Iowa

As attention turns to portal, Iowa has already ‘done our due diligence’

Published

6 months ago

April 21, 2024

As attention turns to portal, Iowa has already ‘done our due diligence’

New Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester runs his team through drills during a Hawkeyes’ football spring practice on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — The transition from the spring practice season to the transfer portal season has not been much of a transition at all on Evashevski Drive.

Iowa football already has “done our due diligence” in the transfer portal, head coach Kirk Ferentz said moments after the Hawkeyes’ open practice on Saturday, as he and the coaching staff “do everything we can to help our team.”

“One nice thing about spring practice — it’s not like we have game prep, so there are hours outside of practice in our meetings where we can kind of watch that stuff,” Ferentz said.

The Hawkeyes’ potential portal needs in the spring transfer cycle — players can enter from April 16-30 although they can commit any time — include quarterback and wide receiver.

The Hawkeyes are especially reliant at quarterback on Cade McNamara, who is coming off ACL surgery in 2023 and was last able to play a full season in 2021. Meanwhile they have only four upperclassmen at wide receiver (and that includes two walk-ons).

Offensive coordinator Tim Lester, while also expressing confidence in his quarterbacks and wide receivers, said in his news conference last week “you’re always looking” at the transfer portal.

“I don’t think anyone ever turns a blind eye to that at any position,” Lester said. “I think everyone has plans, and Coach (Ferentz) and Tyler (Barnes) will figure out which ones as we move on. But we’re always actively looking everywhere.”

Some portal activity already is evident.

Iowa picked up a commitment on Saturday from North Dakota offensive lineman Cade Borud although he is not expected to be on scholarship. Missouri State wide receiver Raylen Sharpe, a third-team FCS All-American last year, announced on Sunday his plans to visit the Hawkeyes this week.

Iowa’s ability to add via the portal is hamstrung by its current scholarship situation. The Hawkeyes, as of midday Sunday, have 89 players on scholarship — four above the limit.

“I don’t anticipate us having to go out and get 10 guys or something like that,” Ferentz said. “Some people, that’s just kind of how they operate, so it’s a little bit different.”

How much attrition Iowa experiences in the next few days could dictate how much flexibility it has in the portal. Ferentz referenced longtime NFL coach Mike Tomlin’s famous line about needing “volunteers, not hostages” as he talked about attrition in the Iowa program.

“You just don’t want guys on the team that aren’t fully invested and feeling good about things,” Ferentz said.

Iowa finished spring practices on Saturday, so this week will be an opportune time for anyone to enter the portal without missing out on any practice time. There could be more available talent as well for the same reason.

“There will probably be a new round of entries, more participants here this week in the portal because a lot of people are finishing up today,” Ferentz said, referencing the timeline of spring practices across the country.

Each portal cycle comes with some unpredictability. Last spring, Iowa did not lose any scholarship players to the portal. In the preceding winter transfer portal window, however, 10 scholarship players departed.

This winter, Iowa lost four scholarship players via the portal. This spring, wide receiver Jacob Bostick and offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor have entered the portal so far. (Proctor, who committed to Iowa in January, departed before participating in any practices.)

“It’s hard to predict anything,” Ferentz said. “A couple of years ago, we had a bunch of guys leave in December. You just never know. … Because of the circumstances in college football right now — the portal, NIL and all that stuff — any charts that you might have had for the last 20 years, right now they’re not holding true.”

Ferentz is confident it is “going to work itself out,” though.

“I feel pretty good about that,” Ferentz said.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com

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Iowa

Iowa Will Be Coming into Spartan Stadium Hot

Published

6 hours ago

October 14, 2024

Press Room

Iowa Will Be Coming into Spartan Stadium Hot

As Michigan State prepares for its upcoming matchup against Iowa, the Hawkeyes’ recent victory over Washington, with a decisive score of 40-16, serves as a stark reminder of the competitiveness and unpredictability of college football.

Washington, having recently defeated Michigan, the Spartans’ next opponent following Iowa, demonstrated their prowess and potential. However, Iowa’s ability to dominate in that game indicates the challenge that Michigan State will face when it takes on both Iowa and the Wolverines back-to-back.

