Kirk Ferentz enjoying positive vibes as Iowa approaches fall camp

LAS VEGAS —  He’s entering his 27th season with the Hawkeyes, and there are plenty of reasons for their fans to have high anticipation.

After all, Kirk Ferentz is two victories away from setting a record for wins among Big Ten coaches, and his team has an opportunity to make some noise this fall. The players are eager to get the pads popping in August, and Ferentz believes they’re continuing to make strides.

Not to mention Iowa has valuable experience on both sides of the ball, and one of the nation’s best kickers. Everything is starting to gel together in Ferentz’s eyes, which is why he feels his team has a high ceiling for 2025. The fact that the Hawkeyes are coming off 12-straight winning seasons, helps fuel the momentum too.

“I like the guys, I like their attitude, and the way they’ve worked,” Ferentz said. “Been very, very positive, but I think we’re also getting good leadership, which is something I didn’t see coming quite as strong as it’s materialized.”

When there’s trust among the coaching staff and teammates, anything is possible. Tim Lester is in his second season of calling the plays, Phil Parker is still orchestrating the defense and there’ll be a new face at quarterback. On top of that the Hawkeyes return eight players that earned All-Big Ten honors last year. The ingredients are in place for a great recipe, and the next three weeks will tell Ferentz a lot about what he has.

“The bottom line, I can tell you this, it’s really been a good team to work with, and I really like our team,” he said. “I think the guys have a good work ethic, so they’ve done a good job to this point.”

All eyes are on the quarterback position, where South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski will take over. He’s still getting up to speed after recovering from a shoulder injury, but brings credibility and a winning mentality to Iowa’s quarterback room. Gronowski didn’t participate in physical drills this past spring, so there’s some uncertainty Ferentz has until he gets him in fall camp.

“As far as Mark Gronowski, still haven’t seen him compete live, and we haven’t had a chance to see him live in practice,” the 69-year old coach said. “After being around him for seven-plus months, just a tremendous young person, been a great addition to our football team, so I’m really looking forward to seeing him being in the huddle and actually take snaps with our team.”

Lester also has to replace 1,000-yard rusher Kaleb Johnson, but the backfield is looking promising to Ferentz. It’s possible there could be a running back-by-committee approach, with Kamari Moulton leading the way. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry, rushed for three touchdowns in 2024.

The offensive line will be one of the best in the conference, with All-Big Ten center Logan Jones anchoring the big boys up front. Gennings Dunker is also an All-Big Ten performer, and a menace when it comes to protecting the quarterback’s blind side. Even Beau Stephens has 21 career starts, so protection shouldn’t be an issue for whoever is behind center.

Ferentz is going to need more production from the wideouts and tight ends this time around. However, the talent is there to make it happen. Senior wide receiver Jacob Gill led the team with 35 catches last season, and sophomore Reece Vander Zee ranked first on the Hawkeyes in touchdown receptions. Tight end Addison Ostrenga is a safety net, after hauling in 15 balls, including a touchdown in the victory over Troy.

Parker will take care of the defense, considering he’s the Big Ten’s longest-tenured assistant. He has a potential All-Big Ten defender at every level, and Parker always fields a tenacious unit. Ethan Hurket knows how to wreak havoc off the edge, and Aaron Graves is a monster along the interior. The linebackers will have some new starters with Jay Higgins, and Nick Jackson no longer around, but Ferentz doesn’t expect the group to miss a beat. Parker’s secondary is full of ballhawks, and they have a ton of experience.

The cherry on top for Ferentz is the return of kicker Drew Stevens, who is as clutch as they come. There’s no doubt in Ferentz’s mind that the Hawkeyes can be Big Ten contenders this fall, as long as they stay healthy and take everything week by week. Nothing is set in stone as far as the depth chart goes, so there’ll be opportunities for players to emerge from the shadows. Ferentz finds it all encouraging, and is anticipating some intense practices in the coming weeks.

“August is going to be a big month for us, and I think with this team in particular, it may go right into September as well before we really know what our starting lineups are going to look like.”