What's the upside

[Stoopsbrother]

After Saturday's game vs Minnesota I have finally come to the sad realization that Iowa will probably never win anything of significance in my lifetime.

Been following the Hawks since 1989 & while there have been some fun seasons & great moments if they aren't trying to win it ALL why do I keep wasting my Saturday's?

Is it cool that they put a ton of guys in the NFL sure, but that isn't the goal here is it? Just once id like to see a season where our hearts aren't absolutely ripped out when we dare to have expectations higher than winning 7-10 games & have a actual shot at a big ten title & Natty!

What's the upside?

 

[85Bears]

Start writing letters to any Iowa alum who has a net worth over 500 million. We are 17th out of 18 in nil in the BIG. We couldn’t even afford a portal qb.

 

[HawksRule25]

 

[eyesofhawk]

After Saturday's game vs Minnesota I have finally come to the sad realization that Iowa will probably never win anything of significance in my lifetime.

Been following the Hawks since 1989 & while there have been some fun seasons & great moments if they aren't trying to win it ALL why do I keep wasting my Saturday's?

Is it cool that they put a ton of guys in the NFL sure, but that isn't the goal here is it? Just once id like to see a season where our hearts aren't absolutely ripped out when we dare to have expectations higher than winning 7-10 games & have a actual shot at a big ten title & Natty!

What's the upside?

You don't think Iowa is trying to win it all?

That is so utterly sad

 

[uihawk82]

You don't think Iowa is trying to win it all?

That is so utterly sad

Of course they are trying, they go out to win every game, but this could get disappointing unless the offense especially run game is good to great each game

 

[eyesofhawk]

Of course they are trying, they go out to win every game, but this could get disappointing unless the offense especially run game is good to great each game

That's football

 

[Stoopsbrother]

You don't think Iowa is trying to win it all?

That is so utterly sad

If it is their ultimate goal to win a national title how can you explain the QB situations we've been forced to watch the better part of the last 5+ years?

I'd argue no power conference team has had a worse QB room since 2020

 

[MAXIMUSHAWKEYE]

After Saturday's game vs Minnesota I have finally come to the sad realization that Iowa will probably never win anything of significance in my lifetime.

Been following the Hawks since 1989 & while there have been some fun seasons & great moments if they aren't trying to win it ALL why do I keep wasting my Saturday's?

Is it cool that they put a ton of guys in the NFL sure, but that isn't the goal here is it? Just once id like to see a season where our hearts aren't absolutely ripped out when we dare to have expectations higher than winning 7-10 games & have a actual shot at a big ten title & Natty!

What's the upside?

Could be worse. Imagine what PSU fans are going thru.

 

[BuschLatte06]

If it is their ultimate goal to win a national title how can you explain the QB situations we've been forced to watch the better part of the last 5+ years?

I'd argue no power conference team has had a worse QB room since 2020

The frustrating aspect of this is that we've signed quality recruits. Petras was a 4-star who broke Jared Goff's high school records. Hank Brown was a 3-star who originally signed with a quality SEC program.

This coaching staff is not developing them. If anything, they regress each year they are in the program.

 

[85Bears]

The frustrating aspect of this is that we've signed quality recruits. Petras was a 4-star who broke Jared Goff's high school records. Hank Brown was a 3-star who originally signed with a quality SEC program.

This coaching staff is not developing them. If anything, they regress each year they are in the program.

Hank was rated 85 on 247. i think he’s a backup at this level not a starter.

 

[Hurricane88]

If they win out they will escape a blowout in the CCG and more than likely make it in the CFP.

I'm thinking 9-3 at best though. Offense is horrendous again.

 

[Gonzo_Bloor]

After Saturday's game vs Minnesota I have finally come to the sad realization that Iowa will probably never win anything of significance in my lifetime.

Been following the Hawks since 1989 & while there have been some fun seasons & great moments if they aren't trying to win it ALL why do I keep wasting my Saturday's?

Is it cool that they put a ton of guys in the NFL sure, but that isn't the goal here is it? Just once id like to see a season where our hearts aren't absolutely ripped out when we dare to have expectations higher than winning 7-10 games & have a actual shot at a big ten title & Natty!

What's the upside?

