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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

Contributed by Darren Miller

From roommates to teammates to friendly rivals, Kaden Wetjen and Frank Bierman’s shared journey

Matt McGowan, Sports Editor October 23, 2025

Kaden Wetjen and Frank Bierman’s favorite form of communication doesn’t involve talking. The pair shared a room at Iowa Western Community College and found an ideal way to interact: making each...

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.

One-on-one with Iowa linebacker Jayden Montgomery

Jackson Miller, Sports Reporter October 23, 2025

The Daily Iowan: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Jayden Montgomery: Invest. I’m a big investment guy, put some money away, so hopefully I don’t have to work again....

A group of boys laugh during tailgating prior to a football game between Iowa and the University of Massachusetts at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.

Ranking the best tailgating traditions and activities

Hailey Shaffer, Arts Reporter October 23, 2025

With the Iowa Hawkeye football season nearing its final stretch, football fans are approaching their last few opportunities to tailgate for the year. From early morning parking lot setups to post-game...

Steve Smith and other food pantry volunteers help unload a Table to Table truck full of produce at the North Liberty Food Pantry in North Liberty, Iowa on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Food pantries brace for surge as aid halts due to shutdown

Liam Halawith, Politics Editor October 23, 2025

Iowa’s food pantries brace for what could be a record surge in visits after Iowa and other states announced they would not be delivering November food assistance benefits due to the ongoing federal...

Photo contributed by - Liz Martin - University of Iowa Health Care

Kid Captain Luke Johnston’s courage shines through rare disorder

Jackson Miller, Sports Reporter October 23, 2025

When Luke Johnston was born with genetic markers, doctors had to run a series of tests After the results came back, Amy and Joey Johnston discovered that their newborn son was diagnosed with Saethre-Chotzen...

Iowa players celebrate taking home the Floyd of Rosedale trophy during a football game between Iowa and Minnesota at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. The Hawkeyes defeated the Golden Gophers 31-14.

Where and when to watch Iowa football’s rivalry clash with Minnesota

Brad Schultz, Pregame Editor October 23, 2025

Following a dramatic 25-24 comeback win over Penn State last weekend, the Iowa football team is back in action at Kinnick Stadium for a rivalry matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Hawkeyes...

Iowa linebacker Jaxon Rexroth attempts to tackle Penn State wide receiver Trebor Peña during an Iowa football game against Penn State on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hawkeyes beat the Nittany Lions 25-24.

Around the Big Ten | Matchups, power rankings for Week 9 of the college football season

Matt McGowan, Sports Editor October 23, 2025

Power Rankings  Ohio State – Most underrated top-ranked team in the country.  Indiana – Call me the AP, I’ve just copied its list so far!  Oregon – Bill Walton and Casey Jones would...

Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski celebrates after running the ball during an Iowa football game against Penn State on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hawkeyes beat the Nittany Lions 25-24.

Weekly Wager | The Daily Iowan’s official bettor’s guide for Week 9 of the college football season

Brad Schultz and Pete Ruden October 23, 2025

Pete Ruden’s (19-1-1) Picks:  Minnesota +8.5 I think Iowa will win this game, but this is a lot of points — especially with a low total. The Hawkeyes should keep the ball on the ground for...

Iowa cheerleader Jed Bruster waves a flag during an Iowa football game against Penn State on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa has yet to lose a night game this season. The Hawkeyes beat the Nittany Lions 25-24.

On The Line | The Daily Iowan staff picks a slate of Week 9 college football games

Brad Schultz, Pregame Editor October 23, 2025

Minnesota @ Iowa  Brad Schultz, Pregame Editor (26-16): Iowa – Heard rodent was on the press box menu. It still wasn’t a fair catch.  Matt McGowan, Sports Editor (26-16): Iowa – This game screams...

Iowa defensive back Xavier Nwankpa celebrates with his teammates during an Iowa football game against Penn State on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hawkeyes beat the Nittany Lions, 25-24.

Xavier Nwankpa’s rediscovered physicality in final season

Matt McGowan, Sports Editor October 23, 2025

Xavier Nwankpa’s tackle not only dislodged the football, but also tore the flesh of his outer ear. The Iowa senior defensive back launched his 6-foot-2 frame into the midsection of Penn State quarterback...

Iowa offense faces off against Penn State defense at the goal line during an Iowa football game against Penn State on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa has won three out of their last four games against Penn State. The Hawkeyes beat the Nittany Lions 25-24.

Five things to watch for in Iowa football’s home clash against Minnesota

Brad Schultz, Pregame Editor October 23, 2025

1. Containing Minnesota’s pass rush  Nebraska came to Minneapolis last Friday with one of the Big Ten’s best offensive attacks, but left with far more questions than answers. That’s because Minnesota...

Iowa running back Xavier Williams shushes crowd after touchdown soon into the second quarter during a football game between Wisconsin and Iowa at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. The Hawkeyes defeated the Badgers 37-0.

Iowa running back Xavier Williams’ booming play style offsets his silent persona

Chris Meglio, Pregame Reporter October 23, 2025

Gennings Dunker remembers it like it was yesterday.  It was 2025 spring practice for the Iowa football team. The offense was scrimmaging the defense inside the team’s practice facility. The ball...