Does IOWA finally have the right mix of Wide Receivers AND Tight Ends?

Franisdaman · Friday at 5:37 PM

From the video that follows,

Chad's top 4 Wide Receivers:

Reece Vander Zee
Tony Diaz
Evan James
Dayton Howard

KJ Parker might be the #5 WR option.
Jarriett Buie is another good WR option (missed all of last year).

Or. Lester could go with a 12 formation (one RB, two tight ends).

Reece Vander Zee - Football 2026-27

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Tony Diaz - Football 2026-27

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Evan James - Football 2026-27

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Dayton Howard - Football 2026-27

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KJ Parker - Football 2026-27

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Jarriett Buie - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Tight End options:

DJ Vonnahme - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Addison Ostrenga - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Zach Ortwerth - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Thomas Meyer - Football 2026-27

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Michael Burt - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Franisdaman · Friday at 5:37 PM

The Tony Diaz hype continues.

Bob Sanders, Marshall Yanda, and...Tony Diaz???

Now as long as we have a QB who can get him (and the other receivers) the ball.

Watch:

Franisdaman · Friday at 5:39 PM

RagnarLothbrok · Friday at 6:09 PM

On paper, Iowa has plenty of weapons to compete if they stay healthy. And, yes, I have no doubt there is enough talent at wide receiver and TE. The depth is probably as good, if not the best, as it’s ever been, with at least 3 receivers/TEs (Tony Diaz, RVZ, and DJV) having the opportunity to have a standout year.

For me, the primary concern is at quarterback. No one is proven. Obviously, all indications point to Hecklinski being the guy, but no one has any clue how he is going to perform on this stage. And if he were to get hurt, I have no faith in Brown to lead this unit.

So, we’ll see. But to answer the OP—yes, Iowa has the horses to compete. It’s all a matter of getting them the football.

85Bears · Friday at 6:32 PM

12 personnel, Meyer looks like the next nfl TE after DJV. Those two with RVZ and Diaz and Phillips gashing with two tight ends for extra run blocking. id like to see quite a bit of that.

Fight4Iowa · Friday at 10:25 PM

eyesofhawk · Friday at 10:50 PM

The right mix of receivers and TE's for what?

Seems like the team has had the right mix of players for most of 27 years

83Hawk · Saturday at 10:44 AM

RagnarLothbrok said:
On paper, Iowa has plenty of weapons to compete if they stay healthy. And, yes, I have no doubt there is enough talent at wide receiver and TE. The depth is probably as good, if not the best, as it’s ever been, with at least 3 receivers/TEs (Tony Diaz, RVZ, and DJV) having the opportunity to have a standout year.

For me, the primary concern is at quarterback. No one is proven. Obviously, all indications point to Hecklinski being the guy, but no one has any clue how he is going to perform on this stage. And if he were to get hurt, I have no faith in Brown to lead this unit.

So, we’ll see. But to answer the OP—yes, Iowa has the horses to compete. It’s all a matter of getting them the football.

I agree with this.

Lester understands the primary purpose of the offense is to score points, and the best way to do that is to have a good run/pass balance. He knows you can’t beat the top teams running the ball 90% of the time, so he has assembled (on paper) the best set of WR/TE’s we’ve seen at Iowa in awhile. Hopefully whoever our QB is, is able to make the passes and make good decisions.

I am always excited for Iowa football, but even more so this year.

DukeSlater · Saturday at 12:24 PM

Franisdaman said:
From the video that follows,

Chad's top 4 Wide Receivers:

Reece Vander Zee
Tony Diaz
Evan James
Dayton Howard

KJ Parker might be the #5 WR option.
Jarriett Buie is another good WR option (missed all of last year).

Or. Lester could go with a 12 formation (one RB, two tight ends).

Reece Vander Zee - Football 2026-27

Reece Vander Zee - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Tony Diaz - Football 2026-27

Tony Diaz - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Evan James - Football 2026-27

Evan James - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Dayton Howard - Football 2026-27

Dayton Howard - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

KJ Parker - Football 2026-27

KJ Parker - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Jarriett Buie - Football 2026-27

Jarriett Buie - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Tight End options:

DJ Vonnahme - Football 2026-27

DJ Vonnahme - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Addison Ostrenga - Football 2026-27

Addison Ostrenga - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Zach Ortwerth - Football 2026-27

Zach Ortwerth - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Thomas Meyer - Football 2026-27

Thomas Meyer - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Michael Burt - Football 2026-27

Michael Burt - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Yes, I believe they do have the right mix. There is some tremendous talent and versatility in both the TE and WR groups, and I even agree with the way they're ranked. I'm expecting a fabulous passing attack from the Hawkeyes this season, and that will open up the running game in ways we haven't seen for a long, long time. This offense is ready to explode.

