I think the Hawkeyes’ offense will improve this season because I said so. After last season, the only way to go is up, right?

I know wide receivers Charlie Jones and Tyrone Tracy both transferred to Purdue during the offseason, but that means more targets will be available for sophomore wideouts Keagan Johnson and Arland Bruce.

The pair showed promise during their true freshman campaigns, racking up a combined 43 catches for 561 yards.  As sophomores, they could be even more dangerous.

Nico Ragaini will also be back for a fifth year at Iowa. The 6-foot, 196-pound wide receiver has hauled in 91 passes for 968 yards and three touchdowns during his time in the Black and Gold.

Tight end Sam LaPorta is returning to Iowa City for his fourth collegiate season. He led the Hawkeyes in total receiving yards and touchdowns in 2021, grabbing 53 balls for 670 yards and three touchdowns.

LaPorta had 22 more catches than any other player on the Hawkeyes’ roster last year. He also piled up 300 more yards of offense than any other Iowa pass-catcher.

As for quarterback Spencer Petras, I really don’t know what to say. I guess a week with Peyton and Eli Manning can’t hurt.

Regarding the running game and offensive line, I like the backs. I’m not so sure about the line.

Gavin Williams and Leshon Williams, who will most likely split carries this season, were pleasant surprises in the Hawkeyes’ 24-17 Citrus Bowl loss to Kentucky in January. With Tyler Goodson out to prepare for the NFL Draft, Leshon totaled 10 carries for 42 yards and Gavin had 16 rushes for 98 yards.

The Hawkeyes’ offensive line worries me — no more Tyler Linderbaum, no more Kyler Schott. Even with Linderbaum and Schott’s veteran leadership, Iowa ranked second-to-last in the Big Ten Conference in sacks allowed. The Hawkeyes were 11th in rush yards per game and yards per rushing attempt.

If you’re losing two starters on an already bad offensive line, you’re going to have trouble blocking for runners and protecting passers.

If Iowa’s O-line can get better, however, I think the Hawkeyes have the requisite weapons to improve an offense that ranked 121st in the nation a year ago.