PREGAME
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | IOWA VS. WISCONSIN | KINNICK STADIUM
Sharing a privilege
Hawkeye Radio Network’s Gary Dolphin and Pat Angerer embrace the spontaneity and responsibility of their jobs.
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5 things to watch
Matt McGowan Pregame Editor
matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
1. Badger rushing attack
After starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke went down with a season-ending injury in Week 2, the Badgers have turned to the ground game. Headlined by Tawee Walker’s 624 yards and 10 touchdowns, Wisconsin ranks top four in the Big Ten in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns. Walker, a 5-foot-9 senior from North Las Vegas, has come into his own during conference competition, scoring nine touchdowns. Over the month of October, the transfer from Oklahoma is averaging 119.3 yards per game, ranking seventh among Power Four running backs.
2. Sullivan’s quick start
Despite the hype around Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan’s performance last week against Northwestern, it’s important to acknowledge that he didn’t produce a first down until his fourth series. Granted, part of this is due to him entering the game in the second quarter and not kickoff. Nevertheless, head coach Kirk Ferentz said he had planned on Sullivan getting some series regardless of any injury to Cade McNamara – so it’s not like Sullivan was caught off guard.
Given that Wisconsin has a superior offense to Northwestern, Iowa having productive drives early on will be key to setting the tone and keeping the Badgers offense off the field.
3. New red zone look
With Sullivan as the starter, Iowa won’t be catching anyone by surprise with its red zone offense. If anything, teams will be more in tune to the Hawkeyes’ strategies inside the 10-yard line, as those plays could be repeated with Sullivan at other spots on the field. Obviously, running back Kaleb Johnson will still be the go-to guy, but I wonder how much leash offensive coordi -
nator Tim Lester will give Sullivan to throw the ball. He has one passing touchdown this season and only had 14 passing attempts against Northwestern.
Wisconsin is tied for second-to-last in the Big Ten with only three interceptions on the year, so this could be the ideal situation for Sullivan to let it fly.
4. Short yardage stops
In a battle between two potent rushing attacks, 3rd-and-short situations can be where the game is decided. The Badgers have dominated in these scenarios with their run game – averaging 4.4 yards per carry and converting a conference-best 80.7 percent of the time when they keep the ball on the ground. Hawkeye linebacking duo Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson will have to be on their game.
Conversely, the Iowa offense will have to keep Wisconsin’s Jaheim Thomas and Hunter Wohler in check. Thomas, a linebacker from Arkansas who led the Razorbacks in tackles last season, tops the Badgers with 52 tackles. Wohler, a second-team Preseason All-American at safety, ranks 16th in the Big Ten with 42.
5. Generating pressure
OFFENSE
QB 1 Brendan Sullivan Jr 11 Marco Lainez #Fr
RB 2 Kaleb Johnson Jr 28 Kamari Moulton #Fr
WR 0 Jarriett Buie #Fr 7 Dayton Howard #Fr
WR 6 Seth Anderson Jr 21 Kayden Wetjen Sr
WR 5 Jacob Gill Jr 8 Terrell Washington Jr. #Fr
TE 85 Luke Lachey Sr 48 Zach Ortwerth Soph
LT 78 Mason Richman Sr 71 Jack Dotzler Soph
LG 76 Tyler Elsbury Sr 64 Leighton Jones #Fr
C 65 Logan Jones Sr 58 Kade Pieper #Fr
RG 77 Connor Colby Sr 53 Michael Myslinski Jr
RT 67 Gennings Dunker Jr 56 Nick DeJong Sr
PK 18 Drew Stevens Jr DEFENSE
LE 45 Deontae Craig Sr 48 Max Llewellyn Jr
LT 95 Aaron Graves Jr 57 Will Hubert Soph
In a similar vein to Iowa, Wisconsin also prides itself in its offensive line. Three of its five starters started all 13 games last season, while center Jake Renfroe takes over for Tanor Bortolini, who was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Renfroe previously played at Cincinnati, where he earned first-team all-conference honors in 2021. Anchored by left tackle Jack Nelson, who has 46 career starts under his belt, the Badgers rank tied for 16th in the FBS for sacks allowed with eight.
As seen against Northwestern with Max Llewellyn’s safety, getting pressure on a quarterback can make a difference. Wisconsin’s Braedyn Locke is a pocket passer, so the Hawkeyes don’t have to worry about containment. If they can get in his face and limit short passes, the Badgers will be seeing more 3rd-and-longs on Saturday.
