Iowa Hawkeyes Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

George Kittle, San Franciscos star tight end, suffered a devastating Achilles injury during their wildcard playoff win. Despite injuries slowing him down, Kittle remained a key player, setting career highs in his second season. Fans and teammates rallied around him, with coach Kyle Shanahan leading the team to the playoffs despite numerous setbacks. Kittles loss significantly impacts their playoff chances, but the resilient Niners may still find a way to push forward.

Iowa Hawkeyes secure star wide receiver Evan James from Furman, adding to their impressive transfer portal haul. James, a freshman All-American, had a breakout year with Furman, averaging 88.5 yards per game. Iowas receiving corps took a hit last season, but James, with three years of eligibility, fits perfectly into offensive coordinator Tim Lesters system. The Hawkeyes now have eleven transfer commitments for their 2026 class, including edge rusher Kahmari Brown, running back LJ Phillips Junior, and safety Anthony Hawkins. With the portal still active, Iowa looks set to compete strongly next fall.

Marco Lainez, former Iowa quarterback, enters NCAA transfer portal for the second time, seeking a new home with two years of eligibility left. After a backup role at Elon, Lainez aims to compete for playing time immediately, with programs taking notice of his experience and remaining eligibility.

Iowa Hawkeye football, under coach Kirk Ferentz, has consistently produced NFL talent. Two of his alumni, Cooper DeJean (Eagles) and Jack Campbell (Lions), earned First-Team All-Pro honors this season. DeJean had 93 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble, while Campbell led the league with 176 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 recoveries. This success underscores Ferentzs impactful coaching, as Iowa continues to send players to shine in the NFL.

Iowa Football Secures Major Offensive Boost with Transfer Running Back L.J. Phillips Junior Iowa football has landed a significant offensive boost with the commitment of transfer running back L.J. Phillips Junior from South Dakota. Phillips Junior, a five-foot-nine, 225-pound back, led his team to a Division Two national title last year, rushing for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He has two years of eligibility left and will join the Hawkeyes via the transfer portal, filling a void left by the departure of tailbacks Terrell Washington and Jaziun Patterson. Phillips Juniors addition should provide depth to Iowas rushing game and potentially form a formidable one-two punch with sophomore Kamari Moulton. This move comes after a nine-and-four season for the Hawkeyes, with Phillips Juniors arrival aiming to take pressure off the quarterback situation and bolster the teams chances of climbing the Big Ten standings.

Iowa Hawkeyes football secures tenth transfer portal commitment with safety Xavier Styles, a redshirt sophomore from Robert Morris. Styles, a six-foot-two, one hundred ninety-five-pound safety, brings three years of eligibility and a strong performance in 2025, starting most games with thirty-six tackles, seven pass breakups, and one interception. Iowas secondary, which lost key players to graduation and the portal, gains a reliable coverage guy with downhill aggression. The Hawkeyes have also added nine other talents in the portal, setting up an exciting two thousand twenty-six season in the Big Ten.

Iowa Hawkeyes secure powerhouse running back L.J. Phillips Junior from South Dakota, who led FCS rushers with 1900 yards and 19 TDs last season. Phillips, a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, chose Iowa over Penn State and has two years of eligibility left. He fills a gap in Iowas backfield and joins a strong transfer haul, enhancing the Hawkeyes ground game for the upcoming season.

Iowa Secures Key Transfer Portal Commitments: Running Back L.J. Phillips Junior and Safety Xavier Styles Join Hawkeyes Football Team