Iowa Special Teams Excel Through First Six Games
The Hawkeyes have navigated roster turnover to remain a dominant force on special teams this season.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football
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Iowa's special teams unit has excelled during the 2026 season, contributing two return touchdowns and consistent punting through the team's first six games. Despite significant offseason departures, the group has become a critical component of the team's performance.
Why it matters
The unit's ability to maintain high performance after losing key personnel highlights the effectiveness of Iowa's special teams training program. Their contributions have provided vital scoring and field position advantages during the early portion of the schedule.
Punter Boston Everitt leads the Big Ten with 17 punts downed inside the 20-yard line out of 27 attempts. Additionally, kicker Caden Buhr has converted nine of 11 field goals for an 81.8% success rate this year.
The players
Boston Everitt
He is the punter for the Iowa football team who currently leads the Big Ten in punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
Caden Buhr
He serves as the kicker for the Hawkeyes and has maintained a high conversion rate on field goal attempts this season.
Braeden Jackson
He is a playmaker for Iowa who successfully returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against Michigan.
Evan James
He is a return specialist for the team who recorded a 77-yard punt return touchdown against Northern Illinois.
The details
Braeden Jackson recorded a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown against Michigan, while Evan James added a 77-yard punt return score against Northern Illinois. Defensive discipline has also been notable, as evidenced by Darion Jones and Brevin Doll pinning a punt at the one-yard line through skilled positioning.
Timeline
The Iowa special teams unit has competed in six games during the 2026 season.
Season Trajectory
The success of the special teams unit significantly bolsters Iowa's ability to control field position in a highly competitive Big Ten environment. This performance ensures that the Hawkeyes maintain a consistent competitive advantage despite the departure of several key veteran specialists.
Caden Buhr has converted nine of 11 field goal attempts, including a 51-yard career long and a 42-yard game-winner against Iowa State. His reliability remains a core factor in the team's ability to secure wins in close-scoring affairs.
The takeaway
Iowa's reliance on disciplined special teams play remains a foundational element of the program's success. Fans can expect the team to prioritize field position and turnover efficiency as they move deeper into the conference schedule.
Further reading
For more on the current campaign, visit the Football section.
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