OFFENSE
QB 18 Braedyn Locke Soph 11 Mabrey Mettauer Fr
RB 3 Tawee Walker Sr 13 Darrion Dupree Fr
WR 9 Bryson Green Sr 4 CJ Williams Jr
WR 8 Vinny Anthony II Jr 5 Quincy Burroughs Soph
SLOT 6 Will Pauling Jr 2 Trech Kekahuna #Fr
TE 37 Riley Nowakowski Sr 38 Tucker Ashcraft Soph
LT 79 Jack Nelson Sr 70 Barrett Nelson Soph
LG 56 Joe Brunner Soph 65 James Durand #Fr
C 57 Jake Renfro Sr 73 Kerry Kodanko Sr
RG 60 Joe Huber Sr 67 JP Benzschawel Jr
RT 71 Riley Mahlman Jr 55 Kevin Heywood Fr
PK 90 Nathanial Vakos Jr
DEFENSE
DL 68 Ben Barten Sr 94 Elijah Hills Sr
DL 92 Curt Neal Soph 96 Cade McDonald Sr
RT 94 Yahya Black Sr 55 Jeremiah Pittman Jr
RE 49 Ethan Hurkett Sr 90 Brian Allen Soph
OLB 17 Darryl Peterson Jr 59 Aaron Witt Sr
ILB 1 Jake Chaney Sr 4 Tackett Curtis Soph
29 Sebastian Castro Sr 37 Kyler Fisher Sr
CASH/ LEO
MLB 34 Jay Higgins Sr 41 Jaden Harrell Jr
WLB 10 Nick Jackson Sr 43 Karson Sharar Jr
CB 27 Jermari Harris Sr 3 Jaylen Watson Fr
SS 1 Xavier Nwankpa Jr 4 Koen Entringer Soph
FS 30 Quinn Schulte Sr 6 Zach Lutmer #Fr
CB 8 Deshaun Lee Soph 2 TJ Hall Jr
P 9 Rhys Dakin Fr
ILB 7 Jaheim Thomas Sr 28 Christian Alliegro Soph
OLB 8 Leon Lowery Sr 15 Sebastian Cheeks Soph
NB 9 Austin Brown Jr 12 Max Lofy Sr
CB 2 Ricardo Hallman Jr 21 Jonas Duclona Soph
SS 24 Hunter Wohler Sr 18 Owen Arnett Jr
FS 14 Preston Zachman Sr 9 Austin Brown Jr
CB 3 Nyzier Fourqurean Sr 5 R.J. Delancy III Sr
P 49 Atticus Bertrams Soph
Nelson
Sullivan
Walker
Thomas
Wager
PETE RUDEN College Football Editor, Action Network Daily Iowan alumnus
The Daily Iowan’s official bettor’s guide to Iowa football’s Week 10 matchup with Wisconsin.
MATT MCGOWAN Pregame Editor
-3
This game will begin and end on the legs of Kaleb Johnson. Wisconsin ranks just 105th in defensive line yards, and if the Badgers aren’t getting to Johnson at the line, he should have a field day when he reaches the second level. Plus, Iowa has a special teams advantage.
Iowa runs the ball on 61 percent of its plays — a top-15 rush rate — which will keep the clock moving throughout. Wisconsin’s scoring has fallen off in the past two weeks, putting up 23 against Northwestern and 13 against Penn State. Iowa’s defense will be just as tough.
The Rebels lead the FBS in havoc and should live the backfield against Arkansas, which ranks 91st in the FBS in havoc allowed.
While not a defense to take lightly, as Wisconsin has gained 10 turnovers this season, the Badgers give the ball away even more – seven fumbles lost and six interceptions. I forsee Badger quarterback Braedyn Locke throwing to the wrong team and Iowa dominating on the ground.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Iowa games have exceeded this total all but twice this season, with the pair of outliers being 39 and 40 total points. Both these squads have reputable rushing attacks that can put up enough points to exceed this total.
The Midshipmen will bounce back against a porous Rice rush defense that has only six turnovers on the season.
Each week during the Iowa football season, Daily Iowan Pregame Editor Matt McGowan and Action Network College Football Editor
YTD: $729
Pete Ruden will place three hypothetical bets of $100. The score of the contest will be kept in the piggy banks to the right and left with a winner to be declared at the end of the season.
Ruden’s 2024 record: 8-15-1
YTD: $1,264
McGowan’s 2024 record: 14-10
Iowa football’s radio team puts fans first
Gary Dolphin and Pat Angerer know their job is far larger than themselves.
Matt
McGowan Pregame Editor matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
Each donning a black Iowa football quarter zip, the similarities between Gary
Dolphin and Pat Angerer begin and end with their clothing. Before the Hawkeyes’ game against Northwestern last Saturday, the pair looked like they’re preparing for two different futures.
As the Iowa marching band plays the
“Star Spangled Banner” minutes before kickoff, Dolphin stands calmly at attention, his bespectacled eyes drifting down to the Kinnick turf. To his right, Angerer’s eyes are shielded by sunglasses, but the rest of his body can’t hide his anticipation.
Swaying back-and-forth, Angerer bounces on his toes as the crowd launches into an I-O-W-A chant. Never mind his bald head and the decade removed from his playing
Hawkeye Radio Network’s play-by-play announcer Gary Dolphin studies a team depth chart before a football game between Iowa and Northwestern at Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 26. The Hawkeyes defeated the Wildcats, 40-14. Dolphin has been with the network since its inception in 1997.
RADIO
from 5
days – the former Hawkeye linebacker wants back in on the action.
Dolphin, meanwhile, is more than comfortable with his positioning four stories above the field. Now in his 27th season on the job, the play-by-play announcer for the Hawkeye Radio Network views the radio booth as his second home, and once the action starts, the 73-year-old enters his wheelhouse in stride.
His eyes darting between the field, depth charts, and advertisement reads, Dolphin’s hands are in a constant state of motion. Picking up papers and tossing them aside, it’s as if he’s a magician cycling through a deck of cards. A few minutes into the first quarter, he glances back at The Daily Iowan reporter, flashing a youthful smile.
“You keeping up?”
