As Iowa gears up for its ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Vanderbilt, the next couple of weeks will be about more than just game planning - it’s a proving ground for the future of the Hawkeyes. With bowl practices underway, the coaching staff is taking full advantage of the extra reps to evaluate the next wave of talent. For head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff, this is a critical window to assess development and start shaping the depth chart heading into next season.
Bowl season often doubles as an early audition for young players, and that’s exactly what’s happening in Iowa City. Expect to see fresh faces getting opportunities on special teams and potentially even on offense or defense, depending on how things shake out in practice. The staff isn’t just preparing for Vanderbilt - they’re also laying the groundwork for 2026.
One of the most intriguing position battles centers around the spot opposite expected starter Bryce Hawthorne. With Hawthorne locked in to return next season, the question becomes: who steps up to claim that second starting role? And beyond that, who can carve out a spot in the rotation - the kind of player who might not start every week but is ready to step in when injuries or game situations call for it?
This battle isn’t just about one name. It’s about a group of players, each with their own strengths, trying to make their case.
Some bring athletic upside, others bring a high football IQ or a knack for finding the ball. The staff is watching closely to see who can translate their potential into consistent performance.
And it’s not just about the top two. Depth matters - especially in the Big Ten, where physical matchups and long seasons test every roster.
Bowl prep is a chance for backups to show they’re ready for more. It’s also a time when a lesser-known player can catch fire and make a real push for playing time in the spring.
Of course, this is just one of several position battles unfolding during bowl prep. The quarterback situation is another headline-grabber, as is the tight end room - two spots where Iowa has both questions and options heading into the offseason. We’ll be diving into those next.
For now, though, all eyes are on the players fighting for that second starting spot alongside Hawthorne. Whoever emerges will have earned it - and they’ll be a key piece of Iowa’s 2026 puzzle.