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Iowa football down starting C Cael Winter vs. Northwestern
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- Iowa football down starting C Cael Winter vs. Northwestern
The Iowa offensive line is going to be shorthanded for Saturday night's big clash with Northwestern.
On Wednesday, the Hawkeyes ruled out starting center Cael Winter for the Northwestern game. Head coach Kirk Ferentz shared an update on Winter at his weekly Tuesday media availability .
"I don't think Cael Winter will play," Ferentz said. "We'll see, but not optimistic there. Then we have a couple of other guys banged up. It's that time of year, so we have some guys nursing injuries. Hopefully they'll make it by game time. Optimistic they will, but we'll wait and see how the week pans out on that one."
With him missing this game, Iowa will turn to its experienced backup center: sixth-year Michael Myslinski. Despite being with the program for six years, this will be the first start in Myslinski's collegiate career. He has seen real action across his time in Iowa City, appearing in eight games last season. Ferentz spoke about his confidence in the sixth-year center.
"Yeah, Mike jumped in and did a really good job Saturday, not surprisingly," Ferentz said. "I think he's our most veteran player, quite frankly. Just had a 25th birthday last week. He did a great job Saturday, and every confidence he'll play really well this weekend."
Winter, a fourth-year from Waukee, Iowa, has played some good football this season. He had a tall task, replacing All-American center Logan Jones. He's done a solid job so far, gaining the trust of his teammates and coaching staff in the process.
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Iowa will hope this doesn't turn into a long-term injury for Winter. He's an important part of an offensive line that's getting better each week. The Hawkeyes will need their offensive line at full strength as the regular season wraps up.
Iowa and Northwestern will kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. Fans can check out the game on Fox.
The Iowa Hawkeyes swarm onto the field for a Big Ten football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The line of scrimmage between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) catches the snap against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to throw a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) runs the ball as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) looks to make the tackle during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) prepares for the snap against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) returns a kickoff against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Cam Buffington (33) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Fans wave to patients and families at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Former Iowa Hawkeye and current San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle stands at midfield as Iowa’s honorary captain during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) controls the offense at the line against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) and wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) react after a fourth-down stop by the defense against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs with the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs for a touchdown as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) pursues, and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts in the background during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) watches during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) and offensive lineman Kade Pieper (58) react after the Hawkeyes score a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz watches his team compete against the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts with a referee during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeye sideline react to a loose ball by the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36), center, celebrates after recovering a Wisconsin fumble during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) calls a play during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) reacts after intercepting a pass during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
The Hawkeyes celebrate after defeating Wisconsin 30-0 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) and tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) lift the Heartland Trophy after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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The Iowa Hawkeyes swarm onto the field for a Big Ten football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The line of scrimmage between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to throw a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) prepares for the snap against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) returns a kickoff against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Cam Buffington (33) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fans wave to patients and families at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Former Iowa Hawkeye and current San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle stands at midfield as Iowa’s honorary captain during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) controls the offense at the line against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) and wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) react after a fourth-down stop by the defense against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs with the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs for a touchdown as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) pursues, and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts in the background during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) watches during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) and offensive lineman Kade Pieper (58) react after the Hawkeyes score a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz watches his team compete against the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts with a referee during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeye sideline react to a loose ball by the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36), center, celebrates after recovering a Wisconsin fumble during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) calls a play during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) reacts after intercepting a pass during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The Hawkeyes celebrate after defeating Wisconsin 30-0 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) and tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) lift the Heartland Trophy after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers 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 down starting C Cael Winter vs. Northwestern