While Dolphin is no stranger to the fastpaced lifestyle of live radio, the 39-year-old Angerer, his newly-appointed color commentator, is in his maiden voyage. Aided by his broadcast partner’s experience and guidance, Angerer isn’t afraid to be himself as the pair embrace the spontaneity and responsibility of their profession.
“That’s football, right?” Angerer said. “You mess up one play, you can’t spend the rest of the game thinking about that play you messed up. You’ve got to move forward.”
Replacing a legend
“There we go, buddy boy.”
That phrase, cast in a deep, gravelly voice, has been a fixture on the AM airwaves for decades. The source: Ed Podolak, a radio analyst for Iowa football for 42 seasons. A former star running back for the Hawkeyes and Kansas City Chiefs, Podolak began calling games for WHO in 1982 before joining Dolphin at Learfield Sports’ Hawkeye Radio at the network’s inception in 1997.
Back in April, the 77-year-old Podolak announced he would step away from the booth.
“One of the game’s great competitors, Ed’s ability to explain plays was unparalleled,” Dolphin told Iowa Athletics at the time of the announcement. “Football mentalities of all ages understood and enjoyed the humor each Saturday.”
Even though he’s no longer physically present in the booth, Podolak hasn’t really left. Dolphin and the rest of the radio crew still imitate his memorable drawl. A bobblehead of him in a Chiefs uniform sits on a shelf in the radio booth. Just to the left hangs a framed caricature painting of him and Dolphin standing side-by-side, grinning as they call an imaginary game. Podolak would still be involved on game days, but the position as Dolphin’s right-hand-man
seasons.
The latter half of his pro career was beset by injuries, as the linebacker had multiple knee surgeries over the next two seasons before getting released. Admitting stubbornness, Angerer tried out for the Atlanta Falcons, made it through training camp, but was still let go before the start of the 2014 season.
In four seasons, Angerer had swapped a seat on the sideline bench to a spot on the couch, watching pro friends through a television screen. Angerer said watching the game became difficult for a while. Mentally, he knew he still had what it took, but his body refused.
“Your whole life, you’re a part of a team of like-minded individuals,” Angerer said. “The goal that you’re getting to, that you’re fighting for, literally, from what you eat to what you lift, when you go to the bathroom, when you sleep, when you wake up – it’s structured. Then, all of a sudden it’s gone, and you’re just lost. You just want somebody to tell you what to do because you’re really good at taking orders.”
Angerer eventually got a new boss after he took a job at Mississippi Valley Credit Union in the Quad Cities, staying close to his hometown Bettandorf. He split his time between business development at the credit union and familial duties as a husband to his wife, Mary, and their three kids.
When Iowa Athletics Vice President and General Manager Gabe Aguirre reached out to gauge his interest as the next color commentator, Angerer wondered if the part-time job was made for him. Majoring in health and sports studies back in college, Angerer had no prior media experience, but recognized the privilege of his opportunity. Unlike most Big Ten schools, the state of Iowa doesn’t have a major metropolitan city or major pro sports team. From farmers out in the field to mechanics in an auto shop, radio has been a constant resource for information and entertainment on all Hawkeye matters. Before the creation of Hawkeye Radio Network, Iowa football games were broadcast on multiple different regional stations. Legends like Jim Zabel, Bob Brooks, and Ron Gonder were the soundtrack on autumn Saturdays.
Alongside Dolphin, Angerer has a chance to be a part of that legacy.
was vacant.
Dolphin said the list of candidates for Podolak’s replacement was full of talent but was quickly chopped in half, as many applicants had kids in high school and didn’t want to sacrifice missing their weekend games. Holding one of five votes that would decide his next broadcast partner, Dolphin had his mind on a defensive player.
“Iowa has been so good, so strong nationally and in the Big Ten defensively,” Dolphin said. “Wouldn’t it be a nice tribute or honor to [Iowa defensive coordinators] Norm
Parker and Phil Parker if we find somebody qualified, that they were a great defensive player? Well, Pat fits the bill.”
A team captain and Football Writers Association first-team All-American his senior season, Angerer was a key cog to the 2009 Hawkeye squad that finished with an 11-2 record and Orange Bowl victory. His 145 tackles that season ranks fourth in program history.
Angerer was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft and enjoyed 32 starts over his first two
“It’s definitely something I don’t take lightly,” he said. “And that’s something that gets me excited every time I get on the radio. And also terrified.”
For the final stage of the interview process, Angerer had to call the fourth quarter of Iowa football’s 2023 matchup against Michigan State. He was at the game in stands as a fan, but left early to beat the traffic – much to his kids’ displeasure.
Tuning in to the radio on the drive back, he took in Dolphin and Podolak’s call of Cooper DeJean’s game-winning kickoff
Julie Koehn | The Daily Iowan
Iowa linebacker Pat Angerer celebrates after a turnover in a football game between Iowa and South Carolina in the first quarter of the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 1, 2009. Angerer finished his senior season with 145 tackles.
return for a touchdown.
“It was just the purity and excitement,” Angerer remembered. “You could tell that Ed and Gary loved the program deeply.”
Angerer would listen to that broadcast repeatedly in preparation for his interview. Rewatching the game at home on YouTube, Angerer recorded himself giving his own commentary.
But he didn’t like what he heard.
He sounded fake, scripted, and inauthentic. When his interview rolled around, he walked into the room without any notes.
