Iowa

By the numbers: Iowa puts up most impressive offensive showing in years

Published

2 years ago

September 1, 2024

By the numbers: Iowa puts up most impressive offensive showing in years

Iowa’s offense made national headlines last season for the team’s ineptitude on the offensive side of the ball, ranking 129th out of 130 FBS teams in scoring offense.

The Hawkyes looked like a different team in their season-opener on Saturday, totaling 492 yards of total offense in a dominant 40-0 win over Illinois State. Starting quarterback Cade McNamara had his best game since transferring to Iowa in 2023, throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

The 40 points the Hawkeyes scored were more than what they had in all but one game last season. Their 492 total yards of offense was more than double the amount the team averaged per game last year (234.6).

As Iowa’s offense might be finally catching up with the modern times, let’s take a look at the Hawkeyes’ performance by the numbers.

40: Iowa’s 40-point output was a strong way to start the season. It was also the first time that it scored that many points in a season-opener since 2016, when it defeated Miami (OH), 45-21.

46: Iowa was Ferentz-less on Saturday, with head coach Kirk Ferentz serving a one-game suspension due to a recruiting violation. So, interim coach Seth Wallace became the first coach other than Ferentz to lead Iowa to a win in the 21st century as Ferentz is in his 26th season coaching the Hawkeyes. When you include Ferentz’s predecessor, Hayden Fry, Wallace is just the third coach to win a game for Iowa in 46 years.

3: McNamara tossed three touchdowns on Saturday, marking the first time an Iowa quarterback has thrown that many touchdowns in a game since Spencer Petras threw three touchdowns against Maryland on Oct. 1, 2021.

250: McNamara also threw for 251 yards in Saturday’s game. It marked the first time that an Iowa quarterback crossed the 250-yard mark since Petras in that aforementioned game against Maryland in 2021. Petras threw for 258 yards that day.

2: Reece Vander Zee, a three-star freshman in the Class of 2024, had a strong college debut. The freshman receiver had five receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday’s game. With his two touchdown grabs, Vander Zee became the first Iowa player to have multiple touchdown receptions in a game since Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who had two touchdown grabs against Wisconsin on Dec. 12, 2020.

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Illinois State Redbirds Highlights

3: In addition to Vander Zee, junior receiver Jacob Gill had a touchdown reception in Saturday’s game. The three touchdown grabs, which occurred in less than 12 minutes in Saturday’s game, matched the number of touchdowns that Iowa’s receivers had all of last season. Iowa’s receivers also had just three total receiving touchdowns in the 2022 season, too.

34: Iowa scored five touchdowns following halftime on Saturday, leading to 34 second-half points. That marked the most points it’s had in the second half of a game since it scored 42 second-half points in its 56-14 win over Nebraska in 2017.

492: Iowa’s 492 yards of total offense certainly wasn’t something Hawkeye fans have been used to the last few years. That’s the most offensive yards Iowa’s had in a game since 2019, when it had 644 yards of total offense against Middle Tennessee.

23: Iowa also had 23 first downs in Saturday’s game, the most it’s had in a game since its win over Northwestern in 2022. It only had more than 15 first downs in a game three times last season.

5: This is only Iowa’s fifth 40-point game since 2020 (last five seasons). Its 51-14 win at Maryland in 2021 was the most points Iowa has scored in a game over the last five seasons.

0: While Iowa’s offense has faltered in recent years, its defense has been stout. Still, Saturday marked the first time that it had shut out its opponent in a season-opener since 2005, when it beat Ball State, 56-0.

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Iowa

Iowa State wrestling adds ex-Hawkeye Dru Ayala from transfer portal

Published

9 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

Iowa State wrestling adds ex-Hawkeye Dru Ayala from transfer portal

Iowa State wrestling has added another lightweight through the transfer portal, earning the commitment of former Hawkeye Dru Ayala on Wednesday, May 13.

Ayala has been with the Hawkeyes for two seasons, with an 11-4 record as a true freshman and not competing in 2025-26. The 125-pounder will have at least three years of eligibility remaining.

