In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Laura and Matt sit down with Jaxon Rexroth—Cedar Rapids native, Xavier alum, and Hawkeye linebacker—to talk identity, mindset, and what it means to grow up black and gold. From family roots just up the road to the reality of earning your shot as a preferred walk-on, Jaxon opens up about choosing Iowa, embracing a position change, and finding his voice on special teams and defense.

He shares the locker-room standard, “championship effort, attitude, and toughness”—and why the defense lives by the “mind of a goldfish” after a big play (good or bad). We also get the human side: siblings on campus, faith shaping the team’s togetherness, and the unlikely backstory of a future doctor who also grew up skiing, wakeboarding, and learning resilience the hard way.

Then the crew looks ahead to Oregon in Kinnick, breaking down vibe, matchups, and where Iowa can assert itself without getting lost in numbers—just the culture, the details, and the belief that travel, noise, or narratives don’t change who the Hawks are. Plus: we’re continuing the Q&As—drop your questions so we can bring them to the next episode.🎧 New episodes every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!#TalkinHawks #Hawkeyes #IowaFootball #B1G #SwarmUp #Kinnick #HawkeyeNation

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura celebrate a dominant 41–3 Iowa victory over Minnesota — keeping Floyd of Rosedale right where he belongs in Iowa City. The energy inside Kinnick was electric, and the Hawks delivered one of their most complete performances of the season across offense, defense, and special teams.

Then, defensive back Deshaun Lee joins the show for a fun and insightful conversation about his journey from Detroit to Iowa, what it’s like playing under Phil Parker, and the mindset that drives him both on and off the field. From his competitive upbringing and love of the Lions to his dream of one day opening a restaurant, Deshaun’s personality shines through in this can’t-miss interview.

We also do a deep dive into the comment section, which you won't want to miss - especially since Big 10 Conference might be on the horizon.

Whether you’re a lifelong Hawkeye fan or just love seeing players’ personalities off the field, this episode brings heart, humor, and plenty of black-and-gold pride.

🎧 New episodes every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!#TalkinHawks #GoHawks #IowaFootball #Hawkeyes #BigTen #FloydOfRosedale

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura celebrate a dominant 41–3 Iowa victory over Minnesota — keeping Floyd of Rosedale right where he belongs in Iowa City. The energy inside Kinnick was electric, and the Hawks delivered one of their most complete performances of the season across offense, defense, and special teams.

Then, defensive back Deshaun Lee joins the show for a fun and insightful conversation about his journey from Detroit to Iowa, what it’s like playing under Phil Parker, and the mindset that drives him both on and off the field. From his competitive upbringing and love of the Lions to his dream of one day opening a restaurant, Deshaun’s personality shines through in this can’t-miss interview.

We also do a deep dive into the comment section, which you won't want to miss - especially since Big 10 Conference might be on the horizon.

Whether you’re a lifelong Hawkeye fan or just love seeing players’ personalities off the field, this episode brings heart, humor, and plenty of black-and-gold pride.

🎧 New episodes every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!#TalkinHawks #GoHawks #IowaFootball #Hawkeyes #BigTen #FloydOfRosedale

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura celebrate a massive win over Penn State under the lights at Kinnick before turning their attention to the upcoming matchup with Minnesota. From the electric atmosphere in the “stripe-out” stadium to key defensive stops and Marky G’s clutch performance, they break down what made this one of the season’s most memorable nights in Iowa City.

Then, the conversation shifts to basketball as the VandeBergs sit down with new Iowa men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum. Born in Iowa City and back to lead the Hawkeyes, McCollum opens up about his journey—from Storm Lake to Northwest Missouri State to Drake—and the philosophies that shaped his coaching style. He shares lessons on leadership, competitiveness, and family, and gives fans a glimpse into rebuilding the Iowa program from the ground up.

Whether you bleed black and gold or just love a good comeback story, this episode blends football adrenaline with hoops insight and plenty of Hawkeye pride.

🎧 New episodes drop every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura celebrate a dominant 41–3 Iowa victory over Minnesota — keeping Floyd of Rosedale right where he belongs in Iowa City. The energy inside Kinnick was electric, and the Hawks delivered one of their most complete performances of the season across offense, defense, and special teams.

Then, defensive back Deshaun Lee joins the show for a fun and insightful conversation about his journey from Detroit to Iowa, what it’s like playing under Phil Parker, and the mindset that drives him both on and off the field. From his competitive upbringing and love of the Lions to his dream of one day opening a restaurant, Deshaun’s personality shines through in this can’t-miss interview.

We also do a deep dive into the comment section, which you won't want to miss - especially since Big 10 Conference might be on the horizon.

Whether you’re a lifelong Hawkeye fan or just love seeing players’ personalities off the field, this episode brings heart, humor, and plenty of black-and-gold pride.

