The Hawk Central Podcast from The Des Moines Register and 1460 KXnO
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The Hawk Central Podcast is a must-listen for any avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Hosted by Chad Leistikow and Mark Emmert, this podcast offers a conversational style that is both engaging and insightful. The hosts have a deep knowledge of Hawkeye history and provide valuable perspectives on the team's performance. Additionally, the addition of Kennington Smith, despite being from SEC country, has proven to be a great asset to the program. Smith quickly adapted to Hawkeye history and his football expertise adds a lot to the show. Overall, the podcast offers a refreshing blend of insider news and banter.
One of the best aspects of The Hawk Central Podcast is the quality of guests they bring on, particularly the coaches' interviews. These interviews provide unique insights into the team's strategies and offer an in-depth look into the inner workings of Iowa football. The hosts' ability to balance their Hawkeye bias with professional journalistic integrity also sets this podcast apart. It's clear that they have a genuine passion for the team but still strive to provide unbiased analysis.
However, one potential downside of this podcast is its heavy reliance on taking calls during their radio show segments. While it can be interesting to hear different perspectives from fans, it can sometimes feel like excessive "sound off" type content that may not always add value to the discussion. Limiting the number of calls taken or focusing on more structured discussions could help improve this aspect of the show.
In conclusion, The Hawk Central Podcast is an excellent source of news and insights for Iowa Hawkeyes enthusiasts. With knowledgeable hosts like Chad Leistikow and Mark Emmert, coupled with valuable guest interviews, this podcast offers a comprehensive view of all things related to Iowa football. Whether you're looking for scoops or just want to stay up-to-date with all things Hawkeye, this podcast is definitely worth tuning in to each week.
Hey folks, this is the FULL version of the Hawk Central show on Monday ... the first version got cut off at 23 minutes for some reason. This is Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman on Iowa QBs, the defense and more heading into Iowa vs. Iowa State on Saturday.
The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman bring you a Labor Day podcast to dig deeper in Iowa football's Week 1 win over Northern Illinois and discuss quarterback play and what we think will and should happen against Iowa State.
The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman have lots to discuss after a 40-0 Hawkeye shutout of Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium, including a 500-yard day of offense, breakouts from Tony Diaz and Kamari Moulton and a shutout from the defense, which got a lot of guys some playing time.
Tyler Tachman of the Des Moines Register spoke with NIU interim head coach Rob Harley to preview Iowa’s 2026 season-opener
The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman get you primed for the Hawkeyes' long-awaited season opener vs. Northern Illinois with our game-preview show, which follows our annual format. First, big-picture topics, including the tea leaves on Kirk Ferentz's quarterback comments Tuesday and whether 9-3 would constitute a successful season. Second, our "Five Big Questions" segment helps preview the Hawkeyes' opponent and other interesting topics surrounding the game. Score predictions and rationale cap our 52-minute show.
The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman react to the Hawkeyes' Week 1 depth chart reveal, which still provided no answers (or did it?) at quarterback between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. There was still plenty of other news to discuss as well, with unexpected names at several positions.
The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman outline their thinking of the 2026 Iowa football season and provide rationale for their record predictions, along with where they might be overhyping or underselling the Hawkeyes.
Less than two weeks before Iowa's 2026 season kicks off, the Register's Tyler Tachman and Chad Leistikow break down notable developments from the Hawkeyes' fall camp.
Three days removed from Kids Day at Kinnick, the Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman take another look at the day of quarterback performances from Jeremy Hecklinski, Hank Brown and up-and-coming Jimmy Sullivan. We also go back to our media-day reporting and Saturday viewing to come up with some of the Hawkeyes' biggest risers during this fall camp.
It was just one practice out of nine, Kirk Ferentz reminded us. But Jeremy Hecklinski's dominant performance at quarterback has certainly shifted the QB conversation with Iowa football, 3 weeks ahead of the season opener. The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman react to what they saw at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, August 15.
Only three-plus weeks until the season, the Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman convene to offer their, mild, hot and ghost-pepper takes on the Iowa football season ahead. We choose 10 bold predictions in all, covering the offensive and defensive sides of the ball completely. And with media day on Aug. 14 and Kids Day at Kinnick to follow, Chad and Tyler provide a preview of what they're looking to learn.
