Story by
Iowa football in the NFL: Week 7 recap
- Story by
- Iowa football in the NFL: Week 7 recap
The NFL just wrapped up Week 7 of the 2026 season, and it brought more thrills, huge plays, and tight finishes.
On the Iowa football front, it was a quieter day for former Hawkeyes in the league. But a few fan favorites still made plays. Some of Iowa's best alumni in the NFL showed out over the weekend.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
From touchdown grabs to dominant play in the trenches, here's a look at some of the best performances from former Hawkeyes in Week 7:
Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Wirfs is one of the best offensive linemen in the entire NFL, and he showed why on Sunday. The 27-year-old left tackle was part of a dominant effort for the Buccaneers in their 43-13 win over the Panthers . Tampa Bay rushed for 258 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. They averaged 5.3 yards per carry. Baker Mayfield was also kept clean all afternoon. Wirfs and the entire offensive line were a huge part of it. He was great in Week 7.
T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
It's only fitting that a former Iowa tight end found the end zone on National Tight Ends Day. Hockenson was the one to do so in the Vikings ' 16-10 win over the Colts . He finished the game with four receptions for 35 yards and that score. His fourth-quarter touchdown was the only one of the game for Minnesota and it gave the Vikings the lead. It was the second touchdown of the season for Hockenson.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Kittle turned in another strong performance despite the 49ers dropping a 29-20 game to the Falcons . He finished with eight receptions for 88 yards, both of which led the team. While he did have an untimely fumble in the fourth quarter, Kittle made winning plays all afternoon. He now has 34 receptions for 425 yards and five touchdowns through seven games.
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) and Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) take the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz leads his team onto the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players huddle during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Joey Gerlach (19) celebrates an interception against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) rubs his face with a towel during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Iose Epenesa (97) reacts after sacking Minnesota’s quarterback during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Minnesota’s Aydan West (5) celebrates with teammates during a Big Ten football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws a pass during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Minnesota’s Matt Kingsbury (49) intercepts a pass meant for Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts after a pass meant for him is intercepted during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts after getting a first down against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs with the football during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) runs into the end zone to score a touchdown against Minnesota during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz high-fives Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Zach Ortwerth (48) during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Minnesota’s Darius Taylor (1) runs with the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) is held during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) reacts after Minnesota kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Minnesota cornerback John Nestor (17) talks to Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) following the Golden Gophers’ 13-10 win over Iowa in a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers players celebrate with the Floyd of Rosedale after beating the Iowa Hawkeyes at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/21
Iowa football releases Week 9 depth chart vs. Wisconsin
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) and Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) take the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/21
Iowa football releases Week 9 depth chart vs. Wisconsin
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) and Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) take the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz leads his team onto the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players huddle during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
/21
'Not good enough': Kirk Ferentz laments Iowa's QB play vs. Minnesota
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Joey Gerlach (19) celebrates an interception against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) rubs his face with a towel during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Iose Epenesa (97) reacts after sacking Minnesota’s quarterback during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Minnesota’s Aydan West (5) celebrates with teammates during a Big Ten football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws a pass during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
11
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Minnesota’s Matt Kingsbury (49) intercepts a pass meant for Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
12
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts after a pass meant for him is intercepted during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
13
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts after getting a first down against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
14
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs with the football during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
15
/21
CBS shares Iowa football bowl projection after Minnesota loss
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) runs into the end zone to score a touchdown against Minnesota during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
16
/21
Iowa football plummets in updated US LBM Coaches Poll rankings
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz high-fives Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Zach Ortwerth (48) during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Minnesota’s Darius Taylor (1) runs with the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) is held during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
19
/21
Iowa football falls out of latest AP Top 25 poll rankings
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) reacts after Minnesota kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
20
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Minnesota cornerback John Nestor (17) talks to Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) following the Golden Gophers’ 13-10 win over Iowa in a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
21
/21
Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers players celebrate with the Floyd of Rosedale after beating the Iowa Hawkeyes at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football in the NFL: Week 7 recap
