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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 Nico Ragaini speaks with reporters 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. Ragaini averaged 8.7 yards per reception in the 2023-24 season.

Photos: 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl post-practice interviews

Grace Smith and Ayrton Breckenridge December 29, 2023

Select Iowa football players and special teams coordinator LeVar Woods spoke with reporters and members of the media after a practice at Celebration High School in Celebration, Fla., on Friday. Several...

Iowa tight end Luke Lachey speaks with members of the media following his announcement of coming back to Iowa next season during an event at Topgolf before the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. The Hawkeyes and Volunteers match up at Camping World Stadium on Monday, Jan. 1, at noon CT.

‘More Work to be Done:’ Iowa football tight end Luke Lachey will return to Iowa next season

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor December 29, 2023

Iowa football tight end Luke Lachey will return to the Hawkeyes next season. The junior played in only three games in the fall, suffering a season-ending right ankle injury in the first quarter in...

Iowa center Logan Jones answers a question during a press conference for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. The junior stepped into the role of the center position after previous center Tyler Linderbaum entered the NFL. Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz spoke highly about Jones and his entrance into his new role. “I don't know that we have a football player on offense who works harder, who practices harder, who's tougher, who's more committed to the football team.”

Iowa football offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz talks to media in person for the first time since August

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor December 29, 2023

ORLANDO, FL – On Friday, Dec. 29, Iowa football’s offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz talked to the media in person for the first time since August. All Hawkeye assistant coaches have usually been...

Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz walks out of the room during a press conference for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Ferentz spoke to reporters about his last game with the Hawkeyes on New Year’s Day, discussing his commitment to the Hawkeyes for the next few days. “My focus has been on our football team and our players and doing my job and getting them ready to play football games and trying to help them be in a position to be successful and win games,” Ferentz said. 
“So that's where I kept my focus during the season. That's where I've kept my focus since October.”

Photos: 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl player-coordinator press conference

Grace Smith and Ayrton Breckenridge December 29, 2023

A press conference for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl was held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando on Friday. Iowa and Tennessee athletes and coaches met with members of the media ahead of the matchup on...

Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins answers a question during a press conference for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. Higgins spoke to reporters about his return to Iowa next season. “Over the last four years, I built a great relationship with obviously my teammates and the coaching staff that the University of Iowa has,” Higgins said. “…I just felt like if I came back another year, I could be a better football player.”

Linebacker Jay Higgins to forego NFL Draft, return to Iowa next season

Kenna Roering, Sports Editor December 26, 2023

Hawkeye fans received encouraging news just days ahead of the Citrus Bowl against Tennessee. Linebacker Jay Higgins announced he will return to Iowa for a fifth season and forego the 2024 NFL Draft....

Iowa helmets sit on the sidelines before a football game between No. 18 Iowa and No. 17 Indiana at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. The Hawkeyes defeated the Hoosiers 34-6.

Iowa football signs 21 scholarship players on National Signing Day

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor December 20, 2023

While plenty has changed in the world of college football, such as immediate eligibility in the transfer portal and conference realignment, one element remains constant. That is, no matter how many...

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz walks on the sideline during a football game between No. 18 Iowa and No. 2 Michigan at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. The Wolverines defeated the Hawkeyes, 26-0.

Iowa football notebook | Kirk Ferentz talks hiring of new offensive coordinator, Cooper DeJean undecided on returning next season

Kenna Roering, Sports Editor December 18, 2023

Iowa fans will have to wait until 2024 to learn of the Hawkeyes' next offensive coordinator. Head coach Kirk Ferentz spoke with the media on Monday and said he has talked to three potential candidates...

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean runs toward the end zone for a touchdown after a punt return during a football game between Iowa and Michigan State at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. The Hawkeyes defeated the Spartans, 26-16. DeJean’s touchdown on the punt return was 70 yards.

Iowa football’s Cooper DeJean, Tory Taylor unanimous consensus All-America

Kenna Roering, Sports Editor December 14, 2023

Iowa football’s Cooper DeJean and Tory Taylor are unanimous consensus All-Americans. They were each recognized as first-team All-America by Walter Camp, Football Writers Association of America,...

Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill passes the pall during a football game between No. 18 Iowa and No. 2 Michigan at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. The Wolverines lead the Hawkeyes, 10-0, after the first half. Hill totaled 120 passing yards and was sacked four times.

Weekly Wager | The Daily Iowan’s official bettor’s guide for Week 15 of the Iowa football season

Pete Ruden and Matt McGowan December 13, 2023

Pete Ruden’s (24-15 for $2,175) Picks:  Tennessee -7.5 Iowa hasn’t played a team like Tennessee this season. Josh Heupel’s offense ranks second nationally in seconds per play, running one...

Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore sacks Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill to end the game during a football game between No. 18 Iowa and No. 2 Michigan at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. The Wolverines defeated the Hawkeyes, 26-0. Moore had one tackle.

Five things to watch for ahead of Iowa football’s bowl matchup against Tennessee

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor December 13, 2023

1. Defending top-tier offense  Giving up just 213 yards to Michigan last week in the Big Ten Championship game, Iowa’s defense extended its streak of letting up less than 400 opponent yards to...

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson claps during warmup before a football game between No. 18 Iowa and No. 2 Michigan at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (Cody Blissett/The Daily Iowan)

On the Line | Daily Iowan football staff picks a slate of college football bowl games

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor December 13, 2023

No. 17 Iowa vs. No. 21 Tennessee  Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor (48-30): Iowa – My parents aren’t driving to Florida on their 25th anniversary for nothing.  Kenna Roering, Sports Editor (44-34):...

Fans cheer before a football game between No. 18 Iowa and No. 2 Michigan at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (Cody Blissett/The Daily Iowan)

Where and when to watch Iowa take on Tennessee in the 2024 Cheez It Citrus Bowl

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor December 13, 2023

On Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, the Iowa Hawkeyes will take on the Tennessee Volunteers in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The Hawkeyes finished the season with a 10-3 overall record and are coming off...