C =:?6324<6C r2> qF77:?8E@?k^2mk^Am kA 4=2DDlQE?4>D\:?=:?6\=:?<Qmk2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^B4E:>6D]4@>^E?4>D^2DD6E^65:E@C:2=^47`5bebf\7c77\ce33\hg_6\_53dh763664`Qm{:76 :?D:56 x@H2’D "q 32EE=6i w@H w2?< qC@H?[ y6C6>J w64<=:?D<: >2?2865 DA=:E C6ADk^2mk^AmkA 4=2DDlQE?4>D\:?=:?6\=:?<Qmk2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^B4E:>6D]4@>^E?4>D^2DD6E^65:E@C:2=^ga364`af\df5c\cg`c\hdcg\`cbdfdf`a`gdQmw@H |2C46==@ ':EE: 3642>6 E96 @?=J 7C6D9>2? @? x@H2’D 56AE9 492CEk^2mk^Am Ethan Petrik is a University of Iowa beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at ethan.petrik@wcfcourier.com. 0 Comments ethan.petrik Author email Follow ethan.petrik Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Related to this story Kirk Ferentz | Iowa Football | Sept. 1 Kirk Ferentz | Iowa Football | Sept. 1 What moving Iowa’s standard forward means for linebacker Cam Buffington Cam Buffington grew up an Iowa fan. On Saturday, he’ll make his first start for the Hawkeyes at a position where he knows expectations run high. Life inside Iowa’s QB battle: How Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski managed split reps Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski have split first-team reps for months. They’ve learned to make the snaps they don’t take nearly as valuable. How Marcello Vitti became the only freshman on Iowa’s depth chart Marcello Vitti arrived at Iowa as a four-star signee. A strong fall camp has already pushed the freshman into the Hawkeyes’ two-deep and earne… Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz expects season opener to bring clarity to unsettled depth chart Iowa has named its starters, but Kirk Ferentz says several jobs remain unsettled. Saturday’s opener against Northern Illinois should provide s… Kirk Ferentz: Iowa wasn’t ‘trying to be coy or cute’ with quarterback situation The “OR” on Iowa’s depth chart is no smokescreen. Kirk Ferentz says the quarterback competition remains close, but a decision as to who will "… What we learned at Iowa football's midweek availability before 2026 season opener Before this weekend's season opener, members of the Iowa football program met with the media on Tuesday to discuss Northern Illinois, the quar… What we learned from Iowa's first depth chart of the 2026 football season Iowa settled several offseason position battles with its Week 1 depth chart, including new starters across the offensive and defensive lines. No starter named at quarterback as Iowa readies for 2026 opener Iowa’s quarterback competition remains unresolved. Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski share the top line on the Hawkeyes’ first depth chart of 2026. How did freshman quarterback Tradon Bessinger land at Iowa and why is he turning heads Tradon Bessinger knew Iowa’s offense would be challenging. The freshman quarterback is already earning praise for how he’s attacking it. Rock Valley alum Landyn Van Kekerix in line for bigger role at Iowa Landyn Van Kekerix spent years learning behind Iowa’s standout linebackers. In his final season, the veteran appears positioned for a bigger r… Former Quad-City Times reporter Steve Batterson named to Kinnick Media Wall of Fame Steve Batterson spent 38 years chronicling Iowa sports and the Quad-Cities. His career will now be honored on the Kinnick Media Wall of Fame. Kirk Ferentz: Iowa QB battle ‘really dead even’ with week to go before season opener Iowa still has no clear starting quarterback, with Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski remaining deadlocked little more than a week before the se… Waterloo West alum, Carson Nielsen settles in at Iowa after growing up a Hawkeye fan Seeing “NIELSEN” across the back of an Iowa jersey meant something extra to Carson Nielsen. The lifelong Hawkeye fan is finally beginning his … Iowa football faces rare overhaul on special teams in 2026 Kirk Ferentz can’t remember another season when Iowa had to replace all four specialists. That’s the challenge facing the Hawkeyes in 2026. Why Iowa’s running back room will be a strength again in 2026 Iowa felt good about its running back depth last season. With three productive returners