The preseason is weeks of practice clips and rumors to speculate and imagine. Hope is abundant among the fanbase right now. Some of it is too strong for me. Nothing wrong with the positivity, but negativity is in my nature. I have tempered expectations for this group.
The videos of Mark Gronowski’s deep passes lead some to “answers,” but they’ve led to more questions for me. I have a laundry list of concerns and uncertainties. We’re waiting with bated breath for answers when the Hawks kick off in Lames
on September 6th (sorry, Albany, you don’t count).
Consider this a safe space to discuss topics we usually keep to ourselves. I know there are doubts in your brain’s deepest, darkest parts. Let’s walk through them together and see if we can close the door on those dark thoughts.
Can we ever break the quarterback curse?
Every preseason, we’ve convinced ourselves the quarterback position is finally fixed… and the curse resurfaces every year. Deacon Hill, Joey Labas, Alex Padilla, and most importantly, Cade McNamara have been nightmares. Is Gronowski different?
Mark Gronowski didn’t just win the Walter Payton Award (FCS Heisman) by luck. The Twitter clips have been exciting, and his flashes on Kids’ Day were promising. Yes, the dropped snaps were odd, but there’s reason to believe the quarterback position finally turns around.
Tim Lester did a fantastic job overhauling the offense last year, but the quarterback play was still subpar. Iowa added a key piece to the coaching staff this offseason: Warren Ruggiero, a QB whisperer disguised as a senior offensive analyst. His slow mesh offense has produced five All-Americans. Most notably, Sam Hartman, who shattered records at Wake Forest. Paired with Lester’s scheme, Ruggiero’s ideas should add a dynamic dimension to the passing game.
The room itself is deeper than it has been in years. Gronowski was the prize portal addition, but Hank Brown and Jeremy Heckslinski add quality depth. Our third option feels on par with QB1 just a few seasons ago.
The curse still lingers in the back of my mind. It’s been an eternity since competent quarterback play lit up Kinnick. But the coaching, offensive line, and depth give me confidence. Gronowski will have time to throw darts, and if Brown has to step in, I’m not fazed.
We’re breaking the Brian Ferentz curse this year. And when it happens, I will cry tears of joy.
Does Kinnick at night still strike fear into top-25 teams like it used to?
Kinnick at night is one of the intimidating environments in college football. We know this. The question is: do they know it anymore?
It’s been four years since Iowa beat a ranked team at home. We haven’t had a marquee night game since Penn State in 2021. My concern isn’t about the fans showing up; it’s about whether visiting teams still feel the dread before they even step off the bus. Most current college players were still in high school the last time we won a big one at home.
This fall brings two prime opportunities to reignite the national recognition as a trap—the trap where giants go to die. The giants are there for the taking: Oregon and Penn State. The Ducks are ranked 7th, whiles the Nittany Lions are 2nd in the preseason AP poll. If the lights come on, the crowd roars, and the walls shake, maybe we get the magic back. The fans of Kinnick are on the hot seat. I’ll give it my all for the Hawks, but will you?
If the TV gods are reading this, please bless us with a big game under lights. I want every player and coach in the Big Ten to fear Kinnick the way it was four years ago.
Should we be concerned about the defense?
This is the thought that haunts me when I put my head on the pillow: Where’s the All-American linebacker? Where’s the corner we can trust? Can Xavier Nwankpa truly be the star we’ve been promised?
It’s uncomfortable to imagine a season without a top-10 defense to carry us. The offense has been disappointing for as long as I can remember, but the defense and special teams were the constants. Adjusting to anything less will be hard. It’s like letting go of your favorite sweatpants. They’re so comfy and broken in, you feel like they’ve become a part of you. The problem is that the color is fading, they smell like nachos and beer, and the hoodie isn’t as comfy as it used to be.
Linebacker and cornerback are the soft spots. TJ Hall is the only returning starter at either position with real experience, but he’s nursing a bone bruise. Karson Sharar and Jaden Harrell are slated to start inside. These two have the talent, but game speed is different, and the Big Ten doesn’t wait for you to catch up. If you’re not ready, it’ll eat you right up.
Cornerback might be an even bigger concern. The Hawks brought in Shahid Barros from the portal, but that doesn’t erase the hole left by Jermari Harris. Deshaun Lee has been in the mix, but social media hasn’t been kind to his camp reps. CB2 could become a revolving door of Lee, Barros, and Watson. High-level opponents will look to target them early and often.
The good news? A dominant pass rush can cover a lot of our blemishes. The defensive line could be one of the best units in the Big Ten. Kelvin Bell has done an incredible job developing talent up front and deserves his flowers. Llewellyn, Graves, and Hurkett are the show stoppers, but this group has tremendous depth. Watch out for Brian Allen this year, I see a breakout coming in the form of a third-down specialist.
The safeties group will be substantial, but it could be special if Xavier Nwankpa fully figures it out. The guy has so much natural talent, he’ll be good no matter what. The coaching staff must unlock his gifts to take this defense from good to great. If it’s not Nwankpa, Koen Entringer could be the guy. I’m ecstatic to see Entringer get his chance, and I have no doubts he’ll perform. Hardworking culture guys never fail, and that’s what he is.
This defense will still be good, possibly great, but I expect some early growing pains. Let’s hope the front four hides the weaknesses long enough for the rest of the unit to mature.
Are the playoffs even attainable for the 2025 Hawkeyes?
Compared to past seasons, this year’s schedule is a gauntlet. Four to six ranked opponents likely await. The road is brutal. The Hawks couldn’t ask for a better opportunity, and the journey ahead should get you excited.
The playoff formula is straightforward: beat Penn State or Oregon, win all the games you’re favored in, and get to nine wins. Do that, and you’ve got a seat at the table.
Will it be easy? No. Will it be exhilarating? Absolutely. Big game after big game gives the Hawks a chance to prove Iowa belongs in the new Big Ten’s top tier.
Buckle up. The most intriguing season of Iowa football in years is about to begin.
Mark Gronowski, save us.
Phil Parker, defend us.
Kirk Ferentz, deliver us to the promised land.