“I didn’t want to go in there with a script, because the game’s not scripted,” Angerer said. “You’re not going to know what’s going to happen. I think that was what worked out for me, thankfully.”
Growing up in Bettendorf, Iowa, Angerer’s envisioned future was always in flux. The son of an Army veteran and brother of a Marine, he thought he would bypass college and enlist in the military after high school.
Soccer was the first sport he took up as a kid, and Angerer split time between that, wrestling, and football at Bettendorf High School. Division I football wasn’t on his radar until recruiters came calling.
Although plans change, Angerer said the most important objective is to focus on the task at hand. Nowadays, that assignment is a role he continues to grow in alongside Dolphin.
“There’s a lot of things in life that you just have to do and get it figured out,” Angerer said. “The process of how I’ve evolved, I’m obviously evolving every single play. I feel like the first game, I was more of a fan, now I’m becoming more of an analyst.”
Pacing, passionate, but pure
Standing behind the microphone in
“He got a little frantic. That’s what I love about former players, let alone great players. [Ed] Podolak was the same way, they can’t sit still. They’re actually playing the game that they’re analyzing. That’s got to be difficult to do.”
Iowa’s season opener against Illinois State, Angerer couldn’t sit still. For at least the first half hour of the contest, Angerer paced around what little room he had to move in a cramped booth.
“He got a little frantic,” Dolphin said of Angerer’s first game. “That’s what I love about former players, let alone great players. Podolak was the same way, they can’t sit still. They’re actually playing the game that they’re analyzing. That’s got to be difficult to do.”
During a commercial break, Dolphin said he reminded Angerer that the Redbirds weren’t a pushover team.
“He’s like, ‘Oh yeah, you’re right, boss,’” Dolphin remembered. “He keeps calling me boss.”
The Hawkeyes turned a 6-0 halftime lead into a 40-point blowout, and Angerer got calmer as the home team pulled away. After the final whistle, Dolphin said Angerer was deeply apologetic the moment the pair got in the elevator to descend from the press box.
Even though he felt like he interrupted his partner too much, Angerer’s desire for improvement was matched with the comfort of knowing he had a great leader by his side.
“It felt like I was sitting there with a friend talking about a football game,” he said. “[Dolphin’s] got the the same attributes as the leaders that I’ve had in my time at Iowa. All the great coaches, he’s got that. He loves the program. Just being next to him really, really, put me at ease. I couldn’t imagine working with anybody else.”
It didn’t take long for Angerer to showcase his talent.
Dolphin described how during the postgame show following Iowa’s heartbreaking 20-19 loss to Iowa State, Angerer’s opening line was emblematic of how any Hawkeye player would be feeling.
“‘Dolph, I’ve got to tell you, I’m really, really sad right now,’” Dolphin remembered his partner saying.
After the pair broke down the Hawkeyes’ errors against the Cyclones, such as not scoring touchdowns inside the 5-yard line, Angerer took back his previous statement. He was no longer sad for his former team but frustrated that the Hawkeyes couldn’t perform in the clutch.
“I thought that was a really poignant moment,” Dolphin said. “That’s when I said to myself, ‘You know what? This guy’s going to be all right. He’s going to be really good.’”
“He’s very good at fitting the mood, fitting words inside the mood,” he added. “And that’s what we want, that’s what gets fans fired up.”
Angerer takes no shame in being a homer. Similar to Podolak, who Dolphin said was in tears after the Hawkeyes’ Capital One Bowl victory over LSU, the former Hawkeye wears his emotions on his sleeve.
Cody Blissett| The Daily Iowan
Hawkeye Radio Network’s Gary Dolphin and Pat Angerer pose for a portrait before a football game between Iowa and Northwestern at Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 26. The pair are in their first season as broadcast partners.
Gary Dolphin
Iowa radio announcer on Pat Angerer’s first game
RADIO from 7
A chase-down tackle by Iowa defensive lineman Aaron Graves against Northwestern prompts an energetic fist pump. A diving catch from wide receiver Seth Anderson elicits a chuckle of amazement. An interception from quarterback Cade McNamara brings his hands to the top of his head.
“That’s going to be a touchdown,” Dolphin said dryly as Wildcat defensive back Theran Johnson dashed down the sideline for an 86-yard score off the turnover.
“Dang,” Angerer muttered, shaking his head in disappointment.
Yet coupled with his emotional reactions are moments of a more nuanced analysis. A tap on the elbow from Dolphin sparks Angerer to chime in and elaborate more on what he saw. Opting not to use binoculars so that he can see the whole field, Angerer describes a false disguise on a blitz and even points out what should have been a defensive holding penalty on a defensive player.
Dolphin said while Angerer still sometimes runs through his analysis too quickly, the former linebacker is becoming more determined to be vocal. Angerer is cautious not to get in the way of his so-called boss, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t part of the show.
“I said, ‘Pat, they’re tuning in to hear you, too, pal. Just as much as they are me,’” Dolphin recalled.
“My wife’s been trying to change me since we’ve been together,” Angerer said with a smile. “But Gary wants me to be me, so I’m going to take his word for it.”
For listeners, Angerer’s humor is hard to ignore. Specializing in self-deprecation, Angerer doesn’t hesitate to poke fun at himself. He said he still dreams about being in the NFL, only to wake up and find himself “fat and bald.” He joked that if his wife Mary ever gets a good set of eyes, she’d leave him in an instant.
