Iowa sophomore Kaleb Brown has become the Hawkeyes go-to wideout as they prepare for Monday’s Citrus Bowl against Tennessee. The Ohio State transfer has 19 receptions on the season and 15 of them have come in the last three games.Brown did not register his first catch until an early November win over Northwestern and that changed everything.

Brown has gained confidence as his role has increased.

Brown hopes Iowa’s worst in the nation offense can make a good showing in the bowl game.

Brown says he is looking forward to playing an SEC foe.

Iowa guard Rusty Feth says his one season with the Hawkeyes has been even better than he imagined. The transfer from Miami of Ohio appeared in 13 games and started eight at left guard for an Iowa team that takes a 10-3 record into Monday’s Citrus Bowl against Tennessee.

Feth says heading into the Bowl game the offensive line is as healthy as it has been all season.

Feth says practices have now transitioned into game week.

With season ending injuries to Luke Lachey and Erick All sophomore Addisiob Ostrenga has stepped up at tight end for Iowa. The native of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin is tied for the lead in receptions with 29 and also has two touchdowns.

Ostrenga says Lachey has helped him along the way.

The 17th ranked Hawkeyes take a 10-3 record into Monday’s Citrus Bowl against 21st ranked Tennessee.

Game week is underway in Orlando as the 17th ranked Iowa Hawkeyes get ready to play 21st ranked Tennessee in Monday’s Citrus Bowl. Junior defensive lineman Deontae Craig.

Craig says Tennessee will be a talented team.

Craig says it has been a good month of preparation.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Hawkeye fans following the University of Iowa football team to Orlando, Fla., for the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Game on Monday, January 1, 2024, are encouraged to attend the outdoor Hawkeye Huddle at Pointe Orlando.

Fans are invited to join the I-Club for the Hawkeye Huddle on Sunday, December 31, from 3:30-4:45 p.m. (ET) at Pointe Orlando – 9101 International Drive – as part of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Pep Rally, a joint pep rally with the Tennessee Volunteers.

The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Hawkeye Huddle will include a live DJ, appearances by Herky, the Iowa Spirit Squads, and the Hawkeye Marching Band along with comments from Voice of the Hawkeyes, Gary Dolphin, and other University and athletics officials.

For more details visit jointheiclub.com or find the I-Club on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@jointheiclub).

Iowa State defensive back TJ Tampa has opted out of Friday’s Liberty Bowl against Memphis. The Des Moines Register reported Cyclone coach Matt Campbell confirmed the news after Wednesday’s practice. Tampa is expected to be one of the top corners in the NFL Draft. Two years ago running back Breece Hall opted out of the Cheez-It Bowl against Clemson due to his draft status.

Earlier this month Campbell said a decision would be made as game day approached.

The Iowa men return from the Christmas break on Friday night and host Northern Illinois in their final non-conference game. The Hawkeyes are 7-5 while Northern Illinois is 6-5.

That’s Iowa coach Fran McCaffery who is happy with his rotation as they get ready to resume Big Ten play.

McCaffery expects freshman forward Ladji Dembele to play Friday night. He missed the last game against Maryland-Baltimore County with a leg injury.*

Freshman point guard Brock Harding continues to make progress. He is coming off a 10-point, 12 assist effort in a win over UMBC and could be in line for even more minutes.*

Memphis has named Jordan Hankins as the interim defensive coordinator for Friday’s Liberty Bowl against Iowa State. Former defensive coordinator Matt Barnes took a job on the staff at Mississippi State. Hankins has been serving as linebackers coach.

Hankins says not a lot has changed leading into the Liberty Bowl.

Hankins says the Iowa State offense is difficult to prepare for.

Here are the latest local wrestlers who top the IAWrestle girls state rankings.

120

• 4. Avaeh Smith, FR, Lewis Central
• 8. Carly Henderson, SR, Riverside

125

• 1. Molly Allen, JR, Riverside

135

• 4. Espie Almazan, SR, Lewis Central

140

• 9. Mia South, SR, SWAT

145

• 1. Mahri Manz, JR, Lewis Central

155

• 3. Nicole Olson, SR, Missouri Valley

170

• 2. Grace Britten, SR, SWAT
• 7. Nancy Bowman, JR, Logan-Magnolia

190

• 9. Kalen Westerfield, SO, Lewis Central

235

• 6. Jocelyn Buffum, JR, Missouri Valley
• 9. Haley Armstrong, SO, SWAT
• 10. Savannah Sistad, SR, Highway 34

Tyson Arena, Sioux City

Region #1:

ACGC, Audubon, Clarinda, Essex, Denison Schleswig, Council Bluffs, Highway-34, Kuemper Catholic, Lewis Central, Red Oak, Riverside, Southwest Iowa, Southwest Valley, S.W.A.T., and Treynor.

Region #2:

Caroll, Glenwood, Harlan, Shenandoah, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, Western Iowa, and Woodbine.

HyVee Hall, Des Moines

Region #3:

Dallas Center-Grimes, Nevada, Perry, and Winterset

Region #4:

Clarke, Earlham, Indianola, Interstate-35, Saydel, Southeast Polk, West Des Moines Valley