On Iowa Sports

It’s time for a mailbag episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast after a busy week of the Iowa football program’s interaction with the media, including media day and the Kids’ Day open practice, plus interim athletics director Beth Goetz’s introductory press conference.Topics include quarterback Cade McNamara, special assistant to the head coach Jon Budmayr, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz’s contract and more.Contribute to future mailbag episodes by joining our free Hawkeye text group at joinsubtext.com/hawkeyes.

Iowa sportswriter John Bohnenkamp is the guest on this week’s Hawk Off The Press podcast to preview Iowa football media day topics.Included in this week’s discussion:• How Oregon and Washington joining the Big Ten will impact Iowa and college football as a whole.• The latest in the Iowa sports gambling investigation and what we still don’t know.• What will the Iowa offense look like?

About a year after starting the Swarm Collective, founder and CEO Brad Heinrichs joins The Gazette's John Steppe on the Hawk Off The Press podcast for an update on Swarm's progress, goals and relationship with University of Iowa athletics.

Iowa assistant defensive line coach and defensive recruiting coordinator Jay Niemann is the guest on this week’s Hawk Off The Press podcast with The Gazette's John Steppe.Niemann, who’s made multiple other coaching stops in Iowa — including as head coach at Simpson College — describes what he watches for during games, what he learned as a head coach, how he recruits high-profile Iowa high school prospects, his transfer portal philosophy, Iowa’s 2023 defensive line and more.

Iowa special teams coordinator LeVar Woods is the guest on this week’s Hawk Off The Press podcast with The Gazette's John Steppe.Woods talks about the key to Iowa’s field-goal consistency, how he structures practice and how players are evaluated for special teams, his coaching mentors, recruiting — including a potential pipeline in Arizona — why he’s stayed at Iowa and more.

Hawkeye fans had questions about the ongoing Iowa gambling investigation, Iowa’s wide receiver depth, the offensive line and more topics for a mailbag episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast with The Gazette's John Steppe.

Cleveland.com and Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Doug Lesmerises is the guest on this week’s Hawk Off The Press podcast.We break down what the recently-revised 2024 and 2025 Big Ten football schedules mean for the conference and Iowa. Plus, what Doug expects from the Hawkeye offense and Ohio State transfer Kaleb Brown this fall.

Iowa baseball coach Rick Heller is the guest on this week’s podcast with The Gazette's John SteppeHeller reviews a 2023 season that resulted in an NCAA regional bid but was also “a season of near-misses,” looks back at the Hawkeyes’ regional games and details how the team will look to improve, including via the transfer portal.

The Gazette's Mike Hlas joins John Steppe on this week's Hawk Off The Press podcast to discuss athletics director Gary Barta's legacy following his retirement announcement, plus what Iowa should be looking for in its search to replace Barta.Iowa announced Thursday morning (after this podcast was recorded) that Beth Goetz will be its interim AD.

What eligibility concerns might arise for Iowa athletes involved in the sports betting investigation? The Gazette's John Steppe answers to kick off a mailbag episode.Other questions include: Where could Erick All fit in Iowa's offense? What are the latest transfer portal developments in wrestling and basketball?

Questions still outnumber answers after revelations that University of Iowa and Iowa State University athletes are under investigation for online sports wagering. The Gazette's John Steppe and Erin Murphy break down what we know and what questions remain on the latest episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast.

Iowa softball coach Renee Gillispie joins the Hawk Off The Press podcast with The Gazette's John Steppe ahead of the Hawkeyes’ Big Ten tournament game Wednesday against Maryland (4:30 p.m., BTN). Gillispie breaks down how Iowa went from 3-20 in the Big Ten last year to 10-13 this season and a bright future for the program that includes facility renovations.

It’s a mailbag episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast, starting with John Steppe's thoughts on Iowa receiving a commitment from Ohio State transfer wide receiver Kaleb Brown. Questions about Iowa’s strategy in the transfer portal in football and men’s and women’s basketball are also included.Sign up for our free text group and contribute to future mailbag episodes by visiting joinsubtext.com/hawkeyes.

