Iowa's dynamic running back room is poised to take a leap forward in 2026

Iowa's revolving door at the running backs coach position has finally been filled, and he is getting a loaded running back room to start his tenure.

After nine seasons as a head coach at Nevada and Colorado State, Jay Norvell was added to Kirk Ferentz's staff as an offensive analyst and was later shifted to a new role.

Norvell is an Iowa alum with extensive coaching experience and is back at his alma mater to lead the young running back group.

Before spring practices begin at the end of March, two Iowa running backs are getting a lot of love from a recent ranking.

L.J. Phillips and Kamari Moulton are highly ranked before next season

The running game was heavily featured last season in traditional Iowa fashion, with running back Kamari Moulton and quarterback Mark Gronowski leading the way.

Gronowski set two new Iowa program records for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season (545) and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (16), and Moulton added 878 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to lead the running back group.

Even though Gronowski is gone, Moulton is back and has a new dynamic counterpart in the backfield. South Dakota transfer L.J. Phillips is now in Iowa City, and Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks both running backs among the best returners in the Big Ten.

Phillips Jr. tops PFF's list of the top ten highest-graded returning running backs in the Big Ten, while Moulton is No. 9.

Even though Phillips Jr. has never played a snap at the Division I FBS level, his explosiveness and ability to tote the rock were on full display for the Coyotes last season.

Phillips Jr. finished the season with 1,920 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns, and was PFF's highest-graded FCS running back.

With Moulton, Xavier Williams, and Nathan McNeil returning, and Phillips Jr. joining via the transfer portal, the Hawkeyes' running back room is stacked for new running backs coach Jay Norvell next season.