This analysis delves into the professional trajectories of Iowa Hawkeye football alumni transitioning into the NFL, examining their initial impact during the preseason. It covers both drafted players and undrafted free agents, detailing their current roles and challenges. Concurrently, the article addresses a notable development within University of Iowa Athletics: the extension of Athletic Director Beth Goetz's contract and a substantial pay raise. This move aims to align her compensation more closely with her peers in the Big Ten conference, prompting a reevaluation of her contributions and future leadership.
The University of Iowa football program has recently celebrated a record-breaking year with seven players selected in the NFL Draft, bringing Head Coach Kirk Ferentz's total draftees to 101. Beyond the drafted talent, five undrafted free agents (UDFAs) from Iowa also secured spots on NFL rosters. The preseason offers an early glimpse into their potential contributions.
Among the Pittsburgh Steelers, former Hawkeyes Gennings Dunker and Kaden Wetjen are making their mark. Wetjen, a fourth-round pick, has already impressed as a kick returner, showcasing his agility with a 74-yard gain and scoring his first NFL touchdown. Dunker, a third-round selection, is viewed as a developmental prospect, working on refining his footwork. He performed well in his preseason debut against the Packers, though a recent injury has sidelined him from the upcoming Jets game. The Steelers roster boasts a significant Hawkeye presence, with seven former Iowa players in total, including Logan Lee, Yahya Black, Sebastian Castro, Brandon Smith, and Kaleb Johnson, though Johnson's future with the team remains uncertain.
The Chicago Bears welcomed Logan Jones, a second-round center, and undrafted free agent Hayden Large. Jones is vying for a future role at center, following the unexpected retirement of the Bears' previous starter. He currently sits behind veteran Garrett Bradbury on the depth chart. Meanwhile, Tory Taylor, now in his third season with the Bears, continues to uphold Iowa's reputation for strong punting. In Miami, the Dolphins picked up Max Llewellyn (seventh-round) and Mark Gronowski (UDFA). Gronowski experienced a brief release before being re-signed after the team's quarterback struggles in the preseason opener. The New Orleans Saints added TJ Hall (seventh-round), who is expected to contribute to special teams while he develops. In Arizona, Karson Sharar (sixth-round) overcame a hamstring injury to deliver a standout performance against the Raiders, leading the Cardinals' defense with five solo tackles and a tackle for loss. The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks drafted Beau Stephens (fifth-round), who has shown promise in run-blocking but needs to improve his pass-blocking. Finally, the Baltimore Ravens invested significantly in undrafted free agent Aaron Graves, providing him with a substantial financial guarantee, indicating their high hopes for his potential.
In a significant development for University of Iowa Athletics, Athletic Director Beth Goetz has received a contract extension and a substantial salary increase. Her previous contract, set to expire in January 2029, has been extended to January 2032. Furthermore, her annual base salary will jump from $850,000 to $1.4 million, effective September 1, 2026. This adjustment positions Goetz's compensation closer to the median for athletic directors within the Big Ten conference, a notable shift from her previous standing at the lower end of the pay scale. This decision by UI Athletics underscores the perceived value of her leadership and contributions to the university's athletic programs.
