The Hawkeyes now have their kicker of the future.
Iowa's special teams unit suffered a big blow after losing special teams coordinator LeVar Woods to Michigan State who is not only a great coach, but a great recruiter as well.
After the season ended, Woods headed to East Lansing, Michigan, and took another Hawkeye with him.
On the heels of the transfer portal officially opening on January 2, punter Rhys Dakin entered his name into the mix and followed Woods to Michigan State.
Now down two special teams starters after Dakin left the program and kicker Drew Stevens exhausted his final year of eligibility, the Iowa program's special teams unit is hurting.
The situation improved over the weekend as a talented FCS kicker announced he is committing to the Hawkeyes after visiting Iowa City.
Excited for what’s next!
— Eli Ozick (@eli_ozick) January 5, 2026
Thank you Coach Ferentz, @coachbsherm, and Iowa staff for this opportunity! pic.twitter.com/2GK41TQ0q6
All Iowa fans know how important kicking is to the program, and the Hawkeyes got a solid kicker via the transfer portal.
Former North Dakota State kicker Eli Ozick announced he is committing to the Hawkeyes after entering the portal from North Dakota State.
Ozick was in attendance for Iowa Men's Basketball's thrilling victory over UCLA over the weekend, and has decided to stay in Iowa City for the next few seasons.
Ozick must have been very impressed with the program and Iowa City because Iowa is the only program he visited, committing shortly after.
During his three seasons with North Dakota State, Ozick made 19 of 23 field goal attempts, with a career-long of 54 yards. He was also a part of the Bison's 2024 FCS National Championship team.
After committing to the Hawkeyes, Ozick will have two years of eligibility remaining.
