Latest news with #KadenWetjen
USA Today
23-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kaden Wetjen eyes increased role with Iowa football, WR depth
As Iowa football's 2025-26 season is just under seven weeks away, senior wide receiver Kaden Wetjen spoke with the media recently and discussed how he plans to build off an outstanding campaign with the Hawkeyes' special teams unit last year. Last season, the 5-foot-9, 196-pound native of Williamsburg, Iowa, returned 26 kickoffs for a total of 727 yards, averaging 28.0 yards per return, including a sensational 100-yard kickoff return score against Missouri in the Music City Bowl. In the punt return game, Wetjen returned 26 punts, averaging 12.6 yards per return, along with an 85-yard punt return touchdown against Northwestern. As a result of his stellar special teams play that totaled a Big Ten and nationwide-leading 1,055 combined return yardage, Wetjen won the 2024 Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year, the 2024 Jet Award given to the nation's top returner, and was named a first-team All-American. While Wetjen was not as involved as a receiver, with a total of just three receptions for 46 yards last season, he said he has goals for a much-improved 2025 campaign at the position that could mirror his special teams' skills. "To do the same thing I did at return. Have a big year and create a lot of production, that's the plan. And we have a bunch of other guys in the room who can do the same thing as well. And I'm super excited to see everybody work," Wetjen said. Wetjen was then asked how the depth at wide receiver has helped him work towards achieving his goals at the position, which he answered by saying that Iowa has significantly improved the group over the offseason through competition on the depth chart and in practice. "That's the best part," Wetjen added. "You got guys who are challenging you for your spot. I mean, like I said, there's gonna be a bunch of guys who will play, and we're just making each other better every day." With the Hawkeyes revamping their offensive capabilities for second-year coordinator Tim Lester over the offseason, highlighted by the transfer additions of quarterback Mark Gronowski, wide receiver Sam Phillips, and offensive linemen Bryce George and George Nahas, Iowa has the potential for a breakout 2025-26 campaign that fans have dreamed of for years. Iowa opens the season on Aug. 30 against FCS-level Albany from Kinnick Stadium at 5 p.m. CT on FS1. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Iowa football adds JUCO WR Jackson Naeve via transfer portal
Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz gets his players ready prior to kickoff against South Dakota State during a NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. As the summer months move along, Iowa football added another promising offensive weapon to its arsenal. Jackson Naeve, a wide receiver and kick returner from Iowa Western Community College, announced his commitment to the Hawkeyes via the transfer portal. The Iowa City native spent one season at Iowa Western, where he logged six receptions for 86 yards with one touchdown. Naeve registered the bulk of that production against Ellsworth Community College when he secured five catches for 79 yards and a 26-yard touchdown grab. Advertisement The 6-foot-1 athlete also returned four kickoffs for 28 yards and four punts for 22 yards for the Reivers last season. According to his social media, the JUCO transfer also runs a 4.46 40-yard dash. Prior to his lone season at Iowa Western, Naeve stood out at Regina Catholic High School, where he earned first-team all-state as a senior. During that 2023 season, Naeve was the Regals' leading receiver with 848 yards and 11 touchdowns. Naeve also rushed for 344 yards and eight touchdowns, while recording two kickoff return touchdowns and one punt return touchdown. Iowa Western is the same program that produced Kaden Wetjen, who has become an explosive playmaker for the Hawkeyes. Wetjen won the 2024 Jet Award, which honors the top return specialist in college football. Advertisement With Wetjen entering his senior season with the Hawkeyes, the program hopes that Naeve can deliver similar results for the upcoming season and beyond. Below are some of Naeve's highlights from his freshman season at Iowa Western: Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football adds JUCO WR Jackson Naeve via transfer portal
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
4th of July Hawkeyes: Iowa football's top fireworks
