IOWA Magazine | 08-27-2021

Iowa Icons

1 minute read
The players, moments, and traditions that define Hawkeye football

For generations of Hawkeyes, college football has brought us together. From tailgating along Melrose Avenue, to belting out the Iowa Fight Song alongside the Hawkeye Marching Band, to dancing to the Hawkeye Victory Polka, there’s nothing like fall Saturdays at Kinnick Stadium.

To celebrate the Iowa football program’s storied tradition, Iowa Magazine has put together a collection of lists of Iowa icons. While by no means definitive—after all, we're dealing with more than a century of Iowa football history—here's a look back at just a few of the unforgettable players, heart-stopping finishes, and time-honored traditions that make us proud to call ourselves Hawkeyes.


The Catch PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Five Legendary Football Victories

Revisit a few of Iowa's most historic wins, with videos of unforgettable Hawkeye moments ranging from a Kinnick drop-kick to the Capital Catch.

2015 Season Blackout Uniforms PHOTO: BRIAN RAY/HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Six Memorable Hawkeye Uniforms

A look at Iowa uniforms over the years shows how the Hawkeyes have dressed for success.


Iowa Swarm PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Nine Iowa Football Game Day Traditions

ESPN named the Iowa Wave as one of the nation's best college football traditions. See what else made our list of favorite Iowa City football rituals.


Kirk Ferentz PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Four Kirk Ferentz Quirks

Celebrate the traits that have endeared coach Kirk Ferentz to fans in his 23 seasons as head coach at Iowa.

Marching Band PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Six Hawkeye Football Musical Favorites

Sing along to a few of our favorite game day songs that Hawkeye fans can belt out by heart.


Rob Houghtlin last-second field goal PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

13 Storied Hawkeye Football Seasons

Look back at some of the greatest seasons in Iowa football history, including six that culminated at the Rose Bowl.


Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Five Hawkeye Football Coaching Giants

Kirk Ferentz and Hayden Fry are the latest in a series of legendary coaches who led the Hawkeyes to gridiron glory.

Gary Dolphin and Ed Podolak TOP PHOTO: BRIAN RAY/HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Five Eminent Iowa Football Broadcasters

From a future U.S. president to a former Hawkeye quarterback, here are a few notable announcers who have called games for Iowa.


Chuck Long PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Ten College Football Hawkeye Hall of Fame Members

The College Football Hall of Fame honors the best of the best. Learn which Iowa stars made the cut.


4 trophies PHOTO: BRIAN RAY/HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Four Iowa Football Gridiron Rivalries

See how Iowa has fared against Iowa State and a few of its other greatest Midwestern rivals on the gridiron.

Herky TOP PHOTO: BRIAN RAY/HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Three Historic University of Iowa Mascots

Before Herky the Hawk, there were Burch and Rex.


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