Iowa

Iowa football’s Kirk Ferentz on new College Football Playoff: ‘I’m excited about them’

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2 years ago

August 9, 2024

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Iowa football’s Kirk Ferentz on new College Football Playoff: ‘I’m excited about them’

The College Football Playoff format is expanding to 12 teams for the 2024 season, up from four teams in past years.

Iowa football head coach Kirk Ferentz on Friday was asked about this significant change during his press conference at Hawkeyes media day, and he praised the move for how it will allow more teams, and potentially Iowa, to avoid being “irrelevant” come the postseason.

“I guess the goals change a little bit because now, you know, playoffs are a little bit more doable, if you will … ” Ferentz said. “I will say this about the playoffs — I am excited about them. Excited is a strong word, but I’m happy about it. I thought it was not good, not necessarily healthy, for college football to go to four (teams), and last year is a good example.

“We’re all arguing about who’s four, who’s five. Used to be arguing about two and three … I guess my problem with what we’ve been doing is whenever that stupid show comes on in October, the playoffs show, if you’re not in that top-10 discussion, then you’re irrelevant. And I just think we missed the boat in college football, me personally. And so at least now, I assume when that show comes on, they’ll talk about 20 teams instead of 10 teams, and that’s good. That’s healthy. And I think the more teams they talk about, the better, because there’s so many good stories across the country.

“So that was my problem (four-team format), and I guess we’re gonna go to, what, 14 or 16 next? So if we’re gonna open up it up, might as well open it up … But if we get the chance to play them, nobody’s gonna complain. I promise you.”

More: Iowa football: What coach Kirk Ferentz said in his press conference during media day

The College Football Playoff was created after the 2014 season and has featured four teams over the last nine years.

Iowa has never made the playoff, with its closest finish coming in 2015 as the Hawkeyes ended the season ranked No. 5 in the country.

Gus Martin is a Digital Producer/Content Director for The Des Moines Register. Follow him on X at @GusMartin_DMR.

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Iowa

Iowa football 2026 NFL Draft recap

Published

4 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Press Room

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, but not without the Iowa Hawkeyes once again sending a healthy group to the next level. Iowa saw another class of NFL prospects hear their names called and find out where their new homes will be.

As is the norm for Iowa, this draft class was headlined by offensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive line talent, which is fitting. This is how Iowa wins so many games under Kirk Ferentz, and it is a direct correlation to this program’s ability to mold and develop talent into NFL stars.

While this class of draft prospects gets set to make their way to their new NFL homes, check out the recap of where each player is headed, along with where they were taken in this year’s draft.

Logan Jones

Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) celebrates a touchdown in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images

Team: Chicago Bears

Round: 2

Pick: 57

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Seahawks Select Iowa Guard Beau Stephens With 148th Overall Pick | 2026 NFL Draft

Published

16 hours ago

April 25, 2026

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Seahawks Select Iowa Guard Beau Stephens With 148th Overall Pick | 2026 NFL Draft

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and president of football operations John Schneider met with media following day one of the NFL draft and discuss the decision to stay and pick at 32, what makes running back Jadarian Price special, how Price will fit into the offense and more at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

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Steelers Land Fan Favorite Iowa OL With Third-Round Pick

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2026

Press Room

Steelers Land Fan Favorite Iowa OL With Third-Round Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue beefing up their offensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft after previously taking Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round.

After trading picks No. 99 and 216 to the Seattle Seahawks for No. 96, the Steelers selected Iowa’s Gennings Dunker.

Dunker was a right tackle for the Hawkeyes, where he was a huge part of helping the team win the Joe Moore Award in 2025 as the nation’s top offensive line.

As for how he projects to the next level, however, Dunker is likely to move inside for the Steelers at 6-foot-5 and 319 pounds and could compete with Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman for the starting job at left guard.

Dunker is a better run blocker than pass protector, but he is feisty in all facets of the game and possesses a ton of strength while also being rather technically sound.

A fan-favorite with his mullet and contagious personality, Dunker should fit right in with Pittsburgh.

Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Gennings Dunker (67) warms up before a football game against the Indiana Hoosiers Sept. 27, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

James Campen Offers Thoughts on Dunker

Speaking with reporters after the pick was made, Steelers offensive line coach James Campen listed some of the traits that drew him to Dunker.

“He is an aggressive kid,” Campen said. “Good football player. They’re so well-coached at Iowa. They come out and have established pad level and footwork. I’ve got a lot of respect for that football program, and the people who run it, but to be able to get a guy like him, a big, powerful kid that has position flexibility and has shown leadership in his play, his play style is really unique.”

While confirming that he is slated to primarily line up at guard, Campen also shared that Dunker’s Senior Bowl participation allowed his leadership to shine through.

“You always look for guys that are first in line doing things that are challenging or different like he did at the Senior Bowl. He was first in line to go and do new drills and things like that. So I’m sure there’s some leadership qualities there too.

“But we’re very excited to have him and to add to the O-line room. We’ll get him in here and take a look at him. I think at this point he’ll be at the guard position, and tackle will be his second position. But again, when you get players like this, you can always try to figure out which way he’s going to go. So, competition is good in those areas. So, he’ll probably end up playing a little bit of both, but primarily guard.”

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