In honor of the 4th of July, fireworks are going to be going off across all of America. With the college football season approaching, fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes are also hoping for fireworks to be going off all fall for their team. Iowa is not known for offensive fireworks in the past, but they have a revamped offense featuring a second-year offensive coordinator, an experienced line, and a new quarterback who brings proven success. Advertisement On special teams and defense, fireworks are more common as those units are known for the game-changing plays that have single-handedly won games. So, in honor of the 4th of July, check out who the biggest "fireworks" for Iowa football are entering the 2025 season. Kaden Wetjen IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 16: Wide receiver Kaden Wetjen #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the Western Michigan Broncos at Kinnick Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by) Kaden Wetjen may be the biggest, brightest, and loudest firework on the Hawkeyes' roster. His big plays don't just score touchdowns or move the chains; they completely flip the complexion of the game when he returns a kick or punt for a touchdown. Last year, Wetjen blossomed into the best returner in America. Teams will be wary of him this year, but anytime he gets the ball in his hands, he is liable to take it for six, be it on special teams or worked into the offense to find him more touches. Advertisement Aaron Graves Aug 31, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Aaron Graves (95) sacks Illinois State Redbirds quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse (16) as offensive lineman Ryan Gudaitis (75) looks on during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Many don't think of interior defensive linemen causing fireworks due to their time in the trenches, but Aaron Graves is an exception. The Hawkeyes' defensive star is on the verge of a breakout year in 2025, where he could cause absolute havoc against opposing quarterbacks. Graves recorded six sacks and three forced fumbles in 2025. He has a nose for the quarterback and the IQ to go for the ball when he gets there. Graves' fireworks can be compared to the loudest ones that bring the boom in the middle of the show to change the scope of things. Drew Stevens The Iowa Hawkeyes celebrate after place kicker Drew Stevens (18) kicked the game-winning field goal against the Nebraska Cornhuskers to win 13-10 Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Drew Stevens has a flair for the dramatic. He has proven himself to be clutch and a leg Iowa can count on late in the game to get them three points. His version of being a firework often mimics the finale at fireworks shows. Advertisement He may not be the biggest or baddest, but his fireworks are going to leave the most lasting impression that determines a game and sometimes provides the most influence. Reece Vander Zee Aug 31, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (15) and tight end Luke Lachey (85) react after a touchdown by Vander Zee during the fourth quarter against the Illinois State Redbirds at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports When healthy, Reece Vander Zee has flashed the ability to be Iowa's deep threat as he has the skillset to go up and get a 50/50 ball at its highest point. In his first game with Iowa, Vander Zee reeled in five receptions for 65 yards and two scores to start his career off with a firework show. If he can stay healthy this year and continue to utilize his ball skills, Reece Vander Zee could give Iowa the outside presence they need to attack teams deep and change games quickly with deep shots that connect. Advertisement Kamari Moulton Nov 23, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Kamari Moulton is going to be handed the keys to the backfield this year with the departure of Kaleb Johnson, and he has every opportunity to be a firework show each week. He will be running behind an incredibly strong and experienced offensive line, which should give him opportunities to light up the scoreboard when he gets to the second and third levels. He also brings the proven explosive ability with him. In 2024, Moulton flashed a firework display with a blistering 68-yard touchdown run through the heart of the Maryland Terrapins' defense that was never in doubt once he got through the offensive line. Advertisement Mark Gronowski Apr 26, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski (11) throws during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress/For the Register Last, but certainly not least, is Mark Gronowski, Iowa's shiny new firework at the quarterback position. With the anticipation and excitement around him, Gronowski has the opportunity to set off a firework show within the Iowa offense that has not been seen in some time. Gronowski's arm talent is undeniable. He has thrown for over 10,000 yards and knows how to read defenses. Where he could bring fireworks is on the ground. He has the legs to break contain and turn broken plays into first down, big gains, and even touchdowns once he gets into the open field. Mark Gronowski has the opportunity to light up the sky in Kinnick Stadium with his offensive fireworks. Advertisement Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7 This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: 4th of July Hawkeyes: Iowa football's top fireworks
USA Today
04-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
4th of July Hawkeyes: Iowa football's top fireworks
