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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Iowa wide receiver Xavier Nwankpa celebrates after completing a tackle during a football game between Iowa and Michigan State at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. The Hawkeyes defeated the Spartans, 26-16. Nwankpa had eight total tackles.

Iowa football safety Xavier Nwankpa reflects on sophomore season, one of growth amidst difficulty

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor December 31, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. – Almost one year ago Monday, Iowa safety Xavier Nwankpa had himself a game to remember. Starting in his first-ever college football contest during Iowa’s Music City Bowl matchup...

The Hawkeye Marching Band performs during a pep rally ahead of the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl with Iowa and Tennessee fans at Pointe Orlando in Florida on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Both the Hawkeyes and Volunteers hosted spirit squads, marching bands, mascots, and more during the two hours of cheering and sunshine.

Photos: 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Iowa and Tennessee pep rallies

Ayrton Breckenridge and Grace Smith December 31, 2023

Thousands of fans gathered at Pointe Orlando in Florida for a pep rally ahead of the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Sunday. Both the Hawkeyes and Volunteers hosted spirit squads, marching bands, mascots,...

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz answers a question during a press conference with head coaches at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. The teams match up at Camping World Stadium on Monday, Jan. 1, at noon CT. "My only request for our players, particularly the last ten days was if you have not made a decision,
compartmentalize that stuff," Ferentz said.

‘We’re in worse shape’: Kirk Ferentz criticizes current state of college football ahead of Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against Tennessee.

Cooper Worth, Pregame Reporter December 31, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. — The No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes and No. 21 Tennesee Volunteers football teams face off in less than 24 hours in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, and while both program's head coaches have their...

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz listens to a question during a press conference with head coaches at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. The teams match up at Camping World Stadium on Monday, Jan. 1, at noon CT. "I guess that is my
biggest complaint and there is not a transparency when you talk about NIL, a lot of embellishment, a lot of stuff going on out there," Ferentz said.

Photos: 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl head coaches press conference

Grace Smith and Ayrton Breckenridge December 31, 2023

A press conference for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl was held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando on Sunday. Iowa and Tennessee head coaches Kirk Ferentz and Josh Heupel met with members of the media ahead...

Iowa defensive back Koen Entringer speaks with members of the media after an Iowa football practice at Celebration High School in Celebration, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Iowa plays Tennessee in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Monday, Jan. 1, at noon CT.

Iowa defensive back Koen Entringer relies on viral clip as fuel for upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup

Cooper Worth, Pregame Reporter December 30, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. — In football, there's rarely a time when a player receives praise on a play where they missed a tackle.  But after Iowa defensive back Koen Entringer whiffed on his initial attempt...

Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker answers questions during Day for Kids, an event for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, at Fun Spot America in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Iowa and Tennessee met with children and enjoyed a morning of roller coasters and rides at the amusement park. The teams match up at Camping World Stadium on Monday, Jan. 1, at noon CT.

Iowa football notebook | Kirk Ferentz discusses Luke Lachey return, Hawkeye players detail offseason plans

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor December 30, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Iowa football team enjoyed an entertaining off-day on Saturday, attending Fun Spot America amusement park with children from the West Lakes neighborhoods. Before the event began,...

Iowa running back Jaziun Patterson and linebackers Jaden Harrell and Jayden Montgomery ride the SkyCoaster during Day for Kids, an event for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, at Fun Spot America on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Iowa and Tennessee met with children and enjoyed a morning of roller coasters and rides at the amusement park. The teams match up at Camping World Stadium on Monday, Jan. 1, at noon CT.

Photos: 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Day For Kids

Grace Smith and Ayrton Breckenridge December 30, 2023

Athletes and community members enjoyed Day for Kids, an event for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, at Fun Spot America in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday. Iowa and Tennessee met with children and enjoyed a...

Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz walks into a press conference for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Ferentz met with members of the media ahead of his last game with the Hawkeyes on New Year’s Day at 1 p.m. ET.

Iowa football notebook | Hawkeye players discuss major decisions while coaches deny rumors and affirm status quo

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor December 29, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. – Leading up to the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024, Iowa football has had plenty of storylines develop over the past few days, perhaps most notably in the Friday announcement of Hawkeye...

Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle looks at center Cooper Mays during a press conference for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Tennessee plans to start quarterback Nico Iamaleava — his first career start — after starting quarterback Joe Milton announced he will enter the NFL draft.

Iowa football prepares to face depleted Tennessee squad in Citrus Bowl

Cooper Worth, Pregame Reporter December 29, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. — No. 17 Iowa football's streak of facing SEC teams in bowl games continues for the third straight year, as the Hawkeyes face No. 21 Tennessee in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New...