Reece Vander Zee injury update: Kirk Ferentz reveals latest on recovery

To this point, Iowa has spent all of the 2025 season without wide receiver Reece Vander Zee. An injury kept him on the sideline, a piece head coach Kirk Ferentz is eager to get back in the lineup. But at the same time, the Hawkeyes are going to make sure Vander Zee is eased back in.

Iowa faces Wisconsin on Saturday and there is a chance Vander Zee is able to play. Ferentz provided an update on where the receiver currently stands, possibly pumping the brakes on expectations a little.

“I’m not expecting him to light the world on fire this week if he does play,” Ferentz said. “Basically, it’s been a slow, gradual process. The type of injury he had required flat-out rest. I mean, he was in a walking boot for I don’t know how long. Seemed like forever. That is what it is, you’ve got to be patient there. Last week, he was able to do running on ground and work with the strength staff, nothing football-wise. This week, he’s starting to work back a little bit. So, his volume of work right now — he’s missed a lot of time so he can’t go out there and play meaningful snaps.

“If we can start to work him in now, he looked fine today. But now, he’s going to start building the pace. The good news is that he was in great shape when he got pulled out so, at least, it’s not like you’re starting at ground zero, necessarily. Nonetheless, got to be smart with him and think big picture.”

Vander Zee played in nine games last season, catching 14 passes for 176 yards and eight touchdowns. A foot injury in fall camp meant at least a month was going to be missed. He has since gone over the timeline, bleeding into October.

Iowa needs all the help it can get in the pass game at the moment. Heading into the Wisconsin matchup, the Hawkeyes are averaging under 150 yards per game. Sam Phillips is the team’s leading receiver at the moment, having only 179 yards on 10 catches. Quarterback Mark Gronowski dealing with his own health issues does not help the cause. Meaningful reps for Hank Brown have come in recent times.

Hopefully, Vander Zee is able to make an impact in the near future. Ferentz just wants to be extra cautious, making sure all boxes are checked.