Iowa City - Change is in the Air for Iowa Football
Iowa's football program is facing a new wave of change as running backs coach Omar Young departs after just one season. Young is reportedly set to join the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a return to the NFL for the seasoned coach.
Young's brief tenure at Iowa was marked by continuity and success in the running game, a testament to his impact despite the short stay. He stepped in to replace Ladell Betts in 2025 and continued to build on the strong foundation left behind. Even with the exit of standout running back Kaleb Johnson, Young kept the ground game thriving.
The Hawkeyes' rushing attack was a well-oiled machine last season, thanks in part to the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line. Quarterback Mark Gronowski added a dynamic element, leading the team with 16 rushing touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Kamari Moulton emerged as a key player, racking up 878 rushing yards. The depth was evident with three other backs, including promising freshman Nathan McNeil, each contributing at least 169 yards.
Looking ahead to 2026, there's a lot of excitement around Iowa's backfield. Moulton, McNeil, and Xavier Williams are set to return, and the addition of South Dakota transfer L.J.
Phillips Jr., who dominated at the FCS level with over 1,900 rushing yards, adds even more firepower. However, they'll need to adapt to another new running backs coach for the second consecutive season.
This isn't the only coaching shuffle for the Hawkeyes. LeVar Woods also moved on, taking a role as special teams coordinator and assistant head coach at Michigan State. Iowa responded by promoting Chris Polizzi to fill Woods' shoes.
With Young's exit, Iowa faces the task of finding a new leader for their running backs, adding another layer to their offseason preparations. The Hawkeyes are in a period of transition, but with the talent on the roster, they remain poised for success.