In 28 years as HC at Iowa KF has 0 outright B1G titles and 1 BCS-level bowl win.

Think about that.

 

[eyesofhawk]

If it is their ultimate goal to win a national title how can you explain the QB situations we've been forced to watch the better part of the last 5+ years?

I'd argue no power conference team has had a worse QB room since 2020

Just stop.

What would be the upside to not trying?

 

[TRHawkeye28]

Just stop.

What would be the upside to not trying?

It isn't that big of a stretch to suggest Kirk is perfectly happy running a program that results in consistently being in that 8-4 to 10-2 win range. Its really the perfect sweet spot.... keeps most fans/donors/media happy without having too high of expectations

Win your 3-4 non-conference games and stay above those 4/5 conference teams that have similar limitations you do - by putting a heavy focus on defense and specials teams. It's a good formula

Do they start the season hoping to lose 1, 2, 3 or 4 games? Of course not. But we also have 20+ years of data to suggest they don't value offense enough to get into the CFP. At least just once. It's never happened

Maybe next year when they expand to 24 teams. Then those 8-4 and 9-3 could turn into a playoff appearance bc we ain't getting there with a Heck or Hank. You just aren't.

You can say "run the ball" but having QB play is the primary difference in CFP or not. And to me this is why it's completely reasonable to suggest Kirk knows his limited upside. And Its amazing posters like you continue to try and defend it. It's ok to admit it - but it is what it is

 

[WigPen]

Could be worse. Imagine what PSU fans are going thru.

Could also be better, look at Indiana, Ucla, etc..

 

[85Bears]

It isn't that big of a stretch to suggest Kirk is perfectly happy running a program that results in consistently being in that 8-4 to 10-2 win range. Its really the perfect sweet spot.... keeps most fans/donors/media happy without having too high of expectations

Win your 3-4 non-conference games and stay above those 4/5 conference teams that have similar limitations you do - by putting a heavy focus on defense and specials teams. It's a good formula

Do they start the season hoping to lose 1, 2, 3 or 4 games? Of course not. But we also have 20+ years of data to suggest they don't value offense enough to get into the CFP. At least just once. It's never happened

Maybe next year when they expand to 24 teams. Then those 8-4 and 9-3 could turn into a playoff appearance bc we ain't getting there with a Heck or Hank. You just aren't.

You can say "run the ball" but having QB play is the primary difference in CFP or not. And to me this is why it's completely reasonable to suggest Kirk knows his limited upside. And Its amazing posters like you continue to try and defend it. It's ok to admit it - but it is what it is

This program has a Limited upside and it starts with being 17th out of 18 in nil. It’s not like Iowa is Ohio State or Michigan. Indiana literally has double Iowas payroll. That matters. We couldn’t even afford a portal qb.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

This program has a Limited upside and it starts with being 17th out of 18 in nil. It’s not like Iowa is Ohio State or Michigan. Indiana literally has double Iowas payroll. That matters. We couldn’t even afford a portal qb.

Why is Iowa so low on NIL funding? They don’t have any wealthy donors? I get they don’t have a Mark Cuban, but they really can’t find the donors to make Iowa at least middle of the pack in the Big Ten? Is it an issue of Ferentz fatigue? I am pretty sure I read more NIL donations came rolling in for the basketball program after Ben McCollum took over. Is lack of fan interest from big donors the reason, or something else?

 

[85Bears]

Why is Iowa so low on NIL funding? They don’t have any wealthy donors? I get they don’t have a Mark Cuban, but they really can’t find the donors to make Iowa at least middle of the pack in the Big Ten? Is it an issue of Ferentz fatigue? I am pretty sure I read more NIL donations came rolling in for the basketball program after Ben McCollum took over. Is lack of fan interest from big donors the reason, or something else?

Yea it’s Kirk’s fault we don’t have the nil money. Maybe being a state of 3 million without major urban centers or corporate industry has something to do with it……

that’s really neat basketball has five players, football has 22 and is much more expensive

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

Yea it’s Kirk’s fault we don’t have the nil money. Maybe being a state of 3 million without major urban centers or corporate industry has something to do with it……

that’s really neat basketball has five players, football has 22 and is much more expensive

I was asking for your opinion. I am well aware of the geography limitations.

