Previewing Iowa Football Media Day

Iowa football fans, the long wait is almost over.

One of the final two signposts before the start of the season is upon us and that’s Iowa Football Media Day. The Hawkeyes will meet the media for the first time since the start of fall camp and we have plenty to discuss with the players and coaches.

The format for media day is the same as it always is. Kirk Ferentz will be speaking first the club level of Kinnick Stadium. Then we will walk over to the outdoor practice field area where we will meet with the Iowa assistant coaches and coordinators. Finally, we will get to interview the players before heading home to share all the great content we have gathered with all of you.

With all that said, what are we hoping to learn at media day? What will be the main topics or themes that will be discussed?

ANY UPDATE ON THE SPORTS GAMBLING INVESTIGATION?

More than likely, Kirk Ferentz will be asked early on in his press conference about the status of any of the players involved in the sports gambling investigation.

We know that Aaron Blom is involved and that he placed at least one bet on an Iowa game that he did not play in back in 2021. We also know that Noah Shannon is involved, but he doesn’t have any criminal charges pending.

Are there any indications as to when we will find out their punishments?

Are any of the players involved being allowed to practice?

THE DRIVE TO 325 IS GOING TO BE DISCUSSED

Brian Ferentz is slated to meet with the media and I think we all know that he will face a whole lot of questions about changes to the offense and having to average at least 25 points per game this year.

While I think he will handle these questions with ease, it’s going to be a big talking point all day long because it’s still a hot button issue for Iowa fans.

HOW IS CADE McNAMARA LEADING THE TEAM?

By all accounts, Cade McNamara has fit in as well as everyone had hoped. Remember this spring he really didn’t do 11 on 11 in practice. He was doing mainly 7 on 7 drills as he continued to recover from knee surgery.

Now he’s 100% and out there for full work. How has he looked? Did he have any rust in those situations. More importantly, how is he growing and leading the Hawkeye offense so far in practice? I think we will hear very positive words, but it’s a question that will be asked.

IS ANYONE ELSE EMERGING AT WIDE RECEIVER?

Iowa knows what they have in Nico Ragaini. They kind of know what they have in Diante Vines, who we hear made some good strides this summer. But, what about players like Seth Anderson and Kaleb Brown?

Are those two transfers making strides in fall camp? We have heard good things early about Anderson, who missed most of spring ball with a hamstring issue. Is Brown fitting in and learning what it takes to get reps for the Hawkeyes?

Are there any surprises at wide receiver?

IS A STARTING FIVE EMERGING ALONG THE OFFENSIVE LINE?

One of the bigger and more important questions this fall is who ends up being the starting five along the offensive line. It would be an upset if anyone other than Logan Jones was the starting center and Mason Richman was the starting left tackle.

Beyond that, there’s still some bit of mystery. We suspect that that the starting right tackle will come from either Gennings Dunker, Nick DeJong, or Dajion Parker. We also suspect the two starting guards will come from DeJong, Dunker, Connor Colby, Tyler Elsbury, Beau Stephens, and Rusty Feth.

A lot of players to choose from and as we know, the best five will start.

ANY TRUE FRESHMEN MAKING AN IMPACT?

Every year one of the top questions that we get from fans is about the true freshmen. The which true freshmen will play question has lost some importance because these days, they can play in four games before a redshirt is lifted.

I always tend to look to the defensive backfield and I would be looking at John Nestor or Kahlil Tate as likely candidates. Also, follow the golden rule of the further away from the ball, the more likely it is they play in their first year also applies.

HOW IS THE RACE FOR BACKUP QUARTERBACK SHAPING UP?

While Cade McNamara is the clear starting quarterback, there is a legit race for the backup quarterback spot. After spring ball, Kirk Ferentz kind of indicated that perhaps transfer Deacon Hill had edged ahead in the race. But, Joe Labas was also right here. Those two are fighting it out. If Iowa had a game tomorrow, who is the quarterback coming off the bench?

HOW HAS IOWA ADDRESSED BACKUP KICKER AND PUNTER?

With Aaron Blom likely sidelined in the gambling investigation, Iowa needs a backup placekicker and punter. He was slated to fill both roles.

Iowa had already brought in Ty Nissen from Iowa Western Community College. The Carroll, IA native will fill the role of backing up Tory Taylor.

The other question is who is backup up Drew Stevens? Last we heard it was wide receiver Alec Wick, who was a standout soccer player at Iowa City Regina. Did they find an option and bring them into camp?

FINALLY, WHAT DOES KIRK FERENTZ THINK OF THE CHANGING BIG TEN?

Since we last spoke with Kirk Ferentz in Indianapolis at Big Ten Media Days, the conference has officially grown once again. He already knew UCLA and USC were headed to the conference in 2024. Now they will be joined by Oregon and Washington.

We all know Kirk Ferentz has always enjoyed those west coast road trips (not). What are his thoughts on perhaps making at least one per year?

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