and South Dakota transfer LJ Phillips, that confidenc… Cedar Falls native in the “thick of things” as Iowa looks for new defensive line stars The game has slowed down for Drew Campbell entering year three. His opportunity is speeding up as Iowa rebuilds its defensive front. What new 5-for-5 eligibility model means for Iowa football The NCAA’s new eligibility model gives athletes five seasons within five years. For Iowa, that could mean more freshmen getting early opportunities. Thomas Meyer was the ‘most advanced freshman’ Abdul Hodge has seen, now he’s ready for year two Thomas Meyer impressed Iowa coaches with his maturity from the moment he arrived. A year later, the tight end is ready for more. How Iowa prepared transfer wide receivers for Big Ten play Tony Diaz and Evan James arrived at Iowa undersized for Big Ten play. Eight months later, Tim Lester says both have added about 20 pounds. The Iowa QB battle wasn’t decided on Saturday. Here’s how it will be Jeremy Hecklinski threw five touchdowns at Kids’ Day, but Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz cautioned against reading too much into one practice in… How much is Iowa paying Northern Iowa, Northern Illinois for 2026 football matchups? Iowa football will pay Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa a combined $2.3 million for their 2026 visits to Kinnick Stadium. Three-star offensive lineman, son of Iowa coach, commits to Hawkeyes Staying home. Iowa City West offensive lineman James Barnett committed to the Hawkeyes, becoming Iowa's second 2028 pledge. What Kirk Ferentz, Iowa football players told us at Big Ten Media Days The Iowa football program, represented by head coach Kirk Ferentz, defensive back Zach Lutmer, linebacker Jayden Montgomery and tight end Addi… Why Kirk Ferentz made special teams a priority at Iowa In the 1980s, then offensive line coach Kirk Ferentz hated coaching the Hawkeyes' punt team. Now, Iowa is the gold standard for special teams.… Which Hawkeye legends did Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz classify Tony Diaz alongside? Tony Diaz has generated buzz all offseason. Kirk Ferentz just added even more fuel to the conversation with his comments at Big Ten Media Days. Why Iowa star defensive back hopes to be Hawkeyes’ Kaden Wetjen replacement Kirk Ferentz says he’s never coached a returner like Kaden Wetjen. Zach Lutmer hopes to be next in line. 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ethan.petrik Author email Follow ethan.petrik Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
What moving Iowa’s standard forward means for linebacker Cam Buffington Cam Buffington grew up an Iowa fan. On Saturday, he’ll make his first start for the Hawkeyes at a position where he knows expectations run high.
Life inside Iowa’s QB battle: How Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski managed split reps Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski have split first-team reps for months. They’ve learned to make the snaps they don’t take nearly as valuable.
How Marcello Vitti became the only freshman on Iowa’s depth chart Marcello Vitti arrived at Iowa as a four-star signee. A strong fall camp has already pushed the freshman into the Hawkeyes’ two-deep and earne…
Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz expects season opener to bring clarity to unsettled depth chart Iowa has named its starters, but Kirk Ferentz says several jobs remain unsettled. Saturday’s opener against Northern Illinois should provide s…
Kirk Ferentz: Iowa wasn’t ‘trying to be coy or cute’ with quarterback situation The “OR” on Iowa’s depth chart is no smokescreen. Kirk Ferentz says the quarterback competition remains close, but a decision as to who will "…
What we learned at Iowa football's midweek availability before 2026 season opener Before this weekend's season opener, members of the Iowa football program met with the media on Tuesday to discuss Northern Illinois, the quar…
What we learned from Iowa's first depth chart of the 2026 football season Iowa settled several offseason position battles with its Week 1 depth chart, including new starters across the offensive and defensive lines.
