Ten Bold Predictions for 2023 Iowa Football
In the early years of the annual July 4th Fearless Forecast I started throwing in some bold predictions at the end of the piece. It was mainly just for fun and eventually it has become its own content item.
Now, some of this is legit serious and hopefully accurate. Other parts of it are more aspirational, if that makes sense. Mainly, it’s a discussion piece as we inch closer to the start of the college football season.
I’m pretty optimistic about the Iowa Football team this season. As I explained in the Fearless Forecast, I am also noting that when you add several transfer players at key positions, there’s always a risk and that should be taken into account. But, I do really like this team and think the right leaders have joined the program to go with the already established leaders.
So, let’s take a look the bold predictions for Iowa Football in 2023
- I think Cooper DeJean is going to win the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year Award. There could have been a decent case for DeJean getting the award last season after returning three interceptions for scores. The award began in 2011 and if DeJean does win it, then Iowa would have six different players who have won the honor.
- I think Nick Jackson comes in and has over 110 tackles this year. The Virginia transfer had over 100 tackles in three straight years and earned All ACC honors. He’s built very different than Jack Campbell and is more of a fireplug, but he’s a tackling machine. I also think he’s going to quickly become a fan favorite in Iowa City.
- I think Deontae Craig is going to reach double figures in sacks. Last season he had 6.5 sacks and that was coming off the bench. By the way, first round NFL Draft pick Lukas Van Ness also had 6.5 sacks last year in a reserve role. This year, Craig gets a starting role, more reps, and has a breakout season.
- Drew Stevens ends up being the top placekicker in the Big Ten and one of the finalist for the Lou Groza Award. Stevens misses just one field goal this season and connects on three field goals over 50 yards.
- Tory Taylor doesn’t reach 80 punts, like did in the past two years. That helps him average 46 yards per punt and the net average is at just under 43 yards. Taylor will be a finalist for the Ray Guy Award.
- Iowa has had only one 1,000 yard rusher since the 2017 season. That was Tyler Goodson with 1,151 yards in 2021. Kaleb Johnson rushes for over 1,200 yards this season. If he does, he would be the first Iowa back to reach that number since Marcus Coker in 2011 when he rushed for 1,384 yards.
- The Hawkeyes haven’t had one quarterback throw for over 2,000 yards since Nate Stanley did in 2019. Cade McNamara will change that. He will throw for over 2,500 yards and over 15 touchdown passes this season. He will also earn All Big Ten honors this season.
- Iowa will have a great combination at tight end in Luke Lachey and Erick All. They will combine for at least 90 receptions this season and 10 scores. Yes, they will be a favorite target for McNamara.
- At the wide receiver position, Kaleb Brown will end up with the highest average yards per catch and Nico Ragaini ends up with most receptions by a wide receiver with over 45.
- Last year was a breakout year for Cooper DeJean. This season will be a breakout year for Xavier Nwankpa. He showed promise in the Music City Bowl and will blossom this fall into an All Big Ten player.
