Iowa football announces changes to 2026 numbers

In a management move of sorts, the Iowa Hawkeyes will see some revamped players on the field next year, which may take some time for fans to get to know and recognize. While the Hawkeye logo and name on the back are important, the number a player wears can be equally, if not more important, due to its meaning or the sheer desire to wear that number.

The Hawkeyes have announced a group of number changes ahead of the 2026 season, with six players changing the number they will wear the next time Iowa takes the field.

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On offense, Iowa’s top wide receiver, Reece Vander Zee, will move from No. 15 to No. 2 for the 2026 season. Also on offense, running back Nathan McNeil will move from No. 25 to No. 5, and tight end Mason Woods will move from No. 14 to No. 19.

On the defensive side of the ball, two defensive linemen will change their numbers. Brad Fitzgibbon will move from 94th to 99th, while Devan Kennedy will move from 99th to 91st.

In the secondary, defensive back O’Lantae Dean will move from 16th to 15th for the 2026 season.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa Football Announces Changes to 2026 Numbers