🎧 New episodes every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!
#TalkinHawks #GoHawks #IowaFootball #Hawkeyes #BigTen #FloydOfRosedale

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura celebrate a massive win over Penn State under the lights at Kinnick before turning their attention to the upcoming matchup with Minnesota. From the electric atmosphere in the “stripe-out” stadium to key defensive stops and Marky G’s clutch performance, they break down what made this one of the season’s most memorable nights in Iowa City.

Then, the conversation shifts to basketball as the VandeBergs sit down with new Iowa men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum. Born in Iowa City and back to lead the Hawkeyes, McCollum opens up about his journey—from Storm Lake to Northwest Missouri State to Drake—and the philosophies that shaped his coaching style. He shares lessons on leadership, competitiveness, and family, and gives fans a glimpse into rebuilding the Iowa program from the ground up.

Whether you bleed black and gold or just love a good comeback story, this episode blends football adrenaline with hoops insight and plenty of Hawkeye pride.

🎧 New episodes drop every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura break down Iowa’s dominant shutout win over Wisconsin and look ahead to a pivotal matchup against a reeling Penn State team. Defensive back TJ Hall joins the show for an exclusive interview, sharing insight on the Hawkeyes' mindset, his growth in the secondary, and when he decided to focus on football.

Matt and Laura also dive into the postgame drama around James Franklin’s firing at Penn State, reflecting on the Nittany Lions’ unexpected three-game skid and the fan unrest that’s shaken the program.

From defensive linemen grabbing interceptions to a screen game firing on all cylinders, this episode covers:

• Iowa’s smothering defense and complete shutdown of Wisconsin’s offense

• Mark Gronowski’s resilience in the pocket and RPO progress

• Praise for Reece Vander Zee, Xavier Williams, and a gritty offensive line

• T.J. Hall’s continued dominance on the outside—and why quarterbacks avoid his side

• The Big Ten Championship path: what Iowa needs to clinch a spot

• Why Penn State’s collapse might be more about mentality than matchups

Don’t miss the laughs, analysis, and stories behind the stats— Oh, and bring your raincoat—this next night game at Kinnick might get wet.

🎧 New episodes drop every Monday. Subscribe and join the conversation!

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura sit down with Koen Entringer, Iowa defensive back and emerging force in the Hawkeye secondary, for a conversation that dives into his journey from the soccer pitch to the gridiron.

Koen opens up about his late transition into football, what drew him to defense, and the mentality it takes to play physical, disciplined football in the Big Ten. He also shares how growing up as an only child shaped his focus and independence, and what it’s like to be part of Iowa’s tight-knit defensive unit.

Matt and Laura recap the bye week and catch fans up on what’s happening across Iowa athletics—from women’s basketball’s top recruit McKenna Woliczko to early buzz around men’s hoops and wrestling season—before turning their attention to this week’s matchup against Wisconsin.

Whether you’re here for behind-the-scenes stories or thoughtful insight into Iowa’s defense, this episode captures the balance of grit, heart, and humor that defines Talkin’ Hawks.

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura welcome Trevor Lauck, standout Iowa offensive lineman, for a conversation that blends game-day insight with plenty of laughs.

The VandeBergs open with a recap of Iowa’s hard-fought matchup against Indiana, breaking down the highs, the frustrations, and the standout defensive performances that kept the Hawks in striking distance. With the bye week now on deck, they discuss what the team needs most in this critical stretch before a gauntlet of Big Ten opponents.

Then, Trevor joins the show for a lively interview that had Matt in tears from laughing. He shares stories about life in the trenches, the bond within Iowa’s offensive line, and what it’s like carrying the black and gold on Saturdays. His mix of humor and honesty gives fans a glimpse at both the grind and the fun of being a Hawkeye.

Whether you’re here for the X’s and O’s, the behind-the-scenes stories, or just a good laugh, this episode delivers a little bit of everything—along with that signature Hawkeye pride.

🎧 New episodes every Monday—subscribe and join the conversation!

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura recap Iowa’s big win over Rutgers before welcoming Iowa women’s basketball guard Callie Levin to the show. From game-changing plays on the football field to the excitement building around women’s hoops, it’s an episode packed with Hawkeye pride.

Callie shares her journey growing up in Solon with a sports-driven family, her love for both athletics and the performing arts, and how she balances basketball with passions like musicals, music, and social media. With her upbeat personality and energy, Callie gives fans a glimpse into what makes Iowa women’s basketball such a special community.

To wrap up, the VandeBergs preview Iowa’s upcoming matchup with Indiana and look ahead to what’s next for the Hawks on the field and the court. Whether you’re locked in on football season or counting down to tip-off, this conversation delivers the heart, humor, and Hawkeye spirit fans love.