Although the running game has been successful over the years, inconsistency with the wide receivers has hindered the offense's effectiveness. Last year, the leading receiver only had 35 receptions.
Part of that has to do with the quarterbacks of the past and the old OC, but things are different now.
With a fresh face at QB and an OC that has improved the Hawkeyes' offense, this could be the season that we get another breakout star at WR. With a great mix of underclassmen and veterans, this could be one of the better WR rooms we've seen in a while.
Let's take a look at some key faces at wideout for this upcoming season.
Wide Receiver-X: Reece Vander Zee
If injuries did not take away the last seven games of the season for Reece Vander Zee, we could have seen an all-time freshman season.
The Rock Valley, IA native hauled in 14 catches for 176 yards (12.6 ypc) and led the team with three TDs.
Much like many Hawkeye players that fans have seen over the years, Vander Zee was not just a football player in high school.
He was a four-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, track, and baseball during his high school career, and won state championships in both football and basketball his senior year.
Fans were able to see a glimpse of what Vander Zee could bring to the team when healthy. In the season opener last season against Illinois State, he hauled in five catches for 66 yards and two TDs, becoming the first freshman to haul in two TDs in a game since Ihmir Smith-Marsette in 2017
The future is bright for the sophomore wideout. With a brand new QB under center with experience throwing to talented wide receivers, a breakout season should be expected for Vander Zee, and Hawkeye fans should expect to hear his name getting called a bunch this season.
Wide Receiver-Y: Seth Anderson
Speaking of wideouts that could have had a great season if it wasn't for injuries, Seth Anderson has had some explosive plays in his two-year tenure at Iowa.
Despite only playing four games, Anderson hauled in five catches for 106 yards (21.2 yards per catch)—a true "what could have been" season.
Before joining the Hawkeyes in 2023, Anderson had a solid season at Charleston Southern, where he hauled in 42 catches for 612 yards and 7 TDs.
Even though his quarterbacks that season combined for only 1,800 yards, Anderson was a key part of that passing offense and made many explosive plays.
His ability to break off deep routes is going to be massive for the offense this season. He is a great balance to Vander Zee and Gill, as he provides speed in the slot, and when he has been guarded against linebackers, he has been able to take advantage of the mismatch for deep passes.
Even with the talent on the outside, Anderson will be getting quite a few targets this season.
Wide Receiver-Z: Jacob Gill
The leading receiver on the team last season, Jacob Gill, returns to have an even more improved season. In his first season in the black and gold, Gill hauled in 35 catches for 411 yards and two TDs.
The Raleigh, NC native also averaged 11.7 yards per catch, and led the team in catches.
Before joining the team last season, Gill played three seasons at Northwestern, where he had 16 catches for 195 yards and two TDs in his three seasons.
Despite averaging above 10 yards per catch, he was never a key part of the offense, and that changed quickly whenever he made his journey over to Iowa City.
Gill is likely going to have the top CBs in the Big Ten on him, but even so, fans should expect him to contribute, as he had over 40 yards in four games last season.
His ability to make something out of nothing turned many heads, especially those of opposing coaches. Vander Zee may get some attention, but Gill could very likely be the workhorse of the receivers again this season.
Backups: Dayton Howard, Kaden Wetjen & Sam Phillips
Although they will likely not start at receiver, expect to see some action from these three backups with a talented upcoming quarterback.
Fans may not hear his name catching passes, but they will hear Kaden Wetjen's name in specialty teams. He was named Big 10 Return Specialist of the year with 328 yards and one TD on punts and 727 yards and one TD on kickoffs last season.
More than likely, he will be more focused on returning kicks than catching passes.
Even though he only played in four games last season, Dayton Howard made the most of his freshman season, hauling in four catches for 62 yards and a TD, including a 33-yard, one TD game against Washington.
The Kansas City, MO, native should see a lot more action this season and will be a great relief for Vander Zee or Gill.
Finally, Sam Phillips hopes to carry over the same success he had at Chattanooga for the Hawkeyes. Phillips led the SoCon conference with 823 yards and three TDs, while also averaging 16.5 yards per catch.
He was one of the top players in the SoCon, and he has the potential to be one of the team's dark horses this season.
The wide receiver position has not been one of the Hawkeyes' strong suits. However, there is reason for optimism this season. If Mark Gronowski can involve this WR room more in the offense than previous QBs, this could be a new start to an offense that fans have been begging for.