During the Iowa-Northwestern game, Dolphin pointed out how former Iowa football player and professional wrestler Ettore “Big E” Ewen was in attendance.
“He played with you,” Dolphin said to Angerer.
“No,” Angerer quickly corrected. The for -
Fireworks are set off above the Kinnick Stadium press box after an Iowa football game between Iowa and Northwestern
press box, Hawkeye Radio Network’s Gary Dolphin and Pat Angerer have called each game this season.
mer All-American would never be the center of attention. “I played with him.”
Fans first
Before Iowa’s game against Northwestern, Dolphin thumbs the two inches of stacked paper on the table in front of him. Each dotted with type and handwritten notes, a majority contain information that will probably never hit the airwaves.
But that doesn’t matter to Dolphin. He’s been in the broadcasting business for more than 50 years. If there’s one thing his mentors told him, it’s that not every day will be perfect. Every Plan A needs a Plan B.
For instance, in an offensively-challenged first half between the Hawkeyes and Wildcats, Dolphin spins the 7-5 score into a brief discussion of this year’s World Series. His beloved New York Yankees fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers via a walk-off grand slam, and it didn’t take long for Angerer to remind him of that fact.
Aside from knowing how to entertain the audience, Angerer also learned to engage them.
Taped on the wall in the booth is a list of first names Dolphin does his best to shout out during the broadcast.
The names are front staff at the Homewood Suites where Dolphin stays during home games. Most won’t be tuning in on radio, but for Dol-
phin it’s his way of showing his appreciation. For Angerer, his job lets him continue his love for football. But he knows sitting in the booth isn’t just to showcase his personality. Having only been on the job for less than a year, he said he doesn’t quite know the impact he has on listeners.
Yet he’s well aware that just like his playing days, his new profession in a cubby hole booth is far larger than himself. When he’s in the booth, Angerer isn’t just having a conversation with Dolphin, but spending his day with thousands of fans.
“I owe them in my preparation. I owe them to be positive, to be enthusiastic,” he said. “I owe it to them to be on my game on Saturdays.”
Emily Nyberg | The Daily Iowan
on Oct. 26. Sitting up in the
Kaden Wetjen’s patience finally pays off
Fourth-year wide receiver Kaden Wejten began his career in junior college but has emerged as one of the best kick returners in the country this season.
Brad Schultz Assistant Sports Editor brad.schultz@dailyiowan.com
When he’s not sprinting down the field, Kaden Wetjen is still. Very still. The Iowa football team’s kick and punt returner waits near the end zone, arms at his sides. The ball will arrive eventually; all he has to do is wait.
The 22-year-old has been in this position plenty of times before. Spending his off days perched up in a tree or planted along a river bank, Wetjen’s hunting and fishing experiences have made him well-versed in patience.
“It’s a perfect fit,” he said.
A deer won’t immediately cross his line of sight. Neither will a bass instantly snag his bait. The same applies on the football field. Finding success is a long process but is worth the wait.
In his fourth season of college football, Wetjen has carved out a role on the Hawkeyes as a dynamic playmaker on special teams, recording 432 kick return yards and another 260 on punts – each ranking atop the Big Ten.
For Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, these prolific numbers were more so a surprise than an expectation.
“I don’t mind telling you going into the season I was a little worried about him,” Ferentz said of Wetjen. “Judgment, fielding balls. I’ll say that; I’ll admit it now. But he’s certainly earned my trust.”
Before receiving Ferentz’s vote of confidence, Wetjen had to grab the attention of the Iowa coaching staff. Born in Iowa City, Wetjen grew up 30 minutes west of Kinnick Stadium in Williamsburg, Iowa. A star at Williamsburg High School, Wetjen scored 31 touchdowns his senior season while playing at running back, wide receiver, and defensive back.
Despite this success, scholarship offers were few, confined to the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
Rather than play at the FCS level, Wetjen opted to take an untraditional route and play junior college ball, enrolling at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
“I knew it could make it at the Division-1 level, and I just had to prove it,” he said.
Wetjen quickly blossomed into a star for the Reivers, collecting 952 all-purpose yards
Iowa
and three touchdowns. He was a formidable wide receiver, posting 304 yards and one touchdown on 18 receptions, but made a name for himself returning kicks, scoring two touchdowns on punt returns while also adding 129 yards on kickoff returns.
His efforts propelled Iowa Western to a 10-1 record and a berth in the NJCAA National Championship Game, where the Reivers lost to the New Mexico Military Institute, 31-13.
Despite the loss, Wetjen ultimately achieved his goal of playing high-level football, earning a preferred walk-on offer from Ferentz and Iowa prior to the 2022 season. He credits the strong culture of the Reiver program for helping him achieve his goals.
Wetjen didn’t see any game action during his first season as a Hawkeye, but he played in all 14 games during the 2023 season. Watching film of former Iowa return stars Charlie Jones and Tim Dwight – each of whom played in the NFL – Wetjen said he learned how to utilize speed.
This tutelage paid off in 2023, when he led the team with 14 kickoff returns for 335 yards. He averaged 23.9 yards per return on those attempts, which ranked fourth in the Big Ten.
Following the season, Wetjen earned Iowa’s Next Man In award for special teams, a recognition awarded by Ferentz to the players who have stepped up with the “next man in” mentality.