“Grateful for where I’ve been, excited for where I’m going. Go Cyclones,” Ayala said in an Instagram post.

Before his time in Iowa, Ayala was a four-time state medalist with Fort Dodge. He made the state semifinals all four years and had a 153-16 record. He is the brother of former Hawkeye wrestler Drake Ayala, who recently accepted a position as an assistant coach with the Cyclones.

Iowa State has had multiple major departures with Anthony Echemendia, Christian Castillo, Daniel Herrera and others heading to the transfer portal. As a result, the Cyclones have been busy adding to the roster, with Dru Ayala joining Ayden Smith (Rutgers), Brayden Thompson (Oklahoma State) and Rin Sakamoto (Oklahoma State).

Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.

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Iowa

Candidates for Warren County’s Iowa House District 22 tackle issues

Published

21 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

Candidates for Warren County’s Iowa House District 22 tackle issues

Two candidates are running for the Iowa House District 22 seat encompassing Norwalk, Carlisle, Cumming and Martensdale.

First-term Republican Rep. Samantha Fett faces a challenge from Democrat Rory Taylor, who she defeated in 2024 to fill the open seat.

Both candidates are unopposed for their party’s nomination.

To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal, statewide and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

The primary election is scheduled for June 2.

Click below to see learn more about the candidates and where they stand on key issues:

Political party: Republican.
Age: 46.
Residence: Carlisle.
Occupation: Marketing and communications director for Inspired Life Inc.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Drake University.
Political experience: Moms for Liberty – Warren County, Carlisle School Board member 2019-2021, Warren County Central Committee member, Capitol Region Republican Women, Iowa Federation of Republican Women, National Federation of Republican Women.

Who is Rory Taylor?

Political party: Democrat.
Age: 65.
Residence: Norwalk.
Occupation: Retired.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in history, minor in political science, Iowa State University.
Political experience: Bevington City Council.

Fett (R): My top issue is strengthening Iowa’s education system. I believe parents should have a leading voice in their children’s education because families want meaningful options. I support high academic standards, safe learning environments and policies that protect children while ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I will work on policies that continue to focus on all students reaching their potential through measurable, objective achievements and by expanding and enhancing the supply of creative education. Education shapes the next generation, and it remains my highest priority.

Taylor (D): Water quality in our state. We need to increase monitoring the water sources we use for our drinking water. Our nitrate levels are in direct correlation to our cancer rates in the state. We need to work with our farmers to mitigate the problem, not blame them for it!

Taylor (D): We need to restructure the voucher program. Students with financial needs could be accommodated, but not the wealthiest of our population. We need to provide more funding for our AEAs and improvement in teacher pay. Bring back our industrial arts programs.

Fett (R): I support policies that put students and families first. That includes strengthening parental rights, expanding educational options and making sure all education models — public schools, homeschool, private and public charter schools — can succeed. I also support a balanced approach to digital learning, since excessive screen time can affect attention and academic progress. I believe Iowa should set developmentally appropriate limits on digital instruction and prioritize strong foundational skills like reading, writing and real classroom connection so every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Fett (R): I support Iowa’s recent tax changes because the state was collecting far more than it needed. With full reserves, a $2 billion ending balance, and over $4 billion in the Taxpayer Relief Fund, returning money to Iowans is the responsible choice. The 3.8% rate keeps Iowa competitive, and temporary revenue dips were planned for. Looking ahead, I would support additional tax law changes that continue this philosophy: keeping government efficient, ensuring strong reserves and returning excess dollars to taxpayers.

Taylor (D): I do not support all the tax changes. I believe moving Iowa’s tax structure for both corporate and income to be more progressive. This would raise taxes on corporations, higher-income individuals and lower taxes on lower-income individuals.

Taylor (D): Water quality standards: Strengthen, enforce and monitor water quality standards to reduce carcinogens like nitrates and PFAS from agricultural runoff.

