It might have only been one game, by transfer wide receiver Tony Diaz lived up to his nickname.
Diaz was a highly coveted transfer after his dynamic season last year with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros program, and he definitely showed why against Northern Illinois in week one. After all the offseason hype, Diaz backed it up with a team-leading seven receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown reception, excelling in a variety of ways. The "Boogeyman" showed up in a big way in week one, and he isn't worried about being near the top of the scouting report.
Diaz welcomes extra attention knowing that the offense has multiple weapons
Diaz turned down multiple offers from college football powerhouses to come to Iowa, including Alabama, and he is showing why everyone wanted him this offseason. Northern Illinois isn't the biggest test Diaz and the offense will face this season, but it was a solid first game. After Diaz led the team in targets (13), receptions (7), and receiving yards (84) in week one, he is welcoming the extra attention that it brings.
Tony Diaz regarding being higher on the scouting report now: If they want to put two on me, that’s fine. We got Reece on the outside, DJ V, Kamari runnin’ the ball. We got other weapons. It’ll open up opportunities for them.”
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) September 8, 2026
When he was recently asked about being higher on the scouting report, Diaz coyly said that if they want to double him, that's fine. He acknowledged that they have a lot of weapons on the outside, including Reece Vander Zee and DJ Vonnahme, and in the backfield with Kamari Moulton, and that doubling him will open opportunities for the other guys. The offense did an excellent job spreading the ball around against Northern Illinois, with 11 different receivers catching a pass. While no one expects that to continue, it was very encouraging.
Iowa has lacked a competent passing game for many years, and Diaz and the rest of the receiver and tight end group have brought renewed excitement. It still could take some time to fully unleash the passing attack with quarterbacks Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski fighting for the starting role, but Diaz and the rest of the group proved it doesn't really matter who's under center, as long as they can get the ball to them.
Everyone knows Iowa prefers to run the ball, but even an average passing attack makes the running game even more lethal. If the offensive line and running game can maintain their momentum from week one, it will open the passing game for Diaz and Iowa's other offensive weapons, creating much more balance than we have seen in the past. Week two against rival Iowa State under the lights at Kinnick Stadium will be a true test of the passing game's abilities, and hopefully, week one wasn't a fluke.
Iowa State was much better against the run than the pass during its week one game against Southeast Missouri State, allowing only 67 rushing yards compared to 142 passing yards. SEMO quarterback Baylen Ragland was also very efficient, completing 17/22 passes, but did toss an interception. Iowa and Iowa State know each other extremely well, and there is no doubt that the Cyclones will stack the box against the Iowa rushing attack and force them to throw. If that happens, Diaz becomes that much more important on the outside, and if he earns a lot of attention, Evan James, Jarriett Buie, Reece Vander Zee, and the rest of Iowa's receiving options need to step up.
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