Iowa is bucking a growing trend in college football for a more old-fashioned approach

Kirk Ferentz has been at it for over 25 years, but his development process remains world-class.

A program record seven Hawkeyes were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with six more signing as undrafted free agents.

The Iowa program has now had at least four draft picks in every draft over the past four seasons.

This draft was impressive for multiple reasons, and not only did seven players set a new record, but it pushed Kirk Ferentz over the century mark with 101 total draft picks during his tenure.

The best thing about all of Iowa's seven picks: they were all developed in the program.

All seven Iowa draft picks were in the program for four or more years

With the expansion of NIL and revenue-sharing opportunities for athletes, program loyalty is no longer at a premium.

Athletes can transfer as many times as they want in search of new opportunities, but even with the allure of the transfer portal, when players commit to the Hawkeyes, they rarely leave.

According to CBS Sports HQ anchor Chris Hassel, 48 percent of all NFL Draft picks this year were transfers

Even though that trend is expected to continue, Iowa didn't have a single transfer player who was drafted. Kaden Wetjen played a year of junior college football but developed in the program for four or more years.

Instead, all seven of Iowa's draft picks were developed in the program, playing four or more years for Ferentz and the Hawkeyes.

That speaks volumes about how well the program prepares players for the next level and why they would rather focus on developing players than paying to bring them to Iowa City.

Call it old-fashioned, but Ferentz's development approach works, and that was showcased during this year's draft.

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