This special edition of the Fight for Iowa podcast features former Hawkeye star and longtime NFL standout Micah Hyde, who has been named this year’s America Needs Farmers (ANF) Honoree.

Hyde reflects on his career at Iowa, his success with the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, and the values that connect his journey with the ANF tradition. He shares how lessons learned in Iowa City continue to shape his life, his foundation work, and his commitment to giving back.

It’s a celebration of football, family, and the hard-working spirit that America Needs Farmers represents.

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Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz 08-27-25

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The 136th season of Iowa Hawkeye Football kicks off this week, and with it comes the induction of a new class into the Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame. In this week’s Fight for Iowa podcast, Gary Dolphin visits with two of the newest members.

Brandon Scherff, Iowa’s 2014 Outland Trophy winner and longtime NFL All-Pro, reflects on his career, life after football, and his small-town Iowa roots. Then, former Iowa Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby shares memories from his 15 years leading the Hawkeyes, including hiring Kirk Ferentz and Tom Brands, overseeing major facility upgrades, and later serving as Big 12 Commissioner.

It’s a celebration of Hawkeye history, leadership, and legacy — just in time for football’s return to Kinnick Stadium.

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Today’s top college football programs combine muscle, nutrition, and sports science to gain an edge — and Iowa’s Hansen Football Performance Center is among the best in the nation. In this week’s Fight for Iowa, Gary Dolphin visits with Hawkeye strength and conditioning director Raimond Braithwaite, now in his 21st season with the program and sixth as director, about how his team prepares players year-round for the grind of a Big Ten schedule. From offseason conditioning and nutrition to heat safety and recovery, Braithwaite explains how science and discipline power Iowa Football.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz also weighs in on the critical role strength and conditioning plays in building a championship-caliber team.

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The preseason Top 25 is out, and the Big Ten is well-represented — including several teams Iowa will host at Kinnick this fall. On this week’s Fight for Iowa podcast, Gary Dolphin checks in from fall camp as the Hawkeyes prepare for the 2024 season.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz shares thoughts on his 27th year at the helm and why this is his favorite time of year.

New quarterback Mark Gronowski discusses his transition from South Dakota State and how going up against Iowa’s defense is sharpening his game.

And standout defensive tackle Aaron Graves, along with Will Hubert and Bryce Hawthorne, talks about the Hawkeye D-line’s expectations following one of the best rushing defenses in the nation last season.

Plus, a preview of Kids Day at Kinnick, coming up this Saturday, August 9.

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This week on the Fight for Iowa podcast, Gary Dolphin shares observations from a recent Iowa Men’s Basketball practice under new head coach Ben McCollum. With an early emphasis on defense and team chemistry, the Hawkeyes are taking shape ahead of the 2025–26 season.

Dolphin catches up with senior guard Bennett Stirtz, last seasons Missouri Valley Player of the Year who’s already turning heads in Iowa City and recently earned an invite to the prestigious Chris Paul Elite Guard Camp.

Also featured is Cooper Koch, one of only two returning players from last season, who talks about his health, development, and the energy Coach McCollum brings to practice.

And Coach Ben McCollum himself shares insights on the team’s progress and what fans can expect as the season approaches.

It’s an early look at a new era of Hawkeye Hoops.

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This week on the Fight for Iowa podcast, Gary Dolphin sits down with former Hawkeye star Kenyon Murray to reflect on a legacy that spans two generations of Iowa basketball. With sons Keegan and Kris Murray now making their mark in the NBA, Kenyon and his wife Michelle are focused on giving back through a cutting-edge new sports complex and the Murray Foundation. Learn how their vision will support youth development, education, and access to sports for families across Iowa — and how the NBA is helping amplify their impact through scholarship matching. It’s a story of legacy, family, and purpose.

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She was an All-Big Ten standout, a pro softball veteran, and now she’s back in Black and Gold. New Iowa Softball Head Coach Stacy May Johnson joins the Fight for Iowa podcast to talk about returning to Iowa City, reshaping the Hawkeye roster, and building a winning culture. In just six weeks on the job, May Johnson has brought in seven freshmen, seven sophomores and juniors, and several key transfers—including Mountain West Pitcher of the Year Serayah Neiss.

A disciple of Hall of Fame coach Gail Blevins, May Johnson brings a championship mindset from her successful run at Fresno State and a clear vision for the future of Hawkeye Softball.

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The countdown is on—just seven weeks until the Hawkeyes take the field against Albany to open the 2024 season. On this episode of Fight for Iowa, we focus on two of Iowa’s biggest game-changers on special teams and a key voice in the linebacker room.

Rhys Dakin, a FWAA Freshman All-American punter, looks to build on an impressive debut.

Kaden Wetjen, the JET Award winner and nation’s top return man, is locked in for a breakout senior year.

Jaxson Rexroth, Cedar Rapids native and senior linebacker, is ready to seize his moment.

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This week’s episode features former Hawkeye sharpshooter Payton Sandfort, who’s now chasing his NBA dream with the Oklahoma City Thunder organization. After catching the eye of Thunder GM Sam Presti during the Big Ten Tournament—despite playing through torn labrums—Sandfort was invited to Game 5 of the NBA Finals and never looked back. He’s now signed with the Oklahoma City Blue in the G League, recovering from surgery, studying the playbook, and preparing for his shot at the big stage.

Later in the show, we check in with Iowa Football as the team heads into a short July 4th break. Hear from defensive leaders Ethan Hurkett and Max Llewellyn as they reflect on last season’s dominant defensive performance and look ahead to fall camp.

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