Iowa special teams shine in 'EA Sports College Football 26' ratings
And no one can deny that more times than not, Iowa's special teams have been well, special, over the past 26 years. From punting, to kicking and to the return game, the Hawkeyes' special teams units have won Iowa more games than fans can count. And it seems like fans can expect more of the same this season.
With sophomore punter Rhys Dakin, senior kicker Drew Stevens, and senior return specialist Kaden Wetjen all returning this season, Iowa's special teams units should remain elite in 2025. And it's those three players who have earned their rightful lofty ratings in "EA Sports College Football 26."
College Football 26 is the second installment in the series after a decade without a college football game. While the game has its flaws, fans have found a lot of joy in being able to play with their favorite teams and players daily.
College Football 26 released some graphics to X on Friday, showcasing the highest-rated special teams players in the game, and all three of Iowa's starters were featured.
Wetjen rightfully earned the top kick return rating in the entire game, at a 99 overall. The 2024 Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year was a first-team All-American following a great junior season.
Wetjen led the FBS in kick return yards and was second in punt return yards as he captured the 2024 Jet Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top return specialist. The 5-foot-9, 196-pound return man scored a pair of touchdowns in 2024, one on a kickoff and another on a punt.
Dakin was given the honor of having the highest kick accuracy in the game, tied with Tennessee's Jackson Ross at 97 overall. Dakin was a second-team All-Big Ten player as a freshman, booting 64 punts with a 44.1 yard average per kick.
The 6-foot-4 Aussie pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line 29 times and had only five touchbacks. His place at the top of the list is very deserving.
Stevens is seventh in the game in kick accuracy, coming in at a 94 overall. Stevens made 20-of-23 field goals last season and was a perfect 40-for-40 on PAT tries. Coming off a rough 2023 season where he made just 18-of-26 kicks, Stevens rebounded with a strong 2024 campaign and looks poised to take another step forward in 2025.
It's nice to see Iowa's special teams receive some accolades and the attention they deserve. They've been an elite unit for a long time now, and should be talked about more by Iowa fans and national pundits.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
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