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Iowa football defeats NIU in 40-0 season opener at Kinnick Stadium

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 11:24 PM

Last updated Sep 5, 2026

Iowa football defeats NIU in 40-0 season opener at Kinnick Stadium

Summary

Iowa opened its 2026 season with a 40-0 victory over NIU at Kinnick Stadium on September 5. The Hawkeyes gained 507 yards of total offense, marking a high