The Iowa Hawkeyes' offense will look to jump forward during the second year under offensive coordinator Tim Lester. Inconsistent quarterback play led to Iowa's opponents loading up against the run. It forced the Iowa offense to become one-dimensional.
Iowa faced a crowded box of eight players or more on every run play as the season progressed. The Hawkeyes ran the ball on 65 percent of their offensive snaps last season.
The Hawkeyes' passing game ranked No. 131 in the NCAA in passes per game (19.1) and yards per game (121.6) last season. To rectify the inefficiencies in the passing game, the Hawkeyes added transfer quarterbacks Mark Gronowski and Hank Brown to the roster.
Gronowski is the projected QB1 for next season, but who will his targets be in the passing game? Let's dive into the Iowa wide receiver room during the spring practices.
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The Hawkeyes' wide receiver room projects as one of the top groups for the Hawkeyes this season. Iowa has five returning receivers (Jacob Gill, Jarriett Buie, Reece Vander Zee, Seth Anderson, and Kaden Wetjen) and added transfer Sam Phillps from Chatanooga.
Philips was a reliable pass catcher during his three seasons with the Mocs. On 153 receptions, he tallied 2,088 yards receiving and nine touchdowns.
Philips is an unknown commodity with the Hawkeyes, but will attempt to get starting snaps alongside projected starter Jacob Gill. As the season progressed, Gill became a favorite target of Brendan Sullivan.
Gill's numbers do not jump off the page (411 yards on 35 catches), but none of the Iowa receivers had a good 2024-2025 season. Gill is a reliable pass catcher with solid hands and is the projected WR1 during spring practice.
Another name to watch is Reece Vander Zee. The Rock Rapids, Iowa, native burst onto the scene with a massive performance during his first collegiate game in week one. He struggled to gain traction after an injury and inconsistent QB play.
The six-foot-four wide receiver has the size and the touch to make some noise in his sophomore season with an expanded role.
Iowa has three solid options at wide receiver, and Wetjen and Anderson will also figure into the game plan. The Iowa wide receivers' room is looking strong to begin spring practice, and new QB1 Mark Gronowski should be excited about his targets for the upcoming season.