Forecasting the upcoming season is an enjoyable aspect of the offseason. Although it can be unpredictable, certain things remain consistent year after year. This is particularly true at institutions like Iowa, where head coach Kirk Ferentz is preparing to embark on his 26th season at the helm.
Iowa takes pride in its ability to nurture recruits into impactful players and future All-Big Ten performers. Fans can anticipate significant progress from numerous Hawkeyes during the 2024 campaign, staying true to the “Iowa Way.”
As Iowa gears up for the 2024 season, a prominent focal point is the potential offensive improvements that new offensive coordinator Tim Lester can instigate in his inaugural year with the team. Initial indications suggest that Iowa is leveraging Lester’s experience with Green Bay to implement a similar approach in Iowa City.
When considering potential breakout candidates, junior wide receivers Kaleb Brown and Seth Anderson are prime contenders for increased productivity, as is star senior tight end Luke Lachey.
However, these individuals are already established as starters and playmakers for Iowa. Who are the new talents to watch out for in 2024?
Here are 10 Iowa Hawkeyes to monitor as breakout candidates heading into the 2024 season.
WR Jarriett Buie
The redshirt freshman from Tampa, Florida, has increased his weight from 185 to 200 pounds as the fall camp approaches, a typical development for a player transitioning from their first to second year in the program. Iowa is in need of emerging young receivers, and Buie is at the top of that list.
During the spring depth chart unveiling, Buie was listed as the second receiver behind Seth Anderson. In his senior year at Jesuit High School, Buie caught 47 passes for 735 yards and accumulated over 1,000 all-purpose yards. Although Buie participated in three games in 2023, he did not make a catch.
WR Alex Mota
The 6-foot tall wide receiver from Marion High School is another promising young player to keep an eye on. Alex Mota demonstrated his versatility by gaining 742 rushing yards, 230 receiving yards, and notching 37.5 tackles during his senior year in high school.
Similar to Buie, Mota’s physical development showcases the effectiveness of the Iowa strength and conditioning program. Heading into 2024, Mota’s weight has increased from 180 to 193 pounds. Although Mota did not play in any games in 2023, it is possible that this could change in 2024 after a year of experience and training.
WR Dayton Howard
The last player to be mentioned in the lineup of Iowa’s prospects for 2024 is Dayton Howard. The Hawkeyes are in search of assistance at the wide receiver position, and Howard is a player worth observing in this context.
Possessing a larger build, Howard has a height of 6-foot-4. Similarly to the previously mentioned players, Howard has also increased his weight from 195 to 204 pounds. During his senior year at Park Hill High School in Kansas City, Missouri, Howard accumulated 760 receiving yards and scored 13 touchdowns.
In 2023, Howard did not get the opportunity to play in any games.
OL Trevor Lauck
Trevor Lauck, who was a highly sought-after recruit for the Hawkeyes in the class of 2023 according to Rivals, was considered a standout. Rivals positioned Lauck as the 245th best player nationwide, the 18th best offensive tackle, and the 4th best player coming from Indiana.
There has been a slight increase in Lauck’s weight, moving from 296 to 302 pounds. During the spring, he was designated as the backup for senior Connor Colby at right guard. Lauck is an emerging prospect to keep an eye on within the Hawkeye offensive line and could potentially make an impact this season if Iowa faces any challenges or needs a boost from their younger players.
TE Zach Ortwerth
Zach Ortwerth made his single reception during the Hawkeyes’ 22-0 shutout victory against Rutgers on November 11, 2023, and it was a significant one. He caught a 54-yard pass which led to the Hawkeyes’ second field goal of the game, marking Iowa’s longest reception of the season.
Following Luke Lachey, the junior Addison Ostrenga is the next likely choice. Ostrenga concluded the 2023 season with 31 receptions for 192 yards in 531 snaps. However, this should not prevent Ortwerth from receiving an opportunity.
Steven Stilianos, who saw 395 snaps last season, has left the program. Perhaps Lester could innovate with some two-tight end formations and demonstrate more of Ortwerth’s receiving capabilities when opposing defenses are focusing on Lachey?
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RB Jaziun Patterson
Senior Leshon Williams handled the majority of the rushing duties in the previous season, with 170 carries resulting in 821 yards and one touchdown. Following him, junior Kaleb Johnson had 117 carries, gaining 463 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
However, sophomore running back Jaziun Patterson also had standout moments last season, rushing for 86 yards in the victory over Iowa State and 53 yards against Rutgers.
Heading into 2024, Patterson has actually slimmed down from his 204-pound weight last season to 195 pounds. This weight loss could potentially add an extra burst of speed and agility for the third-year player from Pompano Beach, Fla.
DT Aaron Graves
Aaron Graves is seen as the clear choice for a breakout player on the defensive side. With ample experience and playing time, Graves enters the 2024 season as one of Iowa’s starting defensive tackles.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 300 pounds, this defensive tackle from Dayton, Iowa, participated in 409 snaps across 14 games last season, according to Pro Football Focus. With Logan Lee no longer in the picture, Graves is expected to see an increase in his playing time.
During the previous season, Graves recorded 37 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one quarterback hurry, and one pass breakup for Iowa. Throughout his time with the Hawkeyes, Graves has accumulated a total of 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
DE Brian Allen
Brian Allen is a rising figure to take note of. As a redshirt sophomore, Allen showcased his talent during Iowa’s 2023 Kids’ Day at Kinnick scrimmage.
Initially listed behind Ethan Hurkett in the spring depth chart, Allen is primed to receive increased opportunities this season, especially with Joe Evans’ 720 snaps from 2023 now available.
In the previous season, Allen appeared in four games, recording one tackle and one quarterback hurry. Keep an eye on him as he continues to make strides in his career.
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CB John Nestor
Iowa retains Jermari Harris and Deshaun Lee as their cornerbacks. Harris has been in the starting lineup for 18 games in the last two seasons, including 12 games last season, while Lee started six games in 2023.
It seems that the Hawkeyes have a stable situation there, but it wouldn’t be unexpected if sophomore cornerback John Nestor is given the opportunity to contribute at some stage. The 5-foot-11 defensive back played in 10 games last season and was a crucial part of the special teams.
Nestor was identified as Harris’ backup in the spring depth chart.
P Rhys Dakin
It’s no easy task to succeed a legendary figure, and that’s the challenge facing Rhys Dakin, Iowa’s new Australian recruit. Hailing from Melbourne, the freshman is anticipated to step into the role of the next outstanding punter for the Hawkeyes, a position of considerable significance at Iowa.
Dakin has already bulked up to 222 pounds since his arrival, a notable increase from his initial weight of 204 pounds at a height of 6 feet.
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