What questions do the Hawkeyes need to answer? What will we be watching in Saturday’s spring finale at Kinnick Stadium? HawkeyeReport.com’s Tom Kakert joins the Hawk Off The Press podcast as the Iowa football team wraps up 2023 spring practices this week.

Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy got an up-close view of Iowa defensive backs Riley Moss and Kaevon Merriweather as they prepared for the NFL Draft and evaluates the pro prospects on this episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast. The longtime NFL scout also offers his thoughts on tight end Sam LaPorta and linebacker Jack Campbell.

It’s a mailbag episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast, with questions covering multiple Hawkeye sports, including football, basketball, baseball and softball.Among the topics:What are the possibilities for Iowa’s basketball teams in the transfer portal?Where does Iowa football turn at receiver now that Brody Brecht is focusing on baseball?Where will Iowa’s prospects be selected in the NFL Draft?What can be done about women’s basketball officiating?What’s the latest with the Hawkeye baseball and softball teams?Note: Josh Cohen, who was mentioned in the transfer portal segment, committed to UMass after this podcast was recorded.Contribute to future mailbag episodes by joining our free Hawkeye text group.» Subscribe to the Hawk Off The Press newsletter» Iowa football coverage on TheGazette.com» Iowa basketball coverage on TheGazette.com

Former Iowa women's basketball player Necole Tunsil joins The Gazette's John Steppe on this episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast to talk about Iowa's first Final Four team in 1993 and what it's like watching this year's team.

The Gazette's John Steppe and Jeff Linder discuss the Iowa women's basketball team's NCAA second-round win over Georgia and the Hawkeyes' road to the Final Four.» Iowa basketball coverage on TheGazette.com» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Sign up for our free Hawk Off The Press newsletter

After a weekend of upsets and thrilling wrestling in Tulsa, Okla., the final 2022-23 edition of the Pinning Combination podcast with The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher and Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs is here to break down all the action from the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.What’s Spencer Lee’s legacy? Did Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa meet expectations? And what will those programs look like next season?» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

It’s the final week of the college wrestling season, with Tulsa, Okla., set to host the 2023 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. The Pinning Combination podcast with The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs is here to break it all down, with a weight-by-weight look at the tournament, team predictions and more.We also have takeaways from last week’s tournaments, NCAA Division II in Cedar Rapids, NCAA Division III and NAIA women.0:45 - NCAA Division II takeaways20:05 - NCAA Division III takeaways32:16 - NAIA women's takeaways38:00 - NCAA Division I preview» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

Champions were crowned across all levels of college wrestling last weekend. The Pinning Combination podcast with The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher and Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs is here to break it all down.We have takeaways from the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships in Cedar Rapids, the Big Ten and Big 12 tournaments and more. Plus, a look at what’s coming up this week, including the NCAA Division II and Division III championships.1:01 - National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships21:12 - Big Ten Championships38:45 - Big 12 Championships» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

It’s a mailbag episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast, focusing on the Iowa women’s basketball team’s run to the Big Ten tournament championship and the $4.2 million settlement in a racial discrimination lawsuit brought by former Hawkeye football players against the University of Iowa.Among the questions:Has Iowa done enough to get a 1-seed in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament?What is Iowa athletic director Gary Barta’s future?Contribute to future mailbag episodes by joining our free Hawkeye text group.» Subscribe to the Hawk Off The Press newsletter» Iowa football coverage on TheGazette.com» Iowa women's basketball coverage on TheGazette.com

It’s all about the postseason now on the Pinning Combination with The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher and hall of fame coach Dick Briggs. This week’s episode previews the Big Ten Wrestling Championships. Will Iowa challenge Penn State? Which wrestlers are poised to finish better than their seeds?Plus, a look at the top Iowa storylines across all levels of college wrestling as the postseason continues.» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

Iowa director of track and field and cross country Joey Woody is the guest on this week’s show, hosted by The Gazette's John Steppe.Woody discusses his expectations for the Big Ten indoor track and field championships and, the breakout athletes on this year’s Hawkeye teams and what to watch for in the outdoor season.

