Get ready to hear one young linebacker's name more often as his stock continues to rise

The Hawkeyes closed the book on the 2025 regular season with a commanding 40-16 victory over Nebraska in Lincoln, and they are now completely focused on the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl.

No. 23 Iowa will battle No. 14 Vanderbilt in a matchup of the Big Ten versus the SEC at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

The Hawkeyes are fully immersed in Bowl preparation, which is a unique time for players and the coaching staff.

Younger players on the roster get more chances to shine during bowl preparation practices, and one young Hawkeye linebacker has stood out among the rest.

According to the Des Moines Register's Tyler Tachmann, every player he talked to had something good to say about linebacker Cam Buffington.

Buffington has not been on most fans' radar this season and has played very few snaps, but that is going to change very soon.

Starting with the Minnesota game, in which he notched his first career interception, Buffington's stock has continued to rise, and his teammates are taking notice.

During Iowa's Bowl preparation, players from multiple position groups praised Buffington's efforts, including Xavier Nwankpa, Ethan Hurkett, and TJ Hall.

According to Tachmann's report, Nwankpa compared Buffington to former Hawkeye great Jack Campbell, setting the bar high for the young redshirt freshman.

When Hall was asked about who stood out to him, he immediately responded with Buffington's name.

Hurkett also said that Buffington is, "going to be a really good player," and he is "very mature" for his age.

Buffington, a Winfield, Iowa native, has jumped into the spotlight after redshirting last season, and it is a good sign for the Hawkeye program that such a young player is already making an impact early in his career.

Buffington should also see more playing time in the future with Jaden Harrell, Jaxon Rexroth, and Karson Sharar all graduating after this season.