Iowa

Iowa football pre-spring position breakdown: Wide receivers

Published

7 months ago

March 14, 2024

Iowa football pre-spring position breakdown: Wide receivers

Kaleb Brown leads position group after productive second half of 2023

Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaleb Brown (3) appeals to officials for a call during a game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. The Hawkeyes defeated the Illini 15-13 and with the win clinched the Big Ten West title. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — Iowa football’s attrition at wide receiver in recent years has not been pretty.

None of the scholarship wide receivers from Iowa’s 2021 recruiting class are still on the roster for what would be either their junior or senior years in 2024. Out of the seven wide receivers from the 2020, 2019 and 2018 high school recruiting classes, only one stuck around for his senior season.

Now, the wide receivers have a new position coach (Jon Budmayr) and new playcaller (offensive coordinator Tim Lester). Here is an early look at what Budmayr and Lester are working with as they look to bolster production at the position:

Who’s gone

Nico Ragaini exhausted his eligibility after six years in Iowa City. Ragaini had 156 receptions in his Hawkeye career, which ranked fifth in program history. That included 31 receptions in 2023 although he only caught 41.9 percent of his targets, according to Pro Football Focus.

Diante Vines transferred to Old Dominion after four years in Iowa City. The Danbury, Conn., native had 12 receptions (on 24 targets) for 134 yards as a junior.

Who’s back

Kaleb Brown, the former Ohio State wide receiver, highlights the list of wide receivers expected to return in 2024. After not having any receptions in the first two months of the season, he had 22 receptions for 215 yards in Iowa’s last six games.

Seth Anderson had 11 receptions for 150 yards in 2023 after transferring from Charleston Southern. He hauled in 35.5 percent of his targets, per PFF.

Walk-on Alec Wick did not have any catches last season; the former Iowa City Regina standout had two catches for 31 yards in 2022, though.

After that, Iowa does not have any other wide receivers who have caught a pass in a Hawkeye uniform.

Breakout candidates include Jacob Bostick, Alex Mota, Jarriett Buie and Dayton Howard. Bostick will be a sophomore in 2024 while the others will be redshirt freshmen.

Who’s joining the mix

K.J. Parker and Reece Vander Zee will join the Hawkeyes as incoming freshmen. Parker is from Bellwood, Ill., and was coached by former Hawkeye Matt Bowen. Vander Zee, one of seven in-state recruits in the 2024 class, hails from Rock Rapids. Both have three-star ratings from 247Sports.

Way-too-early two-deep projections

Given Iowa’s depth at tight end, Iowa fans could be seeing a lot of 12 personnel (which would mean having two wide receivers on the field):

Wide receiver

Seth Anderson
Jarriett Buie or Alec Wick

Outlook

Wide receiver is one of the biggest question marks for the Hawkeyes going into spring practices after years of meager production.

Brown is not someone to sleep on in 2024, especially if Lester can find creative ways of getting the ball in his hands.

But even at tight end-loving Iowa, the Hawkeyes realistically need at least another two wide receivers to emerge as viable threats for the offense to reach its full potential in 2024.

Editor’s note: This is the ninth of a nine-part series breaking down where each Iowa football position group stands at this point in the offseason.

More Iowa football offseason position breakdowns

• Quarterback

• Running backs

• Tight ends

• Offensive line

• Defensive line

• Linebackers

• Defensive backs

• Special teams

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com

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Iowa

Iowa Will Be Coming into Spartan Stadium Hot

Published

2 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

10 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

18 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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