Fight for Iowa – The Official Podcast of Iowa Athletics

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 Cit...

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 ...

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—in...

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 ...

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, st...

On this week’s Fight for Iowa podcast, Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz discusses the landmark $2.8 billion NCAA settlement and what it means for the future of Hawkeye student-athletes and NIL. Goetz reflects on the challenges ahead, the opportunity for growth, and the confidence she has in Iowa’s coaches and programs moving forward.

Then, Iowa women’s basketball standout Hannah Stuelke joins the show fresh off b...

This week on Fight for Iowa, Gary Dolphin catches up with two key leaders of the Hawkeye offense. Right tackle Gennings Dunker reflects on Iowa’s powerful run game and the offensive line’s pursuit of another standout season. Quarterback Mark Gronowski, a transfer from South Dakota State, shares his goals and background—including lessons from his dad, a former Drake QB. Plus, former Hawkeye golfer and Wakonda Club pro ...

Veteran Hawkeye football players are back in Iowa City for summer workouts as a new era under QB Mark Gronowski and OC Tim Lester takes shape. Gary Dolphin details key position battles, offensive leaders like Addison Ostrenga and Logan Jones, and defensive anchors including Aaron Graves and Xavier Nwankpa. Plus, Iowa men's basketball head coach Ben McCollum joins the show to talk about rebuilding the Hawkeyes with familiar...

This week on the Fight for Iowa podcast, Gary Dolphin welcomes former Hawkeye great and longtime NFL standout Micah Hyde. From his days locking down Big Ten offenses in the Iowa secondary to making big plays in Green Bay and Buffalo, Hyde reflects on the moments that defined his career. He talks about the culture under Kirk Ferentz, his transition to the NFL, and the pride he still carries as a Hawkeye. It’s...

This week on the Fight for Iowa podcast, Gary Dolphin welcomes two key voices from the Iowa Football coaching staff. New running backs coach Omar Young discusses his transition to the Hawkeyes, his coaching philosophy, and what excites him about Iowa’s backfield. Offensive line coach George Barnett returns to share insights on player development, the identity of Iowa’s offensive front, and goa...

This week on the Fight for Iowa podcast, Gary Dolphin welcomes two standout Hawkeyes from different corners of the athletic department. Iowa Rowing’s Molly Shannon shares her path to becoming a team leader, the mental and physical grind of rowing, and how the Hawkeyes are making waves this season. Then, Iowa Football kicker Drew Stevens joins the show to talk about his approach to high-pressur...

This week on the Fight for Iowa Podcast, Gary Dolphin welcomes Bennett Stirtz, a key new addition to the Iowa men’s basketball team. The former Drake Bulldog is making the move to Iowa City alongside new Hawkeye head coach Ben McCollum. Stirtz shares what it means to follow his coach to the Big Ten, how he plans to contribute right away, and why he’s excited to wear the Black and Gold. Don’t miss this exclusive conver...