In honor of the 4th of July, fireworks are going to be going off across all of America. With the college football season approaching, fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes are also hoping for fireworks to be going off all fall for their team. Iowa is not known for offensive fireworks in the past, but they have a revamped offense featuring a second-year offensive coordinator, an experienced line, and a new quarterback who brings proven success. On special teams and defense, fireworks are more common as those units are known for the game-changing plays that have single-handedly won games. So, in honor of the 4th of July, check out who the biggest "fireworks" for Iowa football are entering the 2025 season. Kaden Wetjen Kaden Wetjen may be the biggest, brightest, and loudest firework on the Hawkeyes' roster. His big plays don't just score touchdowns or move the chains; they completely flip the complexion of the game when he returns a kick or punt for a touchdown. Last year, Wetjen blossomed into the best returner in America. Teams will be wary of him this year, but anytime he gets the ball in his hands, he is liable to take it for six, be it on special teams or worked into the offense to find him more touches. Aaron Graves Many don't think of interior defensive linemen causing fireworks due to their time in the trenches, but Aaron Graves is an exception. The Hawkeyes' defensive star is on the verge of a breakout year in 2025, where he could cause absolute havoc against opposing quarterbacks. Graves recorded six sacks and three forced fumbles in 2025. He has a nose for the quarterback and the IQ to go for the ball when he gets there. Graves' fireworks can be compared to the loudest ones that bring the boom in the middle of the show to change the scope of things. Drew Stevens Drew Stevens has a flair for the dramatic. He has proven himself to be clutch and a leg Iowa can count on late in the game to get them three points. His version of being a firework often mimics the finale at fireworks shows. He may not be the biggest or baddest, but his fireworks are going to leave the most lasting impression that determines a game and sometimes provides the most influence. Reece Vander Zee When healthy, Reece Vander Zee has flashed the ability to be Iowa's deep threat as he has the skillset to go up and get a 50/50 ball at its highest point. In his first game with Iowa, Vander Zee reeled in five receptions for 65 yards and two scores to start his career off with a firework show. If he can stay healthy this year and continue to utilize his ball skills, Reece Vander Zee could give Iowa the outside presence they need to attack teams deep and change games quickly with deep shots that connect. Kamari Moulton Kamari Moulton is going to be handed the keys to the backfield this year with the departure of Kaleb Johnson, and he has every opportunity to be a firework show each week. He will be running behind an incredibly strong and experienced offensive line, which should give him opportunities to light up the scoreboard when he gets to the second and third levels. He also brings the proven explosive ability with him. In 2024, Moulton flashed a firework display with a blistering 68-yard touchdown run through the heart of the Maryland Terrapins' defense that was never in doubt once he got through the offensive line. Mark Gronowski Last, but certainly not least, is Mark Gronowski, Iowa's shiny new firework at the quarterback position. With the anticipation and excitement around him, Gronowski has the opportunity to set off a firework show within the Iowa offense that has not been seen in some time. Gronowski's arm talent is undeniable. He has thrown for over 10,000 yards and knows how to read defenses. Where he could bring fireworks is on the ground. He has the legs to break contain and turn broken plays into first down, big gains, and even touchdowns once he gets into the open field. Mark Gronowski has the opportunity to light up the sky in Kinnick Stadium with his offensive fireworks. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Big Ten Football 2025 All-Conference Team
Big Ten Football 2025 All-Conference Team originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The 2025 All-Big Ten Team is led by 15 selections from Ohio State and Penn State, with Michigan, Illinois, and Oregon (12 selections each) headlining the next tier of teams with the most picks on the all-conference squad. Advertisement With the release of the Athlon Sports 2025 College Football Preview Magazine, it's time to take a look at the best of the best and honor the top players in the league with a release of first, second, third and fourth all-conference teams for '25. An important note on the all-conference teams: These are based on how players will perform in 2025. Career statistics and awards matter in the evaluation, but choosing players for the 2025 all-conference team is largely based on predicting and projecting the best for the upcoming year. Also, team strength does not play a role in selections. These are the best individual players at each position in the league for '25. Big Ten 2025 Preview: Predictions | Coach Ranks | 136 | Toughest Schedules Related: College Football's 2025 All-America Team Big Ten Football 2025 All-Conference Team Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith© Columbus Dispatch-Imagn Images First-Team Offense QB Drew Allar, Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State RB Makhi Hughes, Oregon RB Jonah Coleman, Washington All-Purpose Kaytron Allen, Penn State WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State TE Max Klare, Ohio State C Logan Jones, Iowa OL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State OL J.C. Davis, Illinois OL Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin OL Gennings Dunker, Iowa OL Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon