As time winds down before Iowa's top-20 clash with Michigan, the program received good news about three injured Hawkeyes.
The Hawkeyes have been relatively healthy throughout the first three weeks of the season, but were without multiple key contributors in week three against Northern Iowa. Starting running back Kamari Moulton, backup running back L.J. Phillips Jr., starting tight end DJ Vonnahme, and starting safety Tyler Brown all missed last week with injuries, but it is full steam ahead as the Hawkeyes battle the Wolverines
The Hawkeyes are almost fully healthy against Michigan in week four
Earlier in the week, running backs coach Jay Norvell said backup running back L.J. Phillips Jr. is "available" against Michigan, but Kamari Moulton, DJ Vonnahme, and Tyler Brown's statuses were up in the air. Hours before kickoff, the final injury report was released, and it's great news for the Hawkeyes.
DJ Vonnahme, Kamari Moulton and Brevin Doll appear to be fully available for Iowa's matchup with Michigan. pic.twitter.com/IxgiVo6doe
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) September 26, 2026
The final week-four injury report doesn't list Tyler Brown, Brevin Doll, Kamari Moulton, or DJ Vonnahme, suggesting Iowa will be at near-full strength for a top-20 tilt against Michigan. That is amazing news for the Hawkeyes who will need all the help they can get against a difficult Michigan team on the road. Iowa now has a full backfield, its starting tight end, and its starting safety for the matchup, and it will be the first time Iowa fans get to see transfer Tyler Brown in action this season. Brown has been out since spring ball with a lingering hamstring issue, and Iowa's elite defense just got even better.
It is unclear if Phil Parker and the coaching staff will start Brown at one of the safety spots alongside Anthony Hawkins, but he gives the defense an extra weapon in the secondary. If Brown starts, the coaching staff will likely move Zach Lutmer to CASH and move Jacob Wallace to a corner spot, or keep him in reserve. That gives Iowa a lot of depth at safety and at cornerback, which could be a huge boost against a middling Michigan offense.
Having Kamari Moulton and L.J. Phillips Jr. back also gives the Hawkeyes a massive boost in the backfield, even though Xavier Williams, Braeden Jackson, and Nathan McNeil have played extremely well. Iowa has one of the deepest running back rooms in college football, showcased by their 422-yard outburst in week three, but they will need all the help they can get against a stout Michigan front four. Michigan's defense has been solid against the run, but it will be tested as Iowa can go five or more deep in the backfield. The offensive line must create holes, and if it can, Iowa could run wild.
This game has all the makings of a low-scoring slugfest, and Iowa now has the players to throw a haymaker in Ann Arbor.