Nebraska has 1,000,000 fewer people than Iowa does. Yet, they are about 6th in the Big Ten for NIL. Northwestern is in the Chicago area. Minnesota is in the Twin Cities area. Those two aren’t much better off than Iowa.

 

[TRHawkeye28]

This program has a Limited upside and it starts with being 17th out of 18 in nil. It’s not like Iowa is Ohio State or Michigan. Indiana literally has double Iowas payroll. That matters. We couldn’t even afford a portal qb.

Yeh that's what I meant by similar limitations. Kirk has been really good at being better with half the conference (at least) that aren't the OSUs etc.

 

[QChawks]

Captain conservative needs to retire

 

[85Bears]

Captain conservative needs to retire

Yea we will be real great then, maybe Rutgers ona good day

 

[83Hawk]

Yea we will be real great then, maybe Rutgers ona good day

You know that for a fact?

It amazes me the people who think Kirk is the best Iowa can do. But then, there were people who thought that about Fran, too.

And no, I am not calling for Kirk to leave.

 

[85Bears]

You know that for a fact?

It amazes me the people who think Kirk is the best Iowa can do. But then, there were people who thought that about Fran, too.

And no, I am not calling for Kirk to leave.

Overachievers​

Iowa ($17-$21 million) (No. 15 in AP Poll)

If ever one doubted Kirk Ferentz’s ability to do more with less, meet the 2026 Hawkeyes. They’re 5-1 and ranked No. 15 despite a budget that’s in the bottom five in the Big Ten and might not crack the top 50 nationally. Iowa beat a Michigan team that is spending nearly twice as much as it did ($36-$40 million) and clobbered Washington ($21-$25 million), both on the road.


someday the morons will get what they deserve

 

[WigPen]

Overachievers​

Iowa ($17-$21 million) (No. 15 in AP Poll)

If ever one doubted Kirk Ferentz’s ability to do more with less, meet the 2026 Hawkeyes. They’re 5-1 and ranked No. 15 despite a budget that’s in the bottom five in the Big Ten and might not crack the top 50 nationally. Iowa beat a Michigan team that is spending nearly twice as much as it did ($36-$40 million) and clobbered Washington ($21-$25 million), both on the road.


someday the morons will get what they deserve

So what's your suggestion? Wait until Kirk dies and then we suck anyway according to you? May as well roll the dice sooner and go out on our own terms.

 

[shrinkhawk]

We are 16 out of 17 in total Big Ten NIL budget (per The Athletic).

If you factor in the city cost of living, we move up to the at least the middle of the pack...at least (per AI) to around 7 to 9 fwiw. Hope they are reminding recruits that.

 

[eyesofhawk]

It isn't that big of a stretch to suggest Kirk is perfectly happy running a program that results in consistently being in that 8-4 to 10-2 win range. Its really the perfect sweet spot.... keeps most fans/donors/media happy without having too high of expectations

Win your 3-4 non-conference games and stay above those 4/5 conference teams that have similar limitations you do - by putting a heavy focus on defense and specials teams. It's a good formula

Do they start the season hoping to lose 1, 2, 3 or 4 games? Of course not. But we also have 20+ years of data to suggest they don't value offense enough to get into the CFP. At least just once. It's never happened

Maybe next year when they expand to 24 teams. Then those 8-4 and 9-3 could turn into a playoff appearance bc we ain't getting there with a Heck or Hank. You just aren't.

You can say "run the ball" but having QB play is the primary difference in CFP or not. And to me this is why it's completely reasonable to suggest Kirk knows his limited upside. And Its amazing posters like you continue to try and defend it. It's ok to admit it - but it is what it is

If you're suggesting KF doesn't aim higher (which you previously have), then yes, that is an absolute joke. And incredibly disrespectful to KF.

Have you ever even competed at a game of checkers in your life?

People want us to believe that KF has too much pride for everything under the sun. But when it comes to the highest level of winning...nah. Sure thing, buddy.

You still haven't answered what the upside would be in not trying to win it all. Just what purpose would that serve? To avoid expectations? You can't be serious

 

[Palmerhawk]

We are 16 out of 17 in total Big Ten NIL budget (per The Athletic).

