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The Hawkeyes are saddled with some injury questions in Week 3, highlighted by star tight end DJ Vonnahme likely missing the Northern Iowa game. The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman get you updated on the health front, the upside of this defense, the quarterback competition that is continuing and a preview of the UNI game.
Two days after Iowa defeated Iowa State, 16-13, the Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman review what we've learned about the Hawkeyes through two games. Chad also wonders, does Iowa now have to go 11-1 if it wants to be a playoff team?
That was closer than expected, but the Iowa football program moves to 2-0 with a 16-13 win against Iowa State. The Register's Tyler Tachman and Chad Leistikow forge into the wee hours of Sunday morning to recap the good and the bad from the Hawkeyes' Cy-Hawk escape. We sift through a mixed bag of 3-word headlines, too.
We are deep into Cy-Hawk week, and the Hawkeyes have all the pressure as a two-touchdown favorite. What other story lines are dominating our thoughts heading into this game? The Register's Chad Leistikow and Tyler Tachman answer questions about quarterbacks, Iowa State, the running game without LJ Phillips and offer predictions. There's also a notable Iowa basketball recruiting visitor coming to town.
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.
Iowa football game week is finally here! Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman get ready for the Hawkeyes' Week 1 matchup against Northern Illinois, breaking down the biggest questions surrounding Iowa as the 2026 season begins. The guys discuss the Iowa quarterback situation, what they're watching for from the Hawkeyes in the opener, and what could tell us about this Iowa team early in the season. They also look at Iowa's expectations entering the year and how the Hawkeyes fit into a wide-open Big Ten race. Plus, Chad and Scott continue their Big Ten season predictions, diving into win totals across the league. Legends & Listeners presented by GameDay Men's Health. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
How many games will Iowa football win in 2026? Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman go game by game through the Hawkeyes' entire 2026 schedule, predicting the outcome of every matchup and revealing where they expect Iowa to finish in the Big Ten. The guys break down Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Northern Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Purdue, Illinois, and Nebraska, identifying Iowa's biggest challenges, potential upset opportunities, and the games the Hawkeyes absolutely need to win. How will they fare in a brutal stretch against Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington? They also discuss how the quarterback battle between Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown, Iowa's defense, offensive line, and overall roster could affect those game-by-game predictions - and whether Iowa has a realistic path to a double-digit-win season and the College Football Playoff. Legends & Listeners presented by GameDay Men's Health. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
Iowa football's quarterback competition may have taken a major turn after Jeremy Hecklinski's incredible performance at Kids Day. Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman break down Hecklinski's five-touchdown performance, his accuracy and quick release, and why the redshirt freshman may now be firmly in control of the battle with Hank Brown. The guys also examine Hank Brown's struggles and why the competition isn't over despite them. Plus, they break down Iowa's talented group of receivers and running backs, concerns along the defensive line and at kicker, the depth of the linebackers and secondary, the offensive line, and Tom Moore's fascinating impact on Iowa's offense.
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.
Iowa football is finally here. Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman break down the latest Hawkeye storylines ahead of Kids' Day. The guys discuss what they're watching for and the questions they have going into Iowa's annual open scrimmage. Plus, Chad and Scott look ahead to the return of NFL preseason football and the excitement surrounding the start of football season.
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.
Iowa football is officially back. Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman break down the Hawkeyes' opening week of fall camp by going position-by-position, discussing the quarterback competition between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, the revamped wide receiver room, Iowa's loaded tight ends, a deep running back rotation, concerns along the defensive line, and why this team still has the pieces to compete for a College Football Playoff berth. Plus, the guys react to Iowa's preseason Coaches Poll ranking and preview the biggest storylines to watch throughout camp.
Chad Leistikow returns from vacation to catch up with Scott Dochterman after three days at Big Ten Media Days. The guys discuss the extension of the Cy-Hawk rivalry through 2031, Kirk Ferentz's surprising comments about transfer wide receiver Tony Diaz, the Big Ten Media Poll, playoff contenders, coaches under pressure, and what the proposed Save College Sports Act could mean for Iowa, Iowa State, and the future of college athletics.
