Special teams have always been a staple of the Iowa program under Head Coach Kirk Ferentz.
In 2020, there was not much to cheer about as the COVID-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc on the world, shutting everything down from restaurants to sporting events.
During the 2020, a 23-year-old player from Australia, who had never punted in his life, joined the Hawkeyes squad.
Fan favorite Tory Taylor had played Australian football, but had never played a game of American football until he arrived in Iowa City.
During his sophomore year (2021), Taylor Mania had swept all across Iowa as he even received "MVP" chants during Iowa's 23-20 win over Penn State. Not only was he a popular player, but he launched a line of "punting is winning" merchandise to benefit the Count the Kicks charity.
"Punting is winning" has become a rallying cry for Hawkeye fans who know what to expect out of Iowa's offense most years.
Not only has Iowa succeeded in the punting game, but players like Cooper DeJean and Kaden Wetjen have been dynamic in the return game.
Iowa place kickers have also been extremely important to Iowa success over the years, just ask Nebraska.
No Iowa kicker has surpassed the great Nate Kaeding, as he set numerous Iowa program records on his way to the Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame.
During Iowa's 25-24 win over Penn State, kicker Drew Stevens surpassed the great Nate Kaeding in career field goals made.
Alone at the top.
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) October 20, 2025
With his 68th career field goal, @DrewTS7 passed Nate Kaeding. pic.twitter.com/OqD0MDeOZD
Stevens has struggled this season in some big moments for the Hawkeyes, but has always been a solid contributor since joining the program in 2022.
Last season, Stevens was responsible for 100 points, including making 20 of 23 field goal attempts, and made all 40 extra point attempts.
Stevens has made 14 of 19 field goal attempts this season with a long of 55 yards.
After making two field goal attempts over the weekend, Stevens set the new Iowa program record for career field goals made with 68, and has plenty of remaining games to add to that record.