On3 projects Iowa Hawkeyes as Big Ten program positioned for largest win jump
Are the Iowa Hawkeyes poised to break out in 2023? The idea seems to be gaining steam nationally that the Hawkeyes could be a team set for a big season.
Recently, ESPN declared Cade McNamara is the best quarterback to suit up for Iowa in the last half decade. Joel Klatt from Fox Sports went on record saying the Hawkeyes could potentially threaten in the Big Ten West race in 2023. Among others, 247Sports is hearing positive signs of improvement regarding Iowa’s offensive line as the season approaches.
The latest to hop on the Hawkeye bandwagon is Matt Zenitz of On3. He believes Iowa could be the Big Ten team poised for the biggest win jump in 2023.
While there are other teams in the Big Ten garnering far more attention nationally, Iowa is another Big Ten squad with a real shot at finishing the year with double-digit wins. After going just 8-5 last year, including a 7-5 regular season, it’s probably fair to label the Hawkeyes as the favorite to win the Big Ten West.
Based on personnel — including Michigan QB transfer Cade McNamara and early-round NFL prospects like defensive back Cooper DeJean — along with a favorable schedule that doesn’t include Michigan or Ohio State, it’s not crazy to think Iowa could be in the range of double-digit wins by the end of the regular season. – Zenitz, On3.
As Zenitz pointed out, the path for Iowa exists. The Hawkeyes hung up eight wins despite their offense last year, and they added talent in areas needing improvement. McNamara will run the offense and have new targets, Michigan transfer tight end Erick All and Ohio State transfer receiver Kaleb Brown.
If Iowa’s offensive line can improve and sophomore running back Kaleb Johnson continues to blossom into what he flashed last year, Iowa’s offense could make things very interesting. It is paired with a defense that is annually among the conference’s best. Should the offense inch forward at all, there is reason to believe the Hawkeyes’ record in 2023 could as well.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers were chosen along with Iowa as the Big Ten programs set for the biggest win jump. Zenitz picked Miami in the ACC, Oklahoma in the Big 12, Colorado in the Pac-12 and Texas A&M in the SEC as the Power Five programs headed for the largest win jumps.
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