It wouldn't be a Kirk Ferentz-led recruiting cycle without offering a special teams star.
Iowa has become known for the phrase "punting is winning," thanks to Ferentz's conservative offensive game plan. Luckily for the Hawkeyes, it has worked out more often than not, but the unit will look a lot different next season. Shortly after the 2025-2026 season, special teams coordinator and ace recruiter LeVar Woods took a similar role with Michigan State.
The program moved quickly to internally promote Chris Polizzi to the vacant position, but even with a new face at the head of the unit, the same lofty expectations apply, including on the recruiting trail.
Iowa offered intriguing 2028 kicker prospect Dima Petrov
Even in the midst of a furious 2027 recruiting cycle, Ferentz found an interesting kicker/punter prospect to attempt to bring all the way from the East Coast.
After a productive workout with @chris_polizzi and a great conversation with Coach Ferentz, I am blessed to have received a full ride scholarship offer from the University of Iowa!#GoHawks@CoachLenson @HanoverBearsNH @603SportsMedia @KickingWorld @Chris_Sailer pic.twitter.com/D5PyMJOBjj
— Dima Petrov 2028 (@dimapetrovkicks) June 18, 2026
The Hawkeyes brought in Dima Petrov for a workout and didn't let him leave Iowa City without an offer. Petrov, a Hanover, New Hampshire native, has started to pop up on people's radar after his stellar sophomore season. According to the Valley News, Petrov finished last season making with a perfect kicking percentage, making 5/5 field goals and 31/31 extra points.
He was also invited to a national kicking showcase in Austin, Texas, where he averaged 42.3 yards per punt and made 9/11 field goal attempts. His makes included field goals from 55 and 60 yards, which is extremely impressive for a kid who didn't attempt a kick until 8th grade, and that was for fun.
Petrov admitted that he grew up playing soccer, but has always loved kicking. He started kicking and punting in high school, and made the varsity squad immediately. He started showing up on recruiting boards thanks to his big leg and versatility, which is easily why Iowa took a chance on him.
The Iowa program has a reputation of developing solid kickers and punter, and Petrov has the potential to be the next in line if he ultimately decides to commit to the program.
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