DukeSlater · Saturday at 12:27 PM

RagnarLothbrok said:
On paper, Iowa has plenty of weapons to compete if they stay healthy. And, yes, I have no doubt there is enough talent at wide receiver and TE. The depth is probably as good, if not the best, as it’s ever been, with at least 3 receivers/TEs (Tony Diaz, RVZ, and DJV) having the opportunity to have a standout year.

For me, the primary concern is at quarterback. No one is proven. Obviously, all indications point to Hecklinski being the guy, but no one has any clue how he is going to perform on this stage. And if he were to get hurt, I have no faith in Brown to lead this unit.

So, we’ll see. But to answer the OP—yes, Iowa has the horses to compete. It’s all a matter of getting them the football.

I agree about Brown, but I think Sullivan will soon pass him and become the backup with Bessinger right behind. Brown will eventually transfer again, which would be just fine for everyone, IMHO.

iahawkeyes17 · Saturday at 12:39 PM

RagnarLothbrok said:
On paper, Iowa has plenty of weapons to compete if they stay healthy. And, yes, I have no doubt there is enough talent at wide receiver and TE. The depth is probably as good, if not the best, as it’s ever been, with at least 3 receivers/TEs (Tony Diaz, RVZ, and DJV) having the opportunity to have a standout year.

For me, the primary concern is at quarterback. No one is proven. Obviously, all indications point to Hecklinski being the guy, but no one has any clue how he is going to perform on this stage. And if he were to get hurt, I have no faith in Brown to lead this unit.

So, we’ll see. But to answer the OP—yes, Iowa has the horses to compete. It’s all a matter of getting them the football.

How good wr are as a whole I don’t know but it’s first time since ISM and Brandon smith graduated I feel like we have Big 10 caliber WRs core (consider top 3). Our TE room is loaded and one of the best in conference and I argue top 10 in nation. Got our star in DJ quality backup vets in Ostrenga & ortwerth and up and coming young guy with Meyer.

uihawk82 · Saturday at 1:02 PM

Franisdaman said:

If Diaz is the real thing, is great he has to be on the field about 100% on passing downs, RVZ also because he can go up and get it. Diaz on first down also if his blocking is very good.

That will mean probably the best tandem and set of receivers since ISM and Brandon Smith.

jhoosh43 · Saturday at 3:45 PM

eyesofhawk said:
The right mix of receivers and TE's for what?

Seems like the team has had the right mix of players for most of 27 years

Haven’t you said thousands of times that the offensive struggles under BF were due to the OL not being ready? Wouldn’t that be a good example of not having the right mix of players?

Other examples that come to mind:
City Boyz - terrible mix of players that were kicked off the team and led to a change of recruiting tactics that focused more on character and family support.
2006 - Kirk called his team “fat cats” after they blew a 4th Q lead to NW.
2007 - Jake Christianson was not the right QB behind a struggling Oline.
McNamara, Deacon Hill, Alex Padilla - Cade quit on the team, Padilla was a stoner and Deacon couldn’t throw.

iahawkeyes17 · Saturday at 7:12 PM

jhoosh43 said:
Haven’t you said thousands of times that the offensive struggles under BF were due to the OL not being ready? Wouldn’t that be a good example of not having the right mix of players?

Other examples that come to mind:
City Boyz - terrible mix of players that were kicked off the team and led to a change of recruiting tactics that focused more on character and family support.
2006 - Kirk called his team “fat cats” after they blew a 4th Q lead to NW.
2007 - Jake Christianson was not the right QB behind a struggling Oline.
McNamara, Deacon Hill, Alex Padilla - Cade quit on the team, Padilla was a stoner and Deacon couldn’t throw.

Wasn’t labas the stoner. Which watching him at CMU even if he was half the player at Iowa it is still mind boggling he didn’t play over deacon. Fact that Kirk and Brian picked him I’ll never understand. Minus Rutgers game where he still threw an awful pick before half he looked like he had no business being on a D1 field. Friend who coaches HS said that year he honestly felt like the Warburg and coe qbs were better than deacon. Parker deserves a statue in IC with that team playing in the big 10 title game with the offense fielded that season.

jhoosh43 · Saturday at 7:26 PM

iahawkeyes17 said:
Wasn’t labas the stoner. Which watching him at CMU even if he was half the player at Iowa it is still mind boggling he didn’t play over deacon. Fact that Kirk and Brian picked him I’ll never understand. Minus Rutgers game where he still threw an awful pick before half he looked like he had no business being on a D1 field. Friend who coaches HS said that year he honestly felt like the Warburg and coe qbs were better than deacon. Parker deserves a statue in IC with that team playing in the big 10 title game with the offense fielded that season.

