As Iowa gears up for the ReliaQuest Bowl showdown against Vanderbilt, the next couple of weeks are about more than just game planning - they’re about shaping the future. With bowl practices in full swing, this is prime time for the younger Hawkeyes to get meaningful reps, and for Kirk Ferentz and his staff to start sketching out what the 2026 depth chart might look like. It’s not just about winning the bowl game - it’s about identifying who’s ready to step into bigger roles.
This period, often referred to as “developmental season” by coaches, is where the next wave of contributors starts to emerge. Whether it’s on special teams or in rotational snaps, these practices are a proving ground. And while the game against Vanderbilt is the headline, the real story might be in the position battles unfolding behind the scenes.
Let’s dive into the linebacker room - one of the most intriguing spots on the roster heading into this bowl prep stretch.
Linebacker Battles: Who’s Rising, Who’s Rotating?
Right now, there are no guaranteed starters at linebacker heading into next season, which means every rep counts. The MIKE linebacker spot - the central piece of Iowa’s defensive puzzle - is wide open, and that’s where the focus begins.
The MIKE Linebacker Spot: Leadership in the Middle
This position is the heart of the defense - the quarterback on that side of the ball. Whoever earns this role will need to be more than just a sure tackler. They’ll need to communicate, diagnose plays quickly, and be a stabilizing force in the middle.
A few names have started to surface as contenders. Some have flashed in limited action this season, while others have turned heads during practice. The coaching staff will be watching closely to see who can handle the mental load that comes with the MIKE role - not just who can hit, but who can lead.
Buzz-Worthy Backers: Who’s Making a Move?
Beyond the MIKE spot, the rest of the linebacker group is just as fluid. There are players who’ve been waiting in the wings, and now they’re getting their shot. Bowl prep gives them a chance to show they’re more than just depth pieces - they’re potential starters.
Some of these guys have already generated buzz during the season, whether from standout special teams play or solid showings in garbage time. Others are just now getting their first real taste of extended reps. Either way, the staff is looking for consistency, physicality, and football IQ.
Which Spot Has the Most Unknowns?
While the MIKE battle is the most high-profile, it’s the weak-side linebacker spot that might carry the most uncertainty. There’s less clarity on who’s even in the mix, and that makes this an area to watch closely during bowl prep. It’s the kind of position where a player can come out of nowhere and seize the opportunity.
Don’t be surprised if a younger name starts getting more first-team reps as the bowl game approaches. This is the time when hunger and hustle can outweigh experience.
Is There a Breakthrough Candidate in the Room?
Every year, there’s at least one player who uses bowl prep to launch themselves into the offseason conversation. Whether it’s a redshirt freshman who’s finally healthy or a sophomore who’s been buried on the depth chart, this is their moment.
The linebacker room is deep with potential, and while no one has locked down a starting spot yet, that just means the door is wide open. The staff is watching for someone who not only makes plays, but makes the players around them better.
This linebacker battle is just one piece of a much larger puzzle for Iowa as they prepare for Vanderbilt. But it’s a big one. The Hawkeyes have long been known for their defensive identity, and whoever emerges from this competition will be tasked with upholding that tradition.
And the linebacker room isn’t the only one with questions to answer. Tight end is another position where the reps are up for grabs - and we’ll break that one down next.