Ben McCollum didn’t need long on the Pat McAfee Show to make one thing clear: at Iowa, the different corners of the athletic department aren’t operating in silos.
Speaking from the University of Iowa campus, McCollum described a program culture built on mutual support, and he pointed directly to Kirk Ferentz as an example of that mindset. The Iowa coach said the football and basketball sides of the department coexist in a way that benefits everyone involved.
“Here, everybody wants each other's success, including Coach Ferentz.”
McCollum then shared the moment Ferentz reached out during his interview process. The timing stood out to him, especially because it came right in the middle of a major basketball run.
“When I first heard from him, during the interview process, he texted me. It was three days before the NCAA Tournament.
And I told the AD I am not going to talk to anyone during the NCAA Tournament run. He texted me saying, 'Hey, this is Coach Ferentz.'”
From there, McCollum was all praise. He said Ferentz matches the reputation he carries and called him one of the country’s top coaches.
“He's as genuine as he seems. He's as real as he seems.
And, obviously, he's a heck of a coach. He's one of the best coaches in the country.
And, you know, obviously, my favorite football coach as well,” McCollum said about Kirk Ferentz.
McCollum also made it clear he’s not backing off his confidence heading into Iowa’s matchup with Ohio State. After guiding the Hawkeyes to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament, he said exactly what he expects this weekend.
“I expect a Hawkeye win. That's what I expect,” McCollum bluntly stated.
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Hartwells decision also fits the pattern Iowa has been riding under Jensen, with the Hawkeyes continuing to stack elite recruiting wins in the wake of the programs recent momentum. For a team that has made frontcourt strength a priority, landing a player with Hartwells profile only adds to the sense that Iowa is building with both immediate ambition and long-term balance in mind. [Read more 🡒]
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Caitlin Clarks name naturally enters the conversation because of her local ties and the buzz that follows her wherever she goes, but there are reasons her appearance is far from a given. She is coming off a recent playoff exit, has dealt with some performance struggles, and there has been past friction with the shows host, which leaves ESPN with a contingency plan in place if she does not show. Even without that reveal, the buildup has given Iowa City an extra layer of intrigue on a weekend already carrying plenty of attention. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Has A Real Upset Chance Against Ohio State For One Reason
College football analyst David Pollack sees a path for Iowa when No. 14 Iowa meets No. 5 Ohio State, and it starts with a matchup that could make the game tighter than the rankings suggest. He pointed to Ohio States defensive vulnerabilities while also crediting Iowas ability to lean on a strong rushing attack and a sturdy defense, the kind of formula that can make life uncomfortable for a favorite.
Pollack also framed the Buckeyes as a team leaning heavily on wide receiver Jeremiah Smith while not getting as much from the running game, which opens the door for Iowa to stay in striking distance if it can control tempo. Even so, he still picked Ohio State to come away with the win, which leaves the Hawkeyes with an upset chance that feels real but not yet fully formed. [Read more 🡒]