Back from vacation, the Register's Chad Leistikow reconvenes with Hawk Central teammate Tyler Tachman about the recently completed Big Ten Media Days while looking ahead to the start of fall camp for the Hawkeye football team. We discuss the potential of Tony Diaz living up to expectations, what a QB battle might look like that extends into September and the benefits of brewing competition at center and in the secondary. We also touch on the Tavion Banks news that he is definitely not returning to Iowa basketball.
The Register's Tyler Tachman recaps the most important storylines from Iowa football's appearance at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.
The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman convene for 56 minutes, the bulk of which is devoted to evaluating potential breakout players on the 2026 Iowa football team. Who is the No. 1 pick in our offensive and defensive drafts? Plus, some Big Ten Media Days preview talk and women's basketball practice evaluations.
After some vacation and the departure of our radio show on KXnO, the Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman are back together for a fresh episode of Hawk Central after an action-packed Wednesday in Hawkeye sports. Chad and Tyler break down what they've seen so far from Iowa men's basketball practice and who are "locks" to make Ben McCollum's rotation. We also talk receivers and quarterbacks in football after some interesting interviews.
For the third straight summer, Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester sits down with the Des Moines Register's Chad Leistikow to talk football and preview the upcoming Hawkeye season. Big topics covered include the quarterback battle ahead, the Shanahan system evoluation at Iowa and whether Lester has the pieces to finally run the offense he wants.
The Register's Chad Leistikow sits down with George Barnett, who is entering his sixth year as Iowa's offensive line coach, and they cover a lot of good ground. This is Barnett's first interview since his offensive line won the Joe Moore Award. We discuss the impact of that honor, the NFL Draft, how his father's death shaped his coaching journey and what's next for the Iowa offensive line in 2026 and beyond.
The Register's Chad Leistikow outlines how the layoffs at KXnO impact Hawk Central going forward before bringing on Tyler Tachman to discuss Iowa basketball's latest schedule addition (Virginia Tech) and the NBA Draft experience for first-rounder Bennett Stirtz. The last 70% of the show is Chad's sit-down interview with Iowa football assistant defensive line coach Jay Niemann, who provides insight into a potentially concerning position group.
The Register's Hawkeye beat reporter Tyler Tachman breaks down where the Iowa football and men's basketball programs stand on the recruiting trail.
Sean Bock of 247Sports joins the Register's Tyler Tachman to talk all things Iowa men's basketball. We dive into recruiting, along with potential lineup combinations and schemes for the 2026-27 season.
The summer program is about to begin for Iowa football and men's and women's basketball, and it is a really big summer for all three. The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman start with football's biggest summer story lines, including of course the quarterback situation between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. Oh, and highly acclaimed QB recruit Tradon Bessinger arrives soon, too. Chad recaps his recent conversation with Iowa women's coach Jan Jensen while Tyler unpacks a lot of the top story lines for Ben McCollum and the Iowa men.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes.
Readers wanted to know who would be tougher to replace, Kirk Ferentz or Beth Goetz? Is Iowa's next football coach on staff? How much patience will Goetz have with Tom Brands? And in the back half of our show, Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman take questions about the manner in which we cover the Hawkeyes. We lead with the Iowa women scheduling a home-and-home series with national power UConn.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes.
The Register's Chad Leistikow hosts a special-edition Hawk Central with the architects of the Iowa women's basketball offseason in LaSondra Barrett (recruiting coordinator) and Sean Sullivan (general manager). The coaches explain how the five-player class (four college transfers, one freshman) came together over the course of nearly 40 minutes. To finish the show, Chad is joined by Register colleague Tyler Tachman to discuss the Big Ten's preferred 24-team football playoff format and what it means for Iowa.
Chad Liestikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes.
A heavy men's basketball episode of Hawk Central this week, as head coach Ben McCollum's new contract opens up a lot of discussion about the future of the program. The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman, who is at the NBA Combine, talk through the particulars plus look ahead to the recently-revealed Big Ten schedule breakdown. Chad also offers insight into a change for the Iowa women, and we react to the Washington football game being on a Friday night in Seattle.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes.
With spring football and the NFL Draft in the books, we truly usher in the offseason Iowa's major sports, and it's a good time to reflect on the some award-winning performances. The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman debate the top transfer, top freshman, most surprising story and more in this early-May episode of Hawk Central. We also discuss some of the best moments from Tyler's 1-on-1 interview with basketball coach Ben McCollum.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes.