If you factor in the city cost of living, we move up to the at least the middle of the pack...at least (per AI) to around 7 to 9 fwiw. Hope they are reminding recruits that.

Cost of living? For scholarship players who have zero out of pocket expenses for 5 years in Iowa?

Players are in a bubble where everything is free.
I suppose if they are buying a lexus locally it might be cheaper than in Columbus,ohio but I doubt it.

NW athletics just got a 37 million gift from billionaire uhlein family.
Pat Ryan paid for their new stadium...800 million

IU has the Simon family billionaires along with cuban and mellencamp kicking in.

Iowa had roy carver back in the day but now? Crickets...the calvary is not coming.

 

[Stoopsbrother]

Just stop.

What would be the upside to not trying?

with higher expectations comes higher scrutiny, if you can win 8-10 games consistently that's enough to keep most people happy, if you make the playoff or win a few BIG championships the years that you dont

It isn't that big of a stretch to suggest Kirk is perfectly happy running a program that results in consistently being in that 8-4 to 10-2 win range. Its really the perfect sweet spot.... keeps most fans/donors/media happy without having too high of expectations

Win your 3-4 non-conference games and stay above those 4/5 conference teams that have similar limitations you do - by putting a heavy focus on defense and specials teams. It's a good formula

Do they start the season hoping to lose 1, 2, 3 or 4 games? Of course not. But we also have 20+ years of data to suggest they don't value offense enough to get into the CFP. At least just once. It's never happened

Maybe next year when they expand to 24 teams. Then those 8-4 and 9-3 could turn into a playoff appearance bc we ain't getting there with a Heck or Hank. You just aren't.

You can say "run the ball" but having QB play is the primary difference in CFP or not. And to me this is why it's completely reasonable to suggest Kirk knows his limited upside. And Its amazing posters like you continue to try and defend it. It's ok to admit it - but it is what it is

this!

 

[Jonesy5960]

The frustrating aspect of this is that we've signed quality recruits. Petras was a 4-star who broke Jared Goff's high school records. Hank Brown was a 3-star who originally signed with a quality SEC program.

This coaching staff is not developing them. If anything, they regress each year they are in the program.

I'm not sure about the "quality recruits" comment. Over the last 10 years or so Iowa has been competing primarily with MAC programs for their QB recruits. Bessinger is the highest rated recruit at Iowa since Christensen.

 

[Palmerhawk]

I'm not sure about the "quality recruits" comment. Over the last 10 years or so Iowa has been competing primarily with MAC programs for their QB recruits. Bessinger is the highest rated recruit at Iowa since Christensen.

Just saw that georgia got a commit from a 3 star qb from Tennessee who had no power 4 offers.
The fact that he is son of country singer Luke bryan is probably a factor
Is his dad rich enough to kick in a few million for nil and is that Kirby's strategy?

I do think that QBs are hard to evaluate until they are on the field. That's why so many Mac guys end up moving up to power schools...they get on the field early and demonstrate quick processing skills that can only be evident under fire.

Purdy is the ultimate proof that quick processing and feet trump all other qb traits.

 

[Titanhawk]

Could also be better, look at Indiana, Ucla, etc..

What, Indiana has a juggernaut of an offense?

 

[TRHawkeye28]

If you're suggesting KF doesn't aim higher (which you previously have), then yes, that is an absolute joke. And incredibly disrespectful to KF.

Have you ever even competed at a game of checkers in your life?

People want us to believe that KF has too much pride for everything under the sun. But when it comes to the highest level of winning...nah. Sure thing, buddy.

You still haven't answered what the upside would be in not trying to win it all. Just what purpose would that serve? To avoid expectations? You can't be serious

I'll make this easier for you...

Since Kirk has been coach....how often have you heard him say "the goal is to win the national championship?"

But how often have you heard him say things like..."that's football"..."getting better throughout the season"...."ebbs and flows"... "We won 10 games last year didn't you know?"..."what's the upside?"