“Since he’s been here, he seems like he enjoys football, enjoys the group, being part of the team,” Ferentz said. “He’s typically a pretty positive guy.”
“I think anytime Kaden has the ball in his hands, it’s good for Iowa. So we’re trying to give him the ball whenever we can,” special teams coordinator LeVar Woods added. “He’s pretty fearless, and that’s one of the first traits you look for.”
After breaking out in 2023, the next step for Wetjen was to find the end zone, and he appeared to do just that in the season opener against Illinois State.
With five minutes to play in the opening quarter, Wetjen snatched a low, line-drive punt from Redbird punter Hayden Futch and found a gaping hole on the right side of the field, walking in for what seemed to be an easy touchdown.
After hearing the roar of the Kinnick crowd as he crossed the goal line, he initially thought the play was clean. But just as Wetjen turned around, he saw the dreaded yellow penalty flag resting near the 50-yard line.
“I was, like, ‘That’s just great,’” he said with a smile.
As the season wore on, Wetjen continued to come close to the long-awaited score, but came up short each time. One defender would always bring him to the turf.
“People don’t realize how hard of a job that is,” Ferentz said. “I think that’s one of the hardest jobs on the football field, maybe outside of playing quarterback.”
Wetjen’s difficult job finally bore the fruits of its labor in Iowa’s game against Northwestern on Oct. 26.
With under nine minutes to play in the third quarter and Iowa leading, 19-7, Wetjen wiggled through a multitude of Wildcat defenders into the open field, then tightroped the near sideline for an 85-yard touchdown, sending the crowd at Kinnick Stadium into a frenzy.
Wetjen again turned around looking for a flag; this time, there were none. But his touchdown wasn’t official yet. The play was placed under review to make sure he was in bounds – much to Wetjen’s dismay.
“I was like, again, ‘Man, are you serious?’” Wetjen said.
After a few minutes, replay confirmed what Wetjen and the crowd already knew. The celebration was on. Swarmed by his teammates, Wetjen joked he may have gotten a concussion from all the pats on his helmet.
Just one year ago, the 5-foot-10 Wetjen said he was outmatched by taller and stronger Nebraska defenders. In the Hawkeyes’ game against the Cornhuskers last November, Wetjen was hit so hard his face mask bent in. As Ferentz said, Wetjen’s job doesn’t come without struggles, but it requires determination.
“Just put your head down and run,” Wetjen said. “That’s really the key to being a successful returner. You got guys flying full speed at you, so you might as well do the same thing back at them.”
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
wide receiver Kaden Wetjen is tackled while attempting to run the ball during a Cy-Hawk football game between No. 21 Iowa and Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 7. The Cyclones defeated the Hawkeyes, 20-19.
One on One: Max Llewellyn
The Daily Iowan Assistant Sports Editor Brad Schultz talked with the Hawkeye defensive lineman ahead of Iowa football’s game against Wisconsin.
Brad Schultz
Assistant Sports Editor brad.schultz@dailyiowan.com
The Daily Iowan: What is your favorite part about playing for Coach Ferentz?
Max Llewellyn: He’s just such a stand-up guy. I think what you see is what you get. He’ll tell you straight, and he’s the best. I love playing for Coach Ferentz. Just a stand-up dude.
Do you have a favorite NFL team?
The Bears.
What was your reaction to the Hail Mary last weekend?
Disgusting. But what are you going to do?
Do you think they can make the playoffs? I hope so, but I don’t know.
If you won the lottery today, what would you do with the money?
How much money are we talking?
It’s up to you to decide. I would probably invest in some real estate.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I love skiing. I love snowboarding. I might have to wait a couple years to do that again, but you never know what’s going to happen. But I’d say Colorado. Colorado is pretty cool.
Where do you usually ski at?
Breckenridge.
If you could have anyone play you in a movie, who would you choose?
Maybe Will Ferrell. I don’t really look like him, but he’s a great actor.
What is your favorite movie?
It’s called “Law Abiding Citizen.” It’s kind of like a John Wick-esque. It’s a great movie.
You and your brother [Luke] are both Hawkeye athletes. How cool is it to share the experience of being a Hawkeye with him?
It’s just great. It runs deep in the family now. So, yeah, it’s great.
More from Max Llewellyn:
On if he knew he had a safety against Northwe stern on Oct. 26:
“I did not know, if I’m being honest. I was gonna try and sell it, obviously, so I’m going to pop up and do my little safety thing.”
On what he looks for in the pass rush:
“Every tackle has a different set, everyone has a different punch. What I’m looking at is their set, their depth, how wide they get, whether it’s an inside-hand puncher or an outside-hand puncher, or if they’re both … There’s so many different elements with looking at tackles … and kind of have a plan in my mind of what I’m going to be doing.”
#48 Max Llewellyn • Junior
Defensive line • 6-foot-5 • Urbandale, IA
On what makes him a good pass rusher:
“I just think [it’s] having the ability to do multiple things. Because I feel when you look into the finer details of pass rushing, you’ve got speed and power. And I’ve been able to develop some moves where I’m able to use speed and then switch it up. It’s kind of like being a pitcher. Maybe throw some fastballs, then maybe do a spin or curveball or something like that.”