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 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.
Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman break down everything they learned from Iowa football media availability and Iowa basketball workouts. The guys discuss the quarterback battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, why Tony Diaz could transform Tim Lester's offense, and their early impressions of Ben McCollum's rebuilt Hawkeye basketball roster.
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.
Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman take Legends & Listeners on the road to The Other Place in Cedar Falls for a live show featuring Detroit Lions All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell and former Hawkeye and NFL offensive lineman Ike Boettger. The guys also discuss Jamie Pollard's retirement, the future of Iowa's NIL efforts after Swarm winds down, and what it all means for Hawkeye athletics.
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.
Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman turn their attention to football season with an in-depth breakdown of Iowa's quarterback competition between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. The guys compare the Hawkeyes' situation to the rest of a loaded Big Ten, discuss conversations with Kirk Ferentz and Tim Lester, explain what Iowa's offense must become in 2026, and announce a special live edition of Legends & Listeners this weekend in Cedar Falls. Plus, a quick follow-up on last week's Caitlin Clark discussion.
Is the WNBA failing Caitlin Clark? Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman discuss the latest controversy surrounding Clark, the league's leadership, physical play, and whether fans are beginning to tune out. Plus, an extensive breakdown of Iowa women's basketball after summer practice, including Ava Heiden's future, the incoming transfers, and why Jan Jensen's roster could be built for sustained success.
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 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.
Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman react to the stunning news that Michigan national championship coach Dusty May is leaving for the NBA, discuss Bennett Sturtz's NBA Draft outlook, and answer listener questions on Iowa football, NIL, Kirk Ferentz, Iowa women's basketball, and much more.
Monday Hour 1: Beer at Jack Trice Stadium, Chad Leistikow on the Hawks, David Gravel wins the Huset's High Bank Nationals & Bryce Harper hits for the cycle
Chad Leistikow returns from Yosemite, and Chad and Scott Dochterman rank every game on Iowa's 2026 football schedule from least to most intriguing. Plus, a deep dive into the proposed federal legislation that could reshape the future of college athletics.
It's officially Horse Latitudes season. Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman dive into Iowa's latest scheduling news, discuss the pressure on Tyler Barnes as Iowa football's biggest recruiting weekend arrives, and debate whether it's time to feel sorry for Iowa State fans after a brutal offseason. Plus, they rank the best Iowa games from the past year to rewatch during the summer and break down the latest efforts to reshape college sports.
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.
Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman break down the massive news of Iowa vs. Iowa State under the lights at Kinnick, debate the future of the Cy-Hawk rivalry, and dive into the growing push for a 24-team College Football Playoff.
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.
Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman break down the biggest takeaways from the Big Ten meetings in Los Angeles, including growing momentum for a 24-team College Football Playoff, Jamie Pollard's viral comments about the SEC and Big Ten, and new Iowa basketball coach Ben McCollum's vision for the 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.
Monday Hour 3: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chad Leistikow on the Hawks, Lucas' Notebook pres. by Unjuiced & Connor's Power Play
Chris Williams and Chris Hassel dive into the fallout from the latest revelations surrounding the McCaffery era at Iowa, Nebraska's massive NIL spending problem, and the bizarre future of coaches becoming media influencers. Plus: Bennett Stirtz shines at the NBA Combine, Matt Rhule cashes in, and more.
Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman break down Iowa's brutal early Big Ten football schedule, debate the future of a possible 24-team College Football Playoff, and revisit which Kirk Ferentz teams could've made legitimate postseason runs. Plus: Nebraska's offseason hype machine fires up again, Ben McCollum gets extended at Iowa, and the Hawkeye women add roster depth through the portal and international recruiting.
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.
Monday Hour 3: Busse's wedding, Chad Leistikow on the Hawks, Lucas' Notebook, Connor's Power Play, Sean's Bookmark
Chad Leistikow and Scott Dochterman dive deep into Scott's massive Big Ten fan survey from The Athletic — and the results are fascinating.
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 and Scott Dochterman break down an eventful weekend for Iowa Football.