Fett (R): I support practical, targeted actions that reduce known risks and strengthen research. Iowa is a major radon hotspot, and radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer. House File 2297 is an important step requiring passive radon mitigation. A cost-effective protection helps ensure families aren’t unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels. I support the pediatric cancer research bill, which provides dedicated funding to advance research and improve outcomes for Iowa children. This investment and reducing environmental risks give Iowa a stronger and more effective path to lowering cancer rates. Chemical regulation: Improve monitoring of pesticides and fertilizer application, ensuring public health is central to agricultural policy. Radon mitigation: Fund widespread radon testing. Protect Medicaid expansion, which supports cancer screening and care for over 180,000 Iowans. HPV vaccine access: Protect access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to prevent future cancer.

Fett (R): Protecting private property rights is essential. Based on that standard, I do not support using eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines, as these projects do not meet the threshold of traditional public use infrastructure and raise significant concerns for landowners. I have consistently opposed the misuse of eminent domain and will continue standing with Iowa landowners on this issue.

Taylor (D): Public projects, such as infrastructure (highways, bridges) and utilities. And as long as there is fair compensation and due process.

Taylor (D): Voucher program would be a start. And the tax cuts that have been made haven’t stimulated the economy as the Republican Party has suggested they would. I don’t see any other cuts I would suggest. The key is tax revenue, and what we have in place now isn’t working!

Fett (R): Iowa’s recent revenue dip was fully expected when income taxes were reduced. I support a disciplined, responsible approach to budgeting that ensures we fund key priorities like public schools, nursing homes and public safety while still allowing Iowans to keep more of what they earn. The Taxpayer Relief Fund was created specifically to manage temporary revenue decreases during tax reform, providing stability without jeopardizing essential services. My focus is on maintaining disciplined budgeting so Iowa continues meeting its obligations without over taxing families.

Read more about the midterm candidates at: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/news/elections/.

Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.

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Iowa

Iowa adds 87-year-old Tom Moore as senior consultant and offensive adviser

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Press Room

Iowa adds 87-year-old Tom Moore as senior consultant and offensive adviser

IOWA CITY, Iowa — After a 65-year football coaching career, longtime NFL offensive coordinator Tom Moore’s most recent stop comes full circle — the University of Iowa.

Before Moore coached Hall of Fame receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth to Super Bowl titles in the late 1970s or guided quarterback Peyton Manning to multiple MVP awards, he played quarterback at Iowa in the 1950s and became a graduate assistant in 1961-62. Now, the 87-year-old Moore will work as a senior consultant to coach Kirk Ferentz and as an offensive adviser.

“I have known Tom Moore for over a decade and am thrilled that he has agreed to join our program in an advisory role,” Ferentz said in a statement. “Coach Moore has had a long and very successful career in football. He was a player at Iowa, coached at the collegiate level and spent many years working alongside Hall of Fame coaches in the National Football League. I am grateful that a four-time Super Bowl champion will share his wisdom and perspectives with us — coaches and players.”

Moore played for Hall of Fame coach Forest Evashevski and was a backup on the 1960 team that tied for the Big Ten title and was named national champion by three different outlets. Following his time as a graduate assistant, Moore spent two years in the United States Army before working for more than a decade as a college assistant. He moved to the NFL in 1977 as the Pittsburgh Steelers receivers coach and later as offensive coordinator under Chuck Noll.

Following stints with the Vikings, Lions and Saints, Moore became the Colts’ offensive coordinator in 1998, where he worked with Manning and helped Indianapolis reach two Super Bowls, winning one title. After stops with the Jets, Titans and Cardinals, Moore spent the last seven years as an offensive consultant with Tampa Bay, where he worked with Tom Brady to win another Super Bowl following the 2020 season.

Moore, who was an honorary team captain at Iowa for a game in 2018, has frequently spent time with the Iowa program and offered recommendations when attending practice. When current New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy, at the time a wide receiver, carried the ball on the scout team, Moore suggested Tracy make a permanent position switch. Tracy declined the move until his final year at Purdue, and he has since led the Giants in rushing in his first two seasons in the NFL.

At Iowa, Moore will join his former Colts protégé, Jay Norvell, who coaches running backs. Norvell worked under Moore as wide receivers coach from 1998 until 2001.

“You talk about a guy that’s forgot more football than most people know,” Norvell said about Moore. “It’s just a complete blessing.”

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