No starter named at quarterback as Iowa readies for 2026 opener Iowa’s quarterback competition remains unresolved. Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski share the top line on the Hawkeyes’ first depth chart of 2026.
How did freshman quarterback Tradon Bessinger land at Iowa and why is he turning heads Tradon Bessinger knew Iowa’s offense would be challenging. The freshman quarterback is already earning praise for how he’s attacking it.
Rock Valley alum Landyn Van Kekerix in line for bigger role at Iowa Landyn Van Kekerix spent years learning behind Iowa’s standout linebackers. In his final season, the veteran appears positioned for a bigger r…
Former Quad-City Times reporter Steve Batterson named to Kinnick Media Wall of Fame Steve Batterson spent 38 years chronicling Iowa sports and the Quad-Cities. His career will now be honored on the Kinnick Media Wall of Fame.
Kirk Ferentz: Iowa QB battle ‘really dead even’ with week to go before season opener Iowa still has no clear starting quarterback, with Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski remaining deadlocked little more than a week before the se…
Waterloo West alum, Carson Nielsen settles in at Iowa after growing up a Hawkeye fan Seeing “NIELSEN” across the back of an Iowa jersey meant something extra to Carson Nielsen. The lifelong Hawkeye fan is finally beginning his …
Iowa football faces rare overhaul on special teams in 2026 Kirk Ferentz can’t remember another season when Iowa had to replace all four specialists. That’s the challenge facing the Hawkeyes in 2026.
Why Iowa’s running back room will be a strength again in 2026 Iowa felt good about its running back depth last season. With three productive returners and South Dakota transfer LJ Phillips, that confidenc…
Cedar Falls native in the “thick of things” as Iowa looks for new defensive line stars The game has slowed down for Drew Campbell entering year three. His opportunity is speeding up as Iowa rebuilds its defensive front.
What new 5-for-5 eligibility model means for Iowa football The NCAA’s new eligibility model gives athletes five seasons within five years. For Iowa, that could mean more freshmen getting early opportunities.
Thomas Meyer was the ‘most advanced freshman’ Abdul Hodge has seen, now he’s ready for year two Thomas Meyer impressed Iowa coaches with his maturity from the moment he arrived. A year later, the tight end is ready for more.
How Iowa prepared transfer wide receivers for Big Ten play Tony Diaz and Evan James arrived at Iowa undersized for Big Ten play. Eight months later, Tim Lester says both have added about 20 pounds.
The Iowa QB battle wasn’t decided on Saturday. Here’s how it will be Jeremy Hecklinski threw five touchdowns at Kids’ Day, but Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz cautioned against reading too much into one practice in…
How much is Iowa paying Northern Iowa, Northern Illinois for 2026 football matchups? Iowa football will pay Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa a combined $2.3 million for their 2026 visits to Kinnick Stadium.
Three-star offensive lineman, son of Iowa coach, commits to Hawkeyes Staying home. Iowa City West offensive lineman James Barnett committed to the Hawkeyes, becoming Iowa's second 2028 pledge.
What Kirk Ferentz, Iowa football players told us at Big Ten Media Days The Iowa football program, represented by head coach Kirk Ferentz, defensive back Zach Lutmer, linebacker Jayden Montgomery and tight end Addi…
Why Kirk Ferentz made special teams a priority at Iowa In the 1980s, then offensive line coach Kirk Ferentz hated coaching the Hawkeyes' punt team. Now, Iowa is the gold standard for special teams.…
Which Hawkeye legends did Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz classify Tony Diaz alongside? Tony Diaz has generated buzz all offseason. Kirk Ferentz just added even more fuel to the conversation with his comments at Big Ten Media Days.
Why Iowa star defensive back hopes to be Hawkeyes’ Kaden Wetjen replacement Kirk Ferentz says he’s never coached a returner like Kaden Wetjen. Zach Lutmer hopes to be next in line.