On this episode of the Pinning Combination podcast with The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher, Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs sets the scene at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday, where Spencer Lee wrestled his last home match as a Hawkeye and Iowa beat Oklahoma State.Plus, a look at what else happened in college wrestling last week, including Iowa State’s loss to Missouri and David Carr’s big win.» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

The Gazette's John Steppe interviews two guests on this week's show: Iowa gymnastics coach Larissa Libby and Iowa tennis coach Sasha Schmid.Libby talks about getting a young team with seven freshmen up to speed, competing at Xtream Arena and her goals for hosting the Big Ten Championships in March.Schmid discusses her team’s turnaround so far in 2023, having former player Elise van Heuvelen Treadwell on staff and how she recruits internationally.

It’s a mailbag episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast with The Gazette's John Steppe, centering on Iowa’s announced changes to offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz’s contract.So what exactly do the new incentives mean? And how likely is Ferentz to hit them in 2023? Also: What does a successful 2023 season look like for Iowa? Will Iowa’s offensive line improve?You can contribute to future episodes by signing up for Hawkeye text group.» Subscribe to the Hawk Off The Press newsletter» Iowa football coverage on TheGazette.com

David Eickholt of 247Sports joins The Gazette's John Steppe on the Hawk Off The Press podcast this week to help break down Wednesday’s Iowa football press conference, in which Kirk Ferentz said he doesn’t plan on any staff changes this offseason despite fans calling for a change at offensive coordinator.What does that mean for the 2023 season?» Watch Hawk Off The Press episodes on YouTube» Subscribe to the Hawk Off The Press newsletter» Iowa football coverage on TheGazette.com

This week’s episode of the Pinning Combination podcast with Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs features takeaways from No. 2 Iowa’s dual loss at No. 1 Penn State.Also:Tom Brands’ comments and the folkstyle-freestyle debate.How Northern Iowa and Iowa State fared against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.Wartburg wins the Battle of the Burgs.» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

This week’s episode of the Pinning Combination podcast with Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs features a preview of Friday’s No. 2-vs.-No. 1 dual between Iowa and Penn State.Also: Just how incredible has this stretch of wrestling from Spencer Lee been? A look at the historical perspective.» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

This week’s Pinning Combination podcast with The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher and Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs starts with some reminiscing — our favorite wrestling memories in 40 years of Carver-Hawkeye Arena.We also look back at the week in college wrestling, including Iowa’s win over Northwestern.» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

College basketball analyst and former Iowa basketball player Jess Settles is the guest on this week’s Hawk Off The Press podcast with The Gazette's John Steppe.Thirty years after the tragic death of Iowa’s Chris Street, Settles talks about his memories, Street’s legacy and the new Big Ten Network documentary.Settles also breaks down what has keyed the Iowa men’s basketball team’s current four-game winning streak and what it has been like watching his cousin, former Iowa tight end George Kittle, become an NFL star.

Robert Gallery got the news this week that he is a College Football Hall of Famer. The former Iowa offensive lineman joined the Hawk Off The Press podcast to discuss what that means to him and to reflect on his time as a Hawkeye.

Iowa opened its Big Ten wrestling slate with a lackluster win over Illinois, then followed it with an aggressive showing against Purdue. What did we learn about the Hawkeyes over the weekend?The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher and Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs discuss on this episode of the Pinning Combination.» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

The Pinning Combination podcast is back from the holiday break! The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher and Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs look back at the inaugural Soldier Salute at Xtream Arena — what we learned about the Iowa men and women and what the future of the event looks like.» Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook» Iowa wrestling coverage on The Gazette.com» Full Pinning Combination episodes on YouTube

The Gazette's John Steppe and Mike Hlas break down Iowa's 21-0 Music City Bowl win over Kentucky on The Final Score podcast.

Before Iowa kicks off against Kentucky in the Music City Bowl on Saturday, our Hawkeye text group members sent in questions for a mailbag episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast with The Gazette's John Steppe.Among the questions:How has Iowa quarterback Joe Labas looked in practice?Biggest recruiting loss: Kyler Kasper or Kadyn Proctor?What does Iowa’s receiving corps look like?Is the “new and improved” Iowa offense progressing?Where does Kentucky’s roster stand entering the bowl game?You can join our text group for free to submit questions for future episodes.

