The Iowa Football suffered a massive blow after long-time special teams coordinator LeVar Woods bolted for Michigan State, and took starting punter Rhys Dakin with him.
The Iowa special teams unit was a weapon for the program, and Woods and Dakin are people who cannot be easily replaced.
The program took its first step in the right direction after internally promoting Chris Polizzi from defensive analyst to special teams coordinator, and now the program has found its new starting punter.
Transfer punter Tanner Philpott is heading from Simpson College to Iowa
The Hawkeyes were scrambling after losing their star coordinator and starting punter, but the program now has answers to both questions way before the beginning of next season.
Thanking God, family and friends for their support in this decision. With that being said, I will be transferring to the University of Iowa to finish my collegiate career with two years of eligibility. I can’t wait to see what this incredible opportunity has in store. GO HAWKS! pic.twitter.com/ev1ql2QXgw
— Tanner Philpott (@PhilpottTanner) January 18, 2026
Tanner Philpott, an Iowa native and Waukee Northwest High School graduate, initially committed to Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and was the No. 61 overall punter in the 2024 recruiting class.
After spending two seasons with the Simpson College program, he is heading east to Iowa City to spend his two remaining years.
Philpott had a stellar sophomore season in 2025, finishing with a 43.9-yard punt average, the third-best in the country.
Philpott also placed 16 punts inside the 20-yard-line, and have 11 punts over 50 yards last season.
After the season, Philpott was named a DIII All-American selection.
According to 247Sports, Phillpot will compete for snaps next season, as the program reportedly seeks to bring in another punter to challenge for the starting role.
The special teams unit is starting to take shape for the Hawkeyes after promoting Polizzi and signing transfers Eli Ozick (kicker) and Philpott to strengthen the kicking game.