Coming out of Iowa's spring football practices, the Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman rank the team's position groups, one through nine, to provide context about where the 2026 Hawkeyes should be strong and where they could suffer. Chad and Tyler have completely different rankings 1 through 4, but then become more aligned when getting to the team's biggest weaknesses.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes.
Live from Iowa City, the Register's Tyler Tachman and Chad Leistikow dissect all they saw from Iowa football's open spring practice.
There's a lot happening in Hawkeye sports in late April, starting with the double-weekend pickups for Iowa men's basketball in Ty'Reek Coleman and Andrew McKeever. The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman break down their arrivals while evaluating the Ben McCollum Year 2 roster as a whole. We also explore Iowa football's QB battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. Finally, Dargan Southard makes his final Hawk Central appearance to take stock of Amari Whiting's signing with Iowa women's basketball.
Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register talking Iowa Men's and Women's Basketball, and Iowa Football.
A breaking-news Tuesday starts with Iowa football being forced to vacate four wins from its 2023 season from a recruiting violation related to old friend (or foe, perhaps?) Cade McNamara. The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman delve into the NCAA ruling, Ben McCollum's quiet portal moves and Jan Jensen's big Georgia splash.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes.
With the Big Ten claiming national championships in men's and women's basketball, we now turn our attention to the offseason fully. The women's portal exits are done, but what can we expect on the men's side? The Register's Tyler Tachman and Chad Leistikow wander through Ben McCollum's roster, his decision to turn down a North Carolina interview and more ... including an early women's portal visitor and spring-football conversations.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes.
The Monday-night news of Addie Deal intending to enter the tranfer portal shook the Iowa women's basketball fan base, but how should this news be absorbed? Big-picture conversations about the dwindling roster numbers for Jan Jensen's squad and what the concern level should be. On the men's side, how can Ben McCollum capitalize on an Elite Eight run as portal season is set to begin on the men's side? Plus, a little spring football talk with Chad Leistikow, Tyler Tachman and Dargan Southard.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes.
Live from Houston, the Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman break down Iowa basketball's season-ending loss to Illinois in the Elite Eight.
Live from Houston, the Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman break down every element of Iowa basketball's improbable Sweet 16 win over Nebraska. In Ben McCollum's first year, Iowa is headed to its first Elite Eight since 1987.
Live from Houston, the Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman dissect every element of Iowa basketball's Sweet 16 matchup against Nebraska.
One Hawkeye basketball team is moving on (surprisingly), and the other is staying home (also surprisingly). The Iowa men are headed to the Sweet 16, and the Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman revisit the stunning upset of Florida while looking ahead to a quick turnaround to a Thursday game against a familiar rival in Nebraska. Chad and Dargan Southard also unpack the stunning upset loss for the No. 2 seed Iowa women to Virginia, looking at three things that caused that result and a look ahead to portal season.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Hawkeyes.
Live from Tampa, the Register's Tyler Tachman joins Chad Leistikow to dissect Iowa basketball's stunning upset over defending national champion Florida. In Ben McCollum's first season, the Hawkeyes are headed to their first Sweet 16 since 1999. Up next...Nebraska.
Live from Tampa, the Register's Tyler Tachman joins Chad Leistikow to break down Iowa's basketball's win over Clemson. In Ben McCollum's first season, the Hawkeyes have their first NCAA Tournament win since 2021.
On this three-segment show of Hawk Central, the Register's Chad Leistikow is joined by Iowa men's basketball beat writer Tyler Tachman, who previews the first-round matchup with Clemson and we buy or sell Iowa's chances as a Sweet 16 team. On the women's side, Chad and beat writer Dargan Southard look at the Hawkeyes' surprising tournament-tested stature for being a young team and wonder: If the game's on the line, who gets the last shot? It's NCAA Wrestling Championships week, too, in Cleveland. Eli McKown joins Chad to preview the paths of Iowa's nine NCAA qualifiers.
Chad Leistikow from the Des Moines Register talks all things Iowa Hawkeyes
The Register's Chad Leistikow, Tyler Tachman and Dargan Southard break down the NCAA Tournament paths for Ben McCollum's bunch and Jen Jensen's squad after learning their March Madness journeys on Selection Sunday.
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