In order to emerge victorious against Iowa, Michigan State must effectively utilize its running backs and establish a strong ground game. The Spartans have a rich tradition of powerful running, and this season is no different.

A solid rushing attack can not only control the clock but also open up the passing game for quarterback Aidan Chiles. With Iowa’s defense showing its capability to stifle passing attacks, a commitment to the run game will be crucial in keeping the Hawkeyes off balance and creating opportunities for big plays.

Chiles, who has shown promise as a young quarterback, will need to limit mistakes and turnovers during these crucial games. Iowa’s defense is known for its opportunism, and any unforced errors could be detrimental. He must focus on making smart decisions under pressure, ensuring he doesn’t force throws into tight coverage. Additionally, maintaining composure and being decisive in Chiles’ reads will be essential as he navigates what will surely be a challenging defensive scheme.

As Michigan State looks ahead to its subsequent game against Michigan, the need for a solid performance against Iowa cannot be overstated. Establishing a rhythm on the ground will be key, allowing the Spartans to build confidence and momentum heading into the rivalry matchup. Should they succeed in this endeavor, it could set the stage for a thrilling matchup against a team that has already proven its mettle earlier in the season.

Saturday’s game against Iowa will be a litmus test for Michigan State. By leveraging its running backs and ensuring Chiles plays within himself, the Spartans can craft a game plan that not only seeks victory against the Hawkeyes but also builds a foundation for success against Michigan the week after.

The importance of this strategy cannot be overstated, as Michigan State aims to solidify its standing in a challenging schedule ahead.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

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Iowa

Fatal crash on I-35 in Iowa

Published

14 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Press Room

NORTHWOOD, Iowa (KTTC) – One person is dead after a single-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon in Worth County.

According to Iowa State Patrol, around 1:45 p.m., a vehicle was traveling southbound on Interstate 35 in Worth County near the 208-exit ramp. The driver lost control of the vehicle, went into the median, through the cable barrier and struck the bridge pillar.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Iowa

Updating Iowa State rankings in college football polls ahead of UCF matchup

Published

22 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Press Room

Updating Iowa State rankings in college football polls ahead of UCF matchup

The latest college football polls have been released, and Iowa State keeps moving up.

Iowa State improved to 6-0 after beating West Virginia 28-16 on Saturday in Morgantown.

The Cyclones are now set for a matchup at home vs. UCF on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Iowa State rankings update

Where did Iowa State land?

On Sunday, Iowa State checked in at No. 12 in USATODAY US LBM coaches poll. Previously, the Cyclones were No. 13.

Iowa State climbed up to No. 9 in the newest AP Top 25 college football poll. Last week, the Cyclones were No. 11.

US LBM Coaches Poll

Here is a look at the new US LBM college football coaches poll top 25.

Texas
Oregon
Penn State
Georgia
Ohio State
Miami (Fla.)
Alabama
LSU
Clemson
Tennessee
Notre Dame
Iowa State
BYU
Texas A&M
Ole Miss
Missouri
Kansas State
Indiana
Boise State
Pittsburgh
Illinois
Michigan
SMU
Army West Point
Nebraska

Schools Dropped Out

No. 16 Oklahoma; No. 17 Utah

Others Receiving Votes

Oklahoma 81; Arizona State 49; Navy 37; Utah 31; Vanderbilt 26; Syracuse 13; UNLV 12; Iowa 12; Texas Tech 9; Liberty 9; Washington State 8; Memphis 4; Louisville 4; James Madison 3; Tulane 2

AP Poll

Here is a look at the new Associated Press college football poll top 25

Texas
Oregon
Penn State
Ohio State
Georgia
Miami (Fla.)
Alabama
LSU
Iowa State
Clemson
Tennessee
Notre Dame
BYU
Texas A&M
Boise State
Indiana
Kansas State
Ole Miss
Missouri
PIttsburgh
SMU
Illinois
Army West Point
Michigan
Navy

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:

Vanderbilt 68, Nebraska 62, Arizona St. 39, Oklahoma 36, Washington St. 32, Iowa 29, Texas Tech 18, Syracuse 13, Arkansas 13, Utah 7, Louisville 6, Southern Cal 5, Liberty 2, UNLV 1.

Reach Eugene Rapay at erapay@gannett.com and follow him on X/Twitter @erapay5.

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