Under the warm Florida sun at Berkeley Prep School in Tampa, the Iowa Hawkeyes took the field on December 28th, 2025, for a spirited bowl-week practice ahead of their ReliaQuest Bowl matchup with Vanderbilt. With just days to go before kickoff, the energy was high, the focus sharp, and the intensity unmistakable - this is a team that knows what’s at stake.
A Moment of Gratitude and Growth
Before the action kicked off, former Iowa defensive back Benny Sapp took a moment to thank head coach Kirk Ferentz - a quiet but meaningful exchange that speaks volumes about the culture Ferentz has built in Iowa City. For a program known for its player development and loyalty, scenes like this are more than ceremonial - they’re foundational. Sapp’s gesture was a reminder that the Hawkeye experience is about more than just football; it’s about family, trust, and long-term growth.
D-Line Setting the Tone
On the field, defensive end Joseph Anderson was among the players going through warmups with purpose. Anderson, wearing No. 84, looked locked in as the defensive front went through drills.
The Hawkeyes’ defense has long been the backbone of the program, and Anderson’s presence on the edge is part of what gives this unit its bite. His ability to set the edge and disrupt plays in the backfield could be a key factor against a Vanderbilt offense that’s looking to establish rhythm early.
Development on Display
Jason Manson, Iowa’s director of player development, was also active during warmups - a fitting presence given how many young players have stepped into larger roles this season. Manson’s work behind the scenes has helped shape the next wave of Hawkeye contributors, and bowl practices like these are critical for evaluating who’s ready to take the next step.
Quarterback Room in Motion
All eyes were on the quarterback group as offensive coordinator Tim Lester worked closely with Hank Brown and Mark Gronowski. Both QBs took reps under Lester’s watchful eye, fine-tuning mechanics and timing as the offense sharpened its execution.
Whether it’s Brown’s arm talent or Gronowski’s poise, the staff is clearly preparing both signal-callers to be ready if their number is called. Bowl prep is as much about the present as it is about the future, and this practice session reflected that balance.
Special Teams Reps and Punting Precision
Special teams got their work in, too, with punter Rhys Dakin booming kicks from the end zone. Dakin’s leg has been a field-position weapon all season, and in what could be a tightly contested bowl game, flipping the field might be just as important as any offensive or defensive series.
Trench Work: O-Line Gelling
On the offensive line, Leighton Jones and Kade Pieper were seen grinding through drills together - a tandem that’s been part of Iowa’s evolving offensive front. The chemistry between linemen is built through reps like these, and with Vanderbilt’s defense bringing pressure, the Hawkeyes’ ability to protect the quarterback and open lanes in the run game will be crucial.
Scout Team vs. Starters: Iron Sharpens Iron
One of the more telling moments of the morning came when the scout-team offense lined up against the first-team defense. These sessions are where depth is tested, and where future starters earn their stripes. It’s also a testament to Iowa’s “next man in” mentality - a philosophy that’s helped the program weather injuries and maintain consistency year after year.
Leadership at the Helm
Overseeing it all was Kirk Ferentz, the longtime head coach whose steady hand continues to guide the Hawkeyes through another postseason run. Ferentz, as always, was engaged but composed, watching drills, offering feedback, and ensuring the tone stayed sharp.
With decades of bowl experience under his belt, Ferentz knows how to manage the fine line between preparation and overexertion. His presence alone sets the standard.
Looking Ahead
As the Hawkeyes inch closer to their ReliaQuest Bowl showdown, practices like this serve as both a final tune-up and a window into the team’s identity. There’s a blend of veteran leadership and youthful hunger, of precision and physicality. And while the scoreboard will tell the final story in a few days, the foundation is being laid right now - on the practice field, in the Florida heat, with a team that’s clearly locked in on finishing the season strong.