On what he’s learned from past Hawkeye defensive linemen Joe Evans and Logan Lee:
“Everyone has their own way of playing. That’s why I love playing D-line, because there’s so many; everyone’s got their own techniques. And seeing all these older guys, you kind of pick and choose what you see from them and create your own little package. Those guys have taught me a ton.”
Cody Blisset| The Daily Iowan Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn celebrates a safety with linebacker Nick Jackson in a football game between Iowa and Northwestern. The Hawkeyes defeated the Wildcats, 40-14.
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
No. 4 Ohio State (6-1, 3-1)
No. 3 Penn State (7-0, 4-0) Beaver Stadium University Park, PA
Wake up early, clear your hangover, and tune in — because Big Noon Kickoff is ruining our college football consumption experience.
Line: Ohio State -3.5 O/U: 45.5
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Minnesota (5-3, 3-2) No. 24 Illinois (6-2, 3-2) Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL
Seeing as I don’t ever want to go back to Minnesota thanks to Mike Merrick, I actually enjoyed my time at Memorial Stadium. Good environment.
Line: Minnesota -3 O/U: 45.5
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Northwestern (3-5, 1-4)
Purdue (1-6, 0-4)
Ross-Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN
Is this the worst game ever assembled in college football history? Crowd will look like a midseason White Sox game.
Power Rankings Game Guide
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. |
No. 1 Oregon (8-0, 5-0) Michigan (5-3, 3-2)
Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI
SLEEPER GAME OF THE WEEK. The Ducks aren’t bulletproof, and the Big House is certainly going to show out for a game like this.
Line: Oregon -14.5 O/U: 45.5
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. |
No. 13 Indiana (8-0, 5-0) Michigan State (4-4, 2-3) Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI
Indiana has the easiest schedule of all the top 15 teams. And here we go again; the Hoosiers off to look like greatness against a bottom-tier team.
Line: Indiana -8 O/U: 51.5
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. |
UCLA (2-5, 1-4) Nebraska (5-3, 2-3) Memorial Stadium Lincoln, NE
I made the trip to Lincoln once. I enjoyed it as much as I could, but I can’t imagine coming from sunny Los Angeles. Morale will be low, folks.
Saturday | 6:30 p.m. |
Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2) Iowa (5-3, 3-2) Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA
Duke and North Carolina, Hamilton and Burr, Kirk Ferentz and a definitive answer about his quarterback — rivalries that stand the test of time.
Line: Iowa -3 O/U: 41
Saturday | 6:30 p.m. |
USC (4-4, 2-4) Washington (4-4, 2-3) Husky Stadium Seattle, WA
Ah, yes, the battle of the hasbeens. An offense seriously missing Caleb Williams against an Air Raid offense bombing its season away.
Line: USC -2.5 O/U: 55.5
1. Oregon
Not what I was expecting, but the Ducks are No. 1 in the country for a reason.
2. Penn State
Not that it’ll translate to any success in the playoffs. It never does!
3. Ohio State
A four-point win over Nebraska shows the Buckeyes’ vulnerability.
4. Indiana
Only because it’s undefeated. Check the Hoosiers’ schedule — it’s Mickey Mouse!
5. Iowa
It wasn’t flawless, but I think it’s clear Brendan Sullivan is QB1.
6. Illinois
We all expected the loss to Oregon, but let’s not lose hope here.
7. Michigan
“They expect one of us in the wreckage, brother.”
8. Nebraska
I was convinced the Cornhuskers had it in ’em, but this will do.
9. Wisconsin
Luke Fickell has yet to recognize a football game is 60 minutes long.
10. Minnesota
The Gophers give random teams a test. But 48 points on Maryland?
11. USC
A win over LSU has to count for something, right? Right?
12. Michigan State
Aidan Chiles has some upside, but it’s clear he’s still a rookie.
13. Washington
Stop making Indiana look good!
Line: Northwestern -1 O/U: 46.5
Line: Nebraska -6 O/U: 39.5
14. Maryland
This is where we start to drop off. Why does the Big Ten have 18 teams now?
15. Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights are falling ... FAST.
16. UCLA
Stagnation. Nothing more to it.
17. Northwestern
You had us in the first half! But man, this offense is awful.
18. Purdue
One win. Six losses. That’s what the Irish will do to you!
Colin Votzmeyer Sports Editor
On The Line
The Daily Iowan staff share their predictions and thoughts on this week’s upcoming games.
Matt McGowan Pregame Editor 29-19 Colin Votzmeyer Sports Editor 32-16 Asst. Sports Editor 29-19
IOWA
I only go to the state of Wisconsin for the waterslides. IOWA
OHIO STATE
Ryan Day thrives in the sunshine.
SMU
Bring back the Kenny Pickett fake slide and duffle bags of cash.
CLEMSON
I think Jesus would’ve used the transfer portal, Dabo Swinney.
VIRGINIA TECH
Kyle McCord has the longest leash in America.
UAB
I wanted to pick an FCS game, but this will do.
IOWA
We’re all only really looking for one thing: Brendan Sullivan.
OHIO STATE
It’s that time of year for Penn State to fold!
SMU
Learned my lesson last week.
CLEMSON
Could make a Notre Dame crack against Louisville here.
VIRGINIA TECH
My goodness, Kyle McCord. My goodness.
TULSA
These are the type of teams IU plays to get this undefeated record.
The Bull stays in Iowa City for another year.
