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Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr. available vs. Michigan
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- Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr. available vs. Michigan
It appears that Iowa will be getting a key offensive contributor back for the Michigan game on Saturday.
With a top-20 clash awaiting them at the Big House, the Hawkeyes got very encouraging news about LJ Phillips Jr. on Wednesday. According to running backs coach Jay Norvell, Phillips will be available for this weekend's game against the Wolverines . After going out with an injury in the first half of the Northern Illinois game in Week 1, Phillips looks set for a return at the perfect time.
Phillips had four carries for five yards against the Huskies before leaving with an injury. The South Dakota transfer had a monster 2025 campaign, rushing for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns with the Coyotes. The 5-foot-8 fourth-year was a huge pickup for Kirk Ferentz in the portal.
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Iowa 's running game showed what it could be at its very best against Northern Iowa, rushing for over 400 yards. Now that group will add Phillips back to the fold for the biggest game of the season. They'll need to establish the ground game if they want to win. Phillips coming back will be a major boost to help them do just that.
It's going to be quite the Big Ten contest this Saturday.
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz enters Kinnick Stadium before the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The Iowa Hawkeyes mascot, Herky, leads the crowd against the Northern Iowa Panthers before the game at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The Iowa Hawkeyes come off the field at Kinnick Stadium before the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) comes off the field at Kinnick Stadium before the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during the first quarter against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The line of scrimmage between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to throw a pass against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Nathan McNeil (5) is tackled by Northern Iowa Panthers safety Calvin Jaworski (21) as linebacker John Powers (33) looks on during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) and running back Nathan McNeil (5) react after a touchdown by McNeil against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Iowa Panthers quarterback Jaxon Dailey (15) rolls out against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Nathan McNeil (5) runs for a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; An Iowa Hawkeyes fan participates in the Iowa Wave towards the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital before the second quarter during the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) tries to escape from Northern Iowa Panthers safety Calvin Jaworski (21) during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) runs for a touchdown after a reception against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) reacts after a touchdown reception against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) and offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) react after a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) comes off the field after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Nathan McNeil (5) reacts with tight end Mason Woods (19) after McNeil scored a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Nathan McNeil (5) reacts with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Iowa Panthers running back Christian Collins (22) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Julian Manson (4), linebacker Jack Laughlin (47), and linebacker Burke Gautcher (10) during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Mason Woods (19) runs the ball as Northern Iowa Panthers linebacker John Powers (33) looks to make the tackle during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) scores a touchdown as Northern Iowa Panthers linebacker Kolben Miller (10) and defensive end Axel Ramazani (44) try to make the tackle in the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Julian Manson (4) looks to tackle Northern Iowa Panthers quarterback Cale McThenia (7) during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) and tight end Mason Woods (19) react after a touchdown by Jackson against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz enters Kinnick Stadium before the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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/25
Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz enters Kinnick Stadium before the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The Iowa Hawkeyes mascot, Herky, leads the crowd against the Northern Iowa Panthers before the game at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The Iowa Hawkeyes come off the field at Kinnick Stadium before the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) comes off the field at Kinnick Stadium before the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during the first quarter against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The line of scrimmage between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to throw a pass against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Nathan McNeil (5) is tackled by Northern Iowa Panthers safety Calvin Jaworski (21) as linebacker John Powers (33) looks on during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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/25
Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) and running back Nathan McNeil (5) react after a touchdown by McNeil against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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/25
Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Iowa Panthers quarterback Jaxon Dailey (15) rolls out against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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/25
Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Nathan McNeil (5) runs for a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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/25
Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; An Iowa Hawkeyes fan participates in the Iowa Wave towards the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital before the second quarter during the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
/25
Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) tries to escape from Northern Iowa Panthers safety Calvin Jaworski (21) during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) runs for a touchdown after a reception against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) reacts after a touchdown reception against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
/25
Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) and offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) react after a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) comes off the field after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Nathan McNeil (5) reacts with tight end Mason Woods (19) after McNeil scored a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Nathan McNeil (5) reacts with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Iowa Panthers running back Christian Collins (22) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Julian Manson (4), linebacker Jack Laughlin (47), and linebacker Burke Gautcher (10) during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Mason Woods (19) runs the ball as Northern Iowa Panthers linebacker John Powers (33) looks to make the tackle during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) scores a touchdown as Northern Iowa Panthers linebacker Kolben Miller (10) and defensive end Axel Ramazani (44) try to make the tackle in the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Julian Manson (4) looks to tackle Northern Iowa Panthers quarterback Cale McThenia (7) during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for a touchdown against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's shutout romp vs. Northern Iowa
Sep 19, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) and tight end Mason Woods (19) react after a touchdown by Jackson against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr. available vs. Michigan
