The Iowa football program has always prided itself on a strong running game led by a tough offensive line and gritty backs. Even though football has evolved into more of a passing sport, Kirk Ferentz hasn't forgotten the fundamentals of what he's built his program on.
That was evident in the Hawkeyes' 2026 season opener on Saturday.
Iowa established the run game early and often in its 40-0 win over Northern Illinois. The Hawkeyes finished the game with 38 carries for 289 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. They also had two rushing touchdowns, which both came in the first quarter courtesy of fourth-year running back Kamari Moulton.
Moulton opened 2026 with a 50-yard score behind pristine blocking from the offensive line. A few minutes later,
he added a 37-yard touchdown run to his ledger, once again following some fantastic blocks. By the time the first quarter came to an end, Moulton had already rushed for over 130 yards.
Kamari Moulton has 6 carries for 132 yards and 2 TD’s today. It’s still the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/qJsJGwszdC
— Hawkeyes Wire (@HawkeyesWire) September 5, 2026
Moulton finished the game with 11 carries for a career-high 183 rushing yards and two scores. He averaged an astronomical 16.6 yards per carry. Behind a stout offensive line, Moulton was able to do whatever he wanted against the Huskies. After his career performance, Ferentz was quick to offer praise to his starting running back.
"I will make special mention of Kamari (Moulton). He just looked faster, quicker, more confident than I’ve seen him," Ferentz said. "He’s an experienced football player, one of the guys we’re definitely counting on, but I thought he really looked the best we’ve seen him. So, that’s part of maturity and just development, I think, and really good to see that."
Later in his media availability, Ferentz continued his praise of Moulton.
"And I would also say in Kamari’s case, again, that’s the beauty of being in a program and maturation. You’ve got to have the right guys. You have to have guys that really like football, and Kamari’s just a good young guy. I mean, I’ve never seen him have a bad day. And he’s had some reasons to have bad days, but I’ve just never seen him (have a bad day). He's always eager and ready to go and likes playing football," Ferentz said.
Iowa lost transfer running back LJ Phillips Jr. to injury on Saturday. Phillips reportedly suffered a high ankle sprain, likely sidelining him for an extended period of time. With Phillips on the shelf, the Hawkeyes are going to rely on Moulton to carry the load.
Saturday's season opener proved he's capable of doing exactly that.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football praises 'best' version of Kamari Moulton in opener