PENN STATE
James Franklin finally wins a big game.
SMU
Pitt might be one of the worst undefeated teams of all time.
CLEMSON
Jeff Brohm’s Purdue teams still give me nightmares.
SYRACUSE
Otto the Orange is one of the coolest college mascots I’ve ever seen.
TULSA
Not sure how Trent Dilfer is qualified to be a college head coach.
Chris Meglio Pregame Reporter 29-19 AJ Reisetter DITV Sports Director 28-20 John Bohnenkamp Sports Writing Coach 28-20 Publisher 33-15
IOWA
Ain’t nobody scared of a badger. Teddy bear mascot.
OHIO STATE
I’ll be drafting Jeremiah Smith in fantasy football in three years.
SMU
Never bet against a Texas school – shoutout Matt.
CLEMSON Tiger mascot but paw print logo. Weak creativity if you ask me.
SYRACUSE
Kyle McCord is not him, but he could be for one night.
TULSA
Picked against UAB because I don’t know what school that is.
IOWA
New QB1! IOWA
“Permanent,” Kirk Ferentz said, “is a strong word.”
OHIO STATE
It’s a mistake not making this the white-out game.
SMU
Mustangs to the Natty.
PENN STATE
Buckeyes will be unhappy in Happy Valley.
SMU
Another one of those ACC matchups you don’t see 30 years ago.
CLEMSON
Tigers’ offense might be a wagon.
VIRGINIA TECH
Kyle McCord loves throwing to the other team.
UAB
IOWA Badgers? We don’t need no stinkin’ Badgers.
OHIO STATE James Franklin ducks the postgame press conference.
SMU
Riding with the Ponies.
CLEMSON
Tigers are good again.
SYRACUSE
An ACC coin flip in a terrible stadium for football.
Dragons are scary. TULSA Is this game on TV somewhere? I hope not.
CLEMSON ACC is still Miami’s to lose.
VIRGINIA TECH
For the Hokies, it’s always turkey season.
TULSA Why?
Hunter Mickelson thrives despite rare condition
The 9-year-old son of a former Hawkeye football player, Hunter participates in multiple sports growing up in Clive, Iowa.
Mia Boulton Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
Hunter Mickelson’s parents, John and Brooke, ensure Hunter knows he’s special – one in a million, even.
In terms of his rare diagnosis of a kidney condition called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus from the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Hunter is one in 2.3 million. But the 9-year-old is also one in 12 – a Kid Captain for the 2024 Iowa season.
John, a former Hawkeye defensive lineman, still recalls sitting down with his family of six and telling them about Hunter’s place on the Kid Captain roster.
“Everyone was pretty emotional and pretty happy,” John said. “[UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital] means a lot to us. Iowa football means a lot to us.”
During Kids’ Day at Kinnick, Hunter and his family got to meet the football players and coaches, be in the locker room, and have an official media day photo shoot.
“Those photos are really well done,” John said. “Hunter got to wear a jersey and a helmet. He thinks all that stuff is cool. Longterm for us, those are memories that we will be able to document and treasure forever.”
On Saturday, Hunter will create another core memory, putting on his Kid Captain jersey and walking onto the field in front of 70,000 Hawkeye fans. At the end of the first quarter, he’ll also wave to the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital from Kinnick Stadium.
This will be a full-circle moment for the Mickelsons, reminding them of the strength and hard work it took for their family to get to this point.
The journey started during Hunter’s first few months of life when John and Brooke noticed abnormalities in Hunter’s crying and nursing habits. He also was struggling to gain weight.
“He was born at a normal weight,” John said. “When he was five or six months old, he had only gained a pound.”
Hunter’s parents tried to get answers from local doctors and specialists but didn’t have any luck until coming to the University of Iowa. John and Brooke were met with the sense of urgency they were longing for by pediatric gastroenterologist Eyad Hanna.
manage symptoms and everyday lifestyle changes that come with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
With nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, Hunter’s body doesn’t respond properly to a natural hormone called antidiuretic, or ADH. As a result, his body produces too much urine that causes rapid dehydration. After his diagnosis, Hunter received a blood transfusion, a central line to his heart, and a gastrostomy tube during his hospitalization.
Though there is no cure for Hunter’s condition, he is thriving as he and his parents
“He came in and took one look at Hunter and said, ‘I’m going to admit him right now,’” John said. “We really credit him for changing the course of Hunter’s treatment.”
John said Hunter always takes twicedaily medication and has access to water to combat the common extreme dehydration. These small lifestyle changes allow Hunter to attend fourth grade and participate in his favorite activities such as football, golf, and tennis.
“He’s a 9-year-old goofball who likes to goof around with his brothers and his friends,” John said. “We’ve tried to not have him feel like things are different with his condition.”
Additionally, to monitor his progress and continued treatment, Hunter returns to the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital for regular checkups.
Even years later, the Mickelsons still think fondly back on their experience with the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital staff, shining a positive light on what could have been a dark, challenging time.
“The personal interaction and bedside manner that all the doctors had was amazing,” John said. “All the doctors and nurses are making real differences in people’s lives every day.”
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
Kid Captain Hunter Mickelson (front) smiles as Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz speaks with him during Kids’ Day at Kinnick Stadium on Aug. 10, 2024. Iowa football players signed autographs for young fans and held an open practice on the Kinnick field.