Music City Bowl CEO Scott Ramsey joins this week’s episode of the Hawk Off the Press podcast to discuss what went into setting up the Iowa-Kentucky matchup, why Iowa stood out to Music City Bowl organizers and more.

K.J. Pilcher and Dick Briggs share their impression of the United World Wrestling’s World Cup, breakdown college and high school results and look ahead to upcoming tournaments.

It’s time for a mailbag episode of the Hawk Off The Press podcast.You can contribute to future mailbag episodes by joining our free Hawkeye text group.Among this week’s questions:Why are defensive players entering the transfer portal?What’s Brian Ferentz’s status?How will Iowa fill open skill positions?What should we expect from quarterbacks Joe Labas and Carson May?

We hyped it up last week and for good reason. No. 2 Iowa's 18-15 win over No. 7 Iowa State in the annual Cy-Hawk dual last Sunday didn't disappoint.The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher and Hall of Fame Coach Dick Briggs break it down on this week's Pinning Combination podcast.

Iowa secured a commitment out of the transfer portal from Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara. Now the Hawkeyes need to add some receivers after more departures this week.On this week's Hawk Off The Press podcast, The Gazette's John Steppe and Mike Hlas break down the latest transaction news and what it signals about the Iowa football program’s future.

The Pinning Combination is back! The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher and Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs talk all things Iowa wrestling.Our first episode of 2022-23 features a weight-by-weight preview of Sunday's Cy-Hawk dual between Iowa and Iowa State. Will we see Spencer Lee?

Iowa had a chance to write an unlikely story — going from 3-4 to the Big Ten championship game. The Hawkeyes got four-fifths of the way there, but stumbled in Friday’s regular-season finale with a 24-17 loss to Nebraska.The Gazette's John Steppe and Mike Hlas discuss what happened and what’s next on The Final Score.

Only the Nebraska Cornhuskers stand between the Iowa football team and a return to Indianapolis for the Big Ten championship game. Nebraska is just 3-8, but these games have often been close. Luke Mullin of the Lincoln Journal Star joins The Gazette's John Steppe on the Hawk Off The Press podcast to tell us what to expect from the Huskers on Friday.

Another All-America performance from Jack Campbell fueled Iowa to its fourth-straight win. Now, the Hawkeyes are one win away from returning to the Big Ten championship game.The Gazette's John Steppe and Mike Hlas discuss Iowa’s 13-10 win over Minnesota and take a quick look ahead to Friday’s game against Nebraska on The Final Score.

Iowa took Floyd of Rosedale and left its timeouts during its last visit to Minnesota. Will the Hawkeyes keep the bronze pig again and stay in Big Ten West contention? Andy Greder from the St. Paul Pioneer Press joins The Gazette's John Steppe on this week’s Hawk Off the Press podcast to preview the Iowa-Minnesota game (and warn us about the first row of the Huntington Bank Stadium press box).Subscribe to the free Hawk Off The Press newsletter

The Big Ten West is there for the taking. The Gazette's John Steppe and Mike Hlas discuss Iowa's defense and special teams-fueled 24-10 win over Wisconsin that put the Hawkeyes in a four-way tie atop the divisionNext week’s game at Minnesota now has a lot on the line.Follow On Iowa Sports on Twitter and Facebook

The Hawk Off The Press podcast is taking some time this week to focus on the questions that fans have about Iowa football.Questions include how Iowa will defend Wisconsin’s running game, how Iowa’s wide receiver recruiting is progressing and Keagan Johnson’s status. Iowa receivers coach Kelton Copeland helps us answer the latter two.If you want to contribute to future mailbag episodes, be sure to join our free Hawkeyes text group.

Last week was progress, but questions remained about how real that progress was for Iowa. Saturday’s 24-3 win over Purdue answered more questions in what was undoubtedly a quality road win for the Hawkeyes.The Gazette's John Steppe and Mike Hlas share their thoughts about how Iowa got here and what more can be accomplished on The Final Score podcast.