Yep, Labas was the alleged stoner, I was mistaken.

AnonymousNolonger · Saturday at 9:52 PM

Yes, they do.

Going the FCS route on positions where we have struggled with recruiting in the past, and with players that had produced very early in their careers, was a brilliant move.

Do you think there is any way they would have been as successful trying to recruit Power 4 WR’s? The answer is no.

Hawkmanic23 · Saturday at 10:05 PM

eyesofhawk said:
The right mix of receivers and TE's for what?

Seems like the team has had the right mix of players for most of 27 years

To score big.

Hawkmanic23 · Saturday at 10:09 PM

jhoosh43 said:
Haven’t you said thousands of times that the offensive struggles under BF were due to the OL not being ready? Wouldn’t that be a good example of not having the right mix of players?

Other examples that come to mind:
City Boyz - terrible mix of players that were kicked off the team and led to a change of recruiting tactics that focused more on character and family support.
2006 - Kirk called his team “fat cats” after they blew a 4th Q lead to NW.
2007 - Jake Christianson was not the right QB behind a struggling Oline.
McNamara, Deacon Hill, Alex Padilla - Cade quit on the team, Padilla was a stoner and Deacon couldn’t throw.

Padilla a stoner?

I think you’re confusing him with another Iowa backup QB…name escapes me right now. Was it Labas?

Hootie LaRue · Saturday at 10:54 PM

jhoosh43 said:
Yep, Labas was the alleged stoner, I was mistaken.

If I remember correctly, Labas was masterminding an IRS imposter scam against the elderly to threaten tax charges and penalties to be paid with Target gift cards and cryptocurrency. Kirk and BF found out, were not thrilled, and Labas was denied the opportunity to get any snaps at QB.

iahawkeyes17 · Sunday at 8:00 AM

AnonymousNolonger said:
Yes, they do.

Going the FCS route on positions where we have struggled with recruiting in the past, and with players that had produced very early in their careers, was a brilliant move.

Do you think there is any way they would have been as successful trying to recruit Power 4 WR’s? The answer is no.

I liked that too how we went about our portal additions. First off with being one of lowest in nation for departure we weren’t taking as many guys with good retention.

You got the top 10-15 schools with deepest pockets throwing $ on P4 impact guys. Could go route of getting the back up or 3/4th string guys at those schools. But I’m sure lot of them who were 4* recruits have the egos and think they are worth more than they really are. Give me the FCS guy who was better than his recruiting rank when he was a 17-18 HS player. who has already shown it on the field when the lights are on with a bit of a chip on his shoulder from being over looked once.

Ripcord · Sunday at 8:48 AM

iahawkeyes17 said:
I liked that too how we went about our portal additions. First off with being one of lowest in nation for departure we weren’t taking as many guys with good retention.

You got the top 10-15 schools with deepest pockets throwing $ on P4 impact guys. Could go route of getting the back up or 3/4th string guys at those schools. But I’m sure lot of them who were 4* recruits have the egos and think they are worth more than they really are. Give me the FCS guy who was better than his recruiting rank when he was a 17-18 HS player. who has already shown it on the field when the lights are on with a bit of a chip on his shoulder from being over looked once.

I guess the big and obvious question is, can these FCS transfers be highly productive at the Big 10 level? I am not saying they cannot; just that I need to see it to believe it. if they cannot produce, then the skeptics (like me) have a valid point.

But it they can produce, they KF and Lester and Tyler Barnes, etc., are geniuses.

Just add that this formula seemed to work wonders for Indiana the last two yeas. I never in a million years would have believed that a bunch of transfers from James Madison (who???) could do what they accomplished at Indiana. so, we shall see.

AnonymousNolonger · Sunday at 11:28 AM

Agree that the ultimate test is actual game production at this level.

But, I would certainly hope they are going against B10 level defenders in practice. If not, we have bigger problems to worry about.

If they are getting it done in practice, against our defense, throw in what the coaches are saying about them.

Considering that, I’ll be more surprised if they don’t produce, than if they do.

BunchofAholes · Sunday at 12:21 PM

Hootie LaRue said:
If I remember correctly, Labas was masterminding an IRS imposter scam against the elderly to threaten tax charges and penalties to be paid with Target gift cards and cryptocurrency. Kirk and BF found out, were not thrilled, and Labas was denied the opportunity to get any snaps at QB.

