The first domino has fallen after the departure of special teams coordinator LeVar Woods.
Woods announced he was leaving the Iowa program to become the special teams coordinator and assistant head coach for Michigan State with new head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Woods, a longtime coach and former Iowa football player, was a well-respected coach and a steal for Fitzgerald's new staff at Michigan State.
He was not only a great coach and mentor, but also an excellent recruiter.
Iowa enjoyed another stellar season on special teams, led by return specialist Kaden Wetjen and kicker Drew Stevens.
Wetjen finished his final season in Iowa City with 1,039 total return yards (563 punt, 476 kick) and four total touchdowns (three punt, one kick).
Stevens finished the season making 41 of 42 extra point attempts and 22 of 28 field goal attempts (78.6 percent completion).
Stevens and Wetjen are the latest special teams stars to succeed under Woods' tutelage, and after his final game with the Hawkeyes, another special teams starter is potentially heading elsewhere.
Thankyou, Iowa ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2U9DRZsZvs
— Rhys Dakin (@Rhys_dak1n) January 1, 2026
Starting punter Rhys Dakin announced on social media that he will be entering the transfer portal when the window opens in just a few hours.
LeVar Woods initially recruited Dakin, and amid some early-season struggles for the Aussie punter, he stated that we have not yet seen the best of Dakin.
While nothing has been announced because the portal has not officially opened, rumors are swirling that Dakin will join Woods at Michigan State.
This season for the Iowa special teams, Dakin punted 43 times for a total of 1,862 yards, earning a net average punt of 40.8 yards.
Legendary former punter Tory Taylor spoiled Iowa fans, and Dakin never lived up to those lofty expectations.
Hopefully, Dakin can get a fresh start in a new program and address some of the inconsistencies he had during his two seasons with the Iowa program.
Dakin will have two years of remaining eligibility.