I could go on and on with his typical quotes

Nothing in those responses are never anything like..... "What happened at Minnesota we will damn make sure doesn't happen again so our 9 win season this year turns into 11-1 to make the CFP. We will do x, y, z". That's just an example but you get the point

Now you could argue....he doesn't need to say that. It's implied

Well....I'm implying he is perfectly ok with having seasons where if you drop a couple games it's ok. He puts players in the NFL, has a very high winning record, etc. I could go on and on there as well

But we aren't talking about that. We are talking about what we need to change to make the CFP..... and he will never answer that question. And we all know the answer. It's the offense

He doesn't go into the season hoping to lose 1, 2 or even 3 games. That's stupid. But he knows the limitations and is perfectly fine where he is at. If you disagree.... Give me one example where he has made that statement

This isn't a Kirk bashing post. It's just reality with 20+ years of data

 

[eyesofhawk]

I'll make this easier for you...

Since Kirk has been coach....how often have you heard him say "the goal is to win the national championship?"

But how often have you heard him say things like..."that's football"..."getting better throughout the season"...."ebbs and flows"... "We won 10 games last year didn't you know?"

I could go on and on with his typical quotes

Nothing in those responses are never anything like..... "What happened at Minnesota we will damn make sure doesn't happen again so our 9 win season this year turns into 11-1 to make the CFP. We will do x, y, z". That's just an example but you get the point

Now you could argue....he doesn't need to say that. It's implied

Well....I'm implying he is perfectly ok with having seasons where if you drop a couple games it's ok. He puts players in the NFL, has a very high winning record, etc. I could go on and on there as well

But we aren't talking about that. We are talking about what we need to change to make the CFP..... and he will never answer that question. And we all know the answer. It's the offense

He doesn't go into the season hoping to lose 1, 2 or even 3 games. That's stupid. But he knows the limitations and is perfectly fine where he is at. If you disagree.... Give me one example where he has made that statement

This isn't a Kirk bashing post. It's just reality with 20+ years of data

I'm more than implying that you are completely clueless.

And being completely disrespectful to KF and anyone who's ever chosen competition to be a big part of their life. Honestly, fighting words to many

 

[TRHawkeye28]

I'm more than implying that you are completely clueless.

And being completely disrespectful to KF and anyone who's ever chosen competition to be a big part of their life. Honestly, fighting words to many

Yep never have an answer or response - just like I expected

 

[eyesofhawk]

Yep never have an answer or response - just like I expected

It doesn't need a response.

It's absolutely ridiculous and offensive.

There seem to be a handful of people in post #4 that agreed the sentiment is "utterly sad". They seem to understand that without explanation.

The guy is a big ten coach. The closest I can explain it is that a lot of guys would punch you in the face for saying it.

Get a clue

 

[TRHawkeye28]

It doesn't need a response.

It's absolutely ridiculous and offensive.

There seem to be a handful of people in post #4 that agreed the sentiment is "utterly sad". They seem to understand that without explanation.

The guy is a big ten coach. The closest I can explain it is that a lot of guys would punch you in the face for saying it.

Get a clue

Internet tough guy. Have no legit response or counter argument except talking about physical violence. I'm being pretty corgial but you obviously can't do that on here

Feel sorry for you man. Home life ok?

 

[Jonesy5960]

Just saw that georgia got a commit from a 3 star qb from Tennessee who had no power 4 offers.
The fact that he is son of country singer Luke bryan is probably a factor
Is his dad rich enough to kick in a few million for nil and is that Kirby's strategy?

If I had to guess, this is a huge net positive for their NIL situation. Not a bad idea really.

 

[WigPen]

What, Indiana has a juggernaut of an offense?

They are not putting up 50 points every game, but I'd say it's better than what we currently have. Point is constantly acting like if Ferentz is gone, we automatically suck is a woefully poor mentality. I agree with another poster who said that Beth can be trusted to pick a good replacement. I hope it happens a lot sooner than later.

 

[BigOHawk1]

If they win out they will escape a blowout in the CCG and more than likely make it in the CFP.

I'm thinking 9-3 at best though. Offense is horrendous again.

Good points, looking at how the SEC is beating each other up and most of those teams having 2 or 3 losses plus a bit of chaos in B10...IF, IF Iowa got their crap together and played clean and ran the table they would be right in the mix IMO. That would include a ranked Wisky, a ranked NW and maybe even a ranked Neb. Call it what you will but I have a feeling Neb will give OSU all it wants in that game and Neb's next 3 are very winnable.