For the entirety of Kirk Ferentz’s tenure with the Hawkeyes, he’s prided himself on his teams taking care of the ball, playing great defense, and having elite special teams.
And no one can deny that more times than not, Iowa’s special teams have been well, special, over the past 26 years. From punting, to kicking and to the return game, the Hawkeyes’ special teams units have won Iowa more games than fans can count. And it seems like fans can expect more of the same this season.
With sophomore punter Rhys Dakin, senior kicker Drew Stevens, and senior return specialist Kaden Wetjen all returning this season, Iowa’s special teams units should remain elite in 2025. And it’s those three players who have earned their rightful lofty ratings in “EA Sports College Football 26.”
College Football 26 is the second installment in the series after a decade without a college football game. While the game has its flaws, fans have found a lot of joy in being able to play with their favorite teams and players daily.
College Football 26 released some graphics to X on Friday, showcasing the highest-rated special teams players in the game, and all three of Iowa’s starters were featured.
Wetjen rightfully earned the top kick return rating in the entire game, at a 99 overall. The 2024 Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year was a first-team All-American following a great junior season.
Wetjen led the FBS in kick return yards and was second in punt return yards as he captured the 2024 Jet Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top return specialist. The 5-foot-9, 196-pound return man scored a pair of touchdowns in 2024, one on a kickoff and another on a punt.
Dakin was given the honor of having the highest kick accuracy in the game, tied with Tennessee’s Jackson Ross at 97 overall. Dakin was a second-team All-Big Ten player as a…
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Publish date : 2025-08-15 22:25:00
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