Iowa Football Faces Special Teams Overhaul as Punter Rhys Dakin Enters Transfer Portal
In a move that signals a significant shift for Iowa’s special teams, punter Rhys Dakin announced on January 1st his decision to enter the transfer portal. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Dakin’s departure isn’t just about a single player leaving—it’s part of a larger, more complex story that could reshape the Hawkeyes’ future. And this is the part most people miss: Iowa’s special teams unit is on the brink of a near-complete overhaul, and how they navigate this transition could define their success in the 2026 season.
Dakin, a native of Melbourne, Australia, spent two seasons with the Hawkeyes, stepping into the formidable shadow of Tory Taylor, whose punting legacy at Iowa is nothing short of legendary. During his time in Iowa City, Dakin punted 106 times, averaging 43.9 yards per punt, with 47 of those landing inside the 20-yard line—a testament to his precision and consistency. In his heartfelt social media announcement, Dakin expressed deep gratitude to Coach Ferentz, the coaching staff, his family, and the Hawkeye community, thanking them for their mentorship, support, and the opportunity to represent Iowa’s iconic Black and Gold.
But Dakin’s departure is just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s the controversial part: Special teams coordinator LeVar Woods, widely regarded as one of the best in college football, is leaving to join Big Ten rival Michigan State as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator. Woods’ mentorship has been instrumental in developing some of Iowa’s all-time special teams greats, and his absence will undoubtedly leave a void. Adding to the challenge, returner Kaden Wetjen and kicker Drew Stevens—two program legends—have exhausted their college eligibility. Stevens holds the record for most field goals made in Iowa history, while Wetjen surpassed Tim Dwight for the most combined return touchdowns (six) in program history.
This means the Hawkeyes must replace not only their punter but also their special teams coordinator, one of the greatest kickers in program history, and one of its most dynamic returners. For a team that prides itself on winning in the margins and emphasizes special teams as a cornerstone of their strategy, this turnover is massive. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Can Iowa rebuild its special teams unit to maintain its competitive edge, or will this transition mark the beginning of a new, uncharted era for the Hawkeyes?
As Iowa turns the page, the development of its special teams will be a critical storyline to watch. How they fill these voids will determine whether they continue to dominate in the margins or face unexpected challenges in the 2026 season. One thing’s for sure—this is a pivotal moment for Hawkeye Nation, and the football world will be watching closely.
For more updates, follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15 or reach out via email at ttachman@gannett.com.
