Iowa came out focused and determined against Northern Illinois in week one, and it showed in a dominant win.
The Hawkeyes were firing on all cylinders, especially on offense, something we rarely see. The offense put up the most yards in a game (507) since 2019, propelled by a dominant rushing attack. Despite star transfer RB L.J. Phillips Jr. leaving with a high-ankle sprain, the offensive line and the rest of the running back group got the job done and then some. Now, one of the stars of the game is getting the recognition he deserves.
Kamari Moulton was the highest-graded RB from Week One
After a stellar season in his first year as RB1 last season, Kamari Moulton picked up right where he left off, and torched the NIU defense on the ground. He finished the game with 183 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 11 carries, taking advantage of the weak NIU defense. Kirk Ferentz said Moulton was the best they have seen last Saturday, and his performance definitely turned some heads.
The highest-graded FBS running back of Week 1 so far, per PFN's RB Impact metric:
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 6, 2026
Kamari Moulton, Iowa - 99.3
💨 11 carries
💨 183 rushing yards
💨 2 touchdowns
💨 8.7 yards after contact per rush
💨 +1.08 EPA per rush pic.twitter.com/CGcvWMNjae
Pro Football Network (PFN) graded Moulton as the most impactful running back from week one with a 99.3 overall grade. PFN is telling Iowa fans what they already know, but it is great to see how well Moulton played in Iowa's opener. With Phillips Jr. out for an undetermined period of time, Moulton could have to shoulder an even heavier workload, but he looks poised to take that challenge on. The running back group is extremely deep, with Nathan McNeil and Xavier Williams expected to see expanded roles with Phillips Jr. out this weekend against Iowa State, but Moulton's performance was critical.
Iowa established the run game early, taking pressure off Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski as they navigate the starting quarterback battle, and Moulton will be even more important during the Cy-Hawk rivalry game against Iowa State in week two. NIU was clearly overmatched, but Iowa State won't be as easy to push around, despite rebuilding this season. New Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers will have the Cyclones ready to go, and all the pressure is on Iowa as a multi-touchdown favorite.
Especially in the midst of a lingering starting quarterback battle, the Iowa run game must take some pressure off whoever the starter is against Iowa State. With Moulton currently at the top of his game, the offense can lean on the rushing attack, which will create openings in the passing game. The Iowa offense has traditionally been at its best when it establishes the run game early and hits some big plays on the outside and with play-action passes. If Iowa State limits the rushing attack early, it will force Brown and Hecklinski to pass the ball more, which could have negative results.
If Moulton comes close to his week one performance in week two, the Iowa offense will be in great shape and take pressure off the starting quarterback and the defense. Iowa goes as the running game goes, and Moulton is a big part of that success.
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