Grayhair1981 · Sunday at 12:39 PM

Hootie LaRue said:
If I remember correctly, Labas was masterminding an IRS imposter scam against the elderly to threaten tax charges and penalties to be paid with Target gift cards and cryptocurrency. Kirk and BF found out, were not thrilled, and Labas was denied the opportunity to get any snaps at QB.

Sarcasm, yes?

93hawkeye · Sunday at 12:43 PM

Can they make the tough, contested catches more often than not? Iowa has been pretty bad at that, excepting maybe one TE per year, for a long time.
I'd love to think so, but I'll believe it when I see it.

kmurpny · Sunday at 1:48 PM

iahawkeyes17 said:
I liked that too how we went about our portal additions. First off with being one of lowest in nation for departure we weren’t taking as many guys with good retention.

You got the top 10-15 schools with deepest pockets throwing $ on P4 impact guys. Could go route of getting the back up or 3/4th string guys at those schools. But I’m sure lot of them who were 4* recruits have the egos and think they are worth more than they really are. Give me the FCS guy who was better than his recruiting rank when he was a 17-18 HS player. who has already shown it on the field when the lights are on with a bit of a chip on his shoulder from being over looked once.

Given the money Iowa has to work with, it seems it’s the best option. That said, I wish they could have found the money for a 300 lb DT.

AnonymousNolonger · Sunday at 7:00 PM

kmurpny said:
Given the money Iowa has to work with, it seems it’s the best option. That said, I wish they could have found the money for a 300 lb DT.

Yep

eyesofhawk · 2026-08-24T12:39:47-0500

jhoosh43 said:
Haven’t you said thousands of times that the offensive struggles under BF were due to the OL not being ready? Wouldn’t that be a good example of not having the right mix of players?

Other examples that come to mind:
City Boyz - terrible mix of players that were kicked off the team and led to a change of recruiting tactics that focused more on character and family support.
2006 - Kirk called his team “fat cats” after they blew a 4th Q lead to NW.
2007 - Jake Christianson was not the right QB behind a struggling Oline.
McNamara, Deacon Hill, Alex Padilla - Cade quit on the team, Padilla was a stoner and Deacon couldn’t throw.

Whether "accurate" or not, you can throw out a few isolated examples. And there may even be some truth to a couple of them.

But many more examples of what has made up a hall of fame career can also be cited.

That's why I said a good mix for most of 27 years.

As for BF, if you're referring to what stalled out the offense in '22, yes, it was primarily an acutely physically underdeveloped line. And if you've paid attention, you also know that the reasons for that raw line amounted almost entirely to bad luck circumstances outside of staff control, including mass attrition to o-lineman that had made up the right mix of players.

And even given the raw o-line of '22, and the incrementally better o-line of '23 paired with an emergency QB, those two seasons that saw the offense stall out came with an average of 9 wins, a division title, and a bowl win. So KF's mix of players turned out to be pretty good in those seasons too

eyesofhawk · 2026-08-24T12:41:11-0500

Hawkmanic23 said:
To score big.

And will that result in a more successful program?

eyesofhawk · 2026-08-24T12:42:19-0500

kmurpny said:
Given the money Iowa has to work with, it seems it’s the best option. That said, I wish they could have found the money for a 300 lb DT.

They did

ClarindaA’s · 2026-08-24T21:37:35-0500

eyesofhawk said:
And will that result in a more successful program?

If we had done that 21-23, we are a playoff team

eyesofhawk · 2026-08-24T23:04:54-0500

ClarindaA’s said:
If we had done that 21-23, we are a playoff team

Potentially.

It's not the direct correlation that people assume it to be. Scoring has gone up since '23. While winning percentage has gone down.

And the hypothetical narrative certainly isn't a worthy complaint, as many fans have turned it into.

For one thing, to be a legitimate complaint, reasonable solutions need to be offered. Most fans haven't had that to offer. Or even have offered "solutions" that would have compromised the defense. Easier said than done. No "just add offense" recipes.

And scoring big wasn't even possible a couple of those seasons. Iowa was faced with some significant obstacles that were almost entirely due to bad luck. And the reality was, they maxed out just to acheive what they did in those seasons.

To say more scoring would have led to playoffs also isn't worthy of program complaint, as clearly a respectable and praiseworthy program was what led to being good enough to be in that position

Does IOWA finally have the right mix of Wide Receivers AND Tight Ends?

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