Iowa football has been active this offseason, addressing significant player departures to the NFL while preparing for the upcoming 2026 season. The team is focusing on roster changes and an intense spring ball schedule.
Key points
Iowa football is active in the offseason due to player departures.
The team is preparing for 2026 with an intense spring ball schedule.
Roster changes are a constant part of Iowa's strategy.
The transfer portal influences offseason activities year-round.
Iowa HawkeyesNCAA College Football
The sport of college football is no longer just August through December. With the transfer portal, spring ball, and constant media narratives being constructed, this sport runs for 24 hours per day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The Iowa Hawkeyes know that well after being forced to be much more active this offseason than in previous years. The Hawkeyes are dealing with a hefty load of talented departures making their way to the NFL and are ushering in the next crop of talent, starting with an intense spring ball schedule.
Inevitably, some stuff goes right, while other stuff goes wrong, and there is a constant shuffling among the roster and coaching staff each year. With 2026 now approaching fall camp, ESPN looked at Iowa's offseason and how it handled things.
Iowa defensive lineman Kahmari Brown (43) warms up during practice April 9, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa defensive lineman Kahmari Brown (43) warms up during practice April 9, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa played in the transfer portal this year, which is headlined by newcomers in the running back room, defensive line depth, and a revamped secondary. Iowa wins games on the defensive side of the ball, and under offensive coordinator Tim Lester, runs the ball extremely effectively.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
Iowa running backs coach Jay Norvell watches practice on April 25, 2026, during the team's spring practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa running backs coach Jay Norvell watches practice on April 25, 2026, during the team's spring practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
The Hawkeyes rarely see coaching staff changes due to the continuity head coach Kirk Ferentz has built, but they are seeing one massive shakeup this year. LeVar Woods, who built Iowa into arguably the top special teams unit in the country, has joined Pat Fitzgerald at Michigan State, creating room for Chris Polizzi. The Hawkeyes can't afford a drop off in this third of the game.
Biggest coaching move: Longtime Iowa assistant and special teams ace LeVar Woods departed for Michigan State, leaving a significant hole on coach Kirk Ferentz's staff. Ferentz promoted Chris Polizzi, who spent the past four years on Iowa's staff and has special teams coordinator experience from Tennessee-Martin, to replace Woods. Former Colorado State and Nevada head coach Jay Norvell, a first-team All-Big Ten safety and team MVP at Iowa in the 1980s, is back as running backs coach, following Omar Young's return to the NFL. Norvell has coached the other offensive positions, particularly wide receiver, but not running back. - ESPN
Iowa football getting it right
Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) carries the ball during a college football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) carries the ball during a college football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
It's Iowa. Regardless of today's college football climate, the Hawkeyes are going to keep their guys. They have a stacked running back room, a secondary led by chess piece Zach Lutmer, and an offensive line that is at the point of simply reloading, rather than rebuilding.
What went right: Iowa maintained continuity on both sides of the ball with lead assistants Parker, co-defensive coordinator Seth Wallace and offensive coordinator Tim Lester all returning. The non-senior offensive linemen from the Joe Moore Award-winning group in 2025 are back, as are key playmakers in linebackerĀ Zach Lutmer, tight endĀ DJ VonnahmeĀ and running backĀ Kamari Moulton. Iowa's transfer group might not be flashy but contains substance, as Phillips had huge numbers at South Dakota (FCS-leading 1,921 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns), and the team filled needs at defensive line and at safety with Brown. The Hawkeyes' recruiting class includes four four-star prospects, including in-state players in Nielsen and linebackerĀ Julian Manson. - ESPN
Iowa football getting it wrong
