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Under head coach Kirk Ferentz, the Iowa Hawkeyes have consistently featured a linebacker who anchors the defense. From Chad Greenway to Josey Jewell to Jay Higgins, the program has a rich tradition of standout linebackers. Most of these players followed a similar path: they spent a year or two learning the system before stepping into the starting lineup and immediately making an impact. That pattern appears to be repeating in 2026.
After a lackluster 2025 season from the linebacker corps, Iowa may have unearthed its next star in third-year player Cam Buffington. A native of Winfield, Iowa, Buffington has gotten off to a torrid start. Through two games, he has racked up 21 total tackles, which ranks tied for eighth nationally in all of college football.
In last Saturday's Cy-Hawk game, Buffington proved to be a game-changer. He recorded 15 tackles by himself, propelling the Hawkeyes to a 16-13 win. Tasked primarily with spying Iowa State quarterback Jaylen Raynor, Buffington helped limit the dual-threat signal-caller to just 18 rushing yards. His performance did not go unnoticed by his head coach.
During his weekly Tuesday press conference, Ferentz was asked about Buffington's transition to starting linebacker at Iowa and his adjustment from 8-man football at Winfield-Mount Union High School in southeastern Iowa. Ferentz praised Buffington's instincts and athleticism. "Certain guys are good football players," Ferentz said. "We thought we saw that during the recruiting process, tremendous kid, tremendous family, and he's an impressive young guy. I guess maybe I didn't say it last Tuesday, but I think it was on the radio show on Wednesday and I was talking about a play Wednesday in practice that he made, and there's certain guys that see things a little easier and quicker, and then he has the ability to accelerate on top of it. It starts with seeing things and recognition, thinking about Abdul (Hodge) out there. These fields used to be out there 25 years ago, and the first time you saw him on the field in person, like boy, he gets where he's got to get real quickly. I'm not saying guys are born with that, but some people do it a little quicker than others. Then when he gets here, he knows what to do, too. He's a good young prospect and a great young person. I think he's going to be a really good football player for us. He's off to a good start for sure."
Key Analysis
Ferentz has witnessed many great linebackers during his tenure, and his enthusiasm for Buffington's potential is palpable. Iowa's defensive scheme places heavy emphasis on linebacker play, and Buffington has already shown he can shoulder that responsibility. If his early performances are any indication, he is poised to continue making significant contributions as the Hawkeyes enter Big Ten competition.
Originally reported by yahoo.