Advertisement Related: Big Ten Predictions for 2025 First-Team Defense Ohio State safety Caleb DownsAdam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images DL Mikail Kamara, Indiana DL Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State DL Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon DL Derrick Moore, Michigan DL Zane Durant, Penn State LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon LB Gabe Jacas, Illinois LB Aiden Fisher, Indiana LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State LB Ernest Hausmann, Michigan CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana CB Xavier Scott, Illinois CB A.J. Harris, Penn State S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon S Caleb Downs, Ohio State S Koi Perich, Minnesota First-Team Specialists K Dominic Zvada, Michigan P Rhys Dakin, Iowa KR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa PR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa Second-Team Offense USC WR Makai LemonKirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State RB Darius Taylor, Minnesota RB Justice Haynes, Michigan RB James Peoples, Ohio State All-Purpose Trebor Pena, Penn State WR Denzel Boston, Washington WR Ja'Kobi Lane, USC WR Makai Lemon, USC TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon C Iapani Laloulu, Oregon OL Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern OL Justin Evans, Nebraska OL Isaiah World, Oregon OL Carter Smith, Indiana OL Tegra Tshabola, Ohio State OL Beau Stephens, Iowa Advertisement Related: Ranking All 136 Teams for 2025 Second-Team Defense Iowa DL Ethan HurkettMandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images DL Eddrick Houston, Ohio State DL Rayshaun Benny, Michigan DL Ethan Hurkett, Iowa DL Aaron Graves, Iowa DL TJ Guy, Michigan LB Jaishawn Barham, Michigan LB Tony Rojas, Penn State LB Taariq Al-Uqdah, Washington LB Dariel Djabome, Rutgers LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State CB Jermaine Matthews Jr., Ohio State CB Theran Johnson, Oregon CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State S Kamari Ramsey, USC S Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa Second-Team Specialists K Drew Stevens, Iowa P Ryan Eckley, Michigan State KR Nicholas Singleton, Penn State PR Hank Beatty, Illinois Third-Team Offense Illinois QB Luke Altmyer© Ron Johnson-Imagn Images QB Luke Altmyer, Illinois RB Kaden Feagin, Illinois RB Kamari Moulton, Iowa RB Devin Mockobee, Purdue WR Hudson Clement, Illinois WR Nick Marsh, Michigan State WR Dane Key, Nebraska WR Devonte Ross, Penn State TE Jack Velling, Michigan State C Pat Coogan, Indiana OL Elijah Paige, USC OL Tyler Needham, Rutgers OL Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State OL Giovanni El-Hadi, Michigan OL Nick Dawkins, Penn State OL Rocco Spindler, Nebraska Advertisement Related: Big Ten Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2025 Third-Team Defense USC LB Eric GentryDarren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports DL Anthony Smith, Minnesota DL Eric O'Neill, Rutgers DL Aidan Hubbard, Northwestern DL Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State DL A'Mauri Washington, Oregon DL Max Llewellyn, Iowa LB Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota LB Eric Gentry, USC LB Mac Uihlein, Northwestern LB Christian Alliegro, Wisconsin LB Dylan Rosiek, Illinois LB Amare Campbell, Penn State CB Tacario Davis, Washington CB Ceyair Wright, Nebraska CB Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin S Rod Moore, Michigan S Preston Zachman, Wisconsin S Amare Ferrell, Indiana Third-Team Specialists K Caden Chittenden, USC P Atticus Bertrams, Wisconsin KR Makai Lemon, USC PR Koi Perich, Minnesota Fourth-Team Offense Nebraska RB Emmett JohnsonGary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska RB Antwan Raymond, Rutgers RB Waymond Jordan, USC RB Roman Hemby, Indiana WR Ian Strong, Rutgers WR Dakorien Moore, Oregon WR Kwazi Gilmer, UCLA WR Vinny Anthony, II, Wisconsin TE Dorian Fleming, Maryland C Jake Renfro, Wisconsin OL Ashton Beers, Minnesota OL Garrett DiGiorgio, UCLA OL Conner Moore, Michigan State OL Melvin Priestly, Illinois OL Henry Lutovsky, Nebraska OL Kwabena Asamoah, Rutgers OL Andrew Sprague, Michigan Fourth-Team Defense Michigan CB Jyaire HillMatt Pendleton-Imagn Images DL Caden Curry, Ohio State DL Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei, Washington DL Devan Thompkins, USC DL James Thompson Jr., Illinois DL Deven Eastern, Minnesota DL Kellan Wyatt, Indiana LB Marques Watson-Trent, Nebraska LB Daniel Wingate, Maryland LB Isaiah Chisom, UCLA LB Sanders Ellis, Purdue LB Teitum Tuioti, Oregon LB Jordan Hall, Michigan State CB Jyaire Hill, Michigan CB DJ Harvey, USC CB Braden Turner, Northwestern CB Kaleb Patterson, Illinois CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington CB Zeke Berry, Michigan S Nikai Martinez, Michigan State S Jalen Huskey, Maryland Fourth-Team Specialists K Mateen Bhaghani, UCLA P Keelan Crimmins, Illinois KR Vinny Anthony, II, Wisconsin PR Devonte Ross, Penn State Advertisement Related: Big Ten Football 2025 Predictions Related: Big Ten Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2025 Related: Athlon Sports 2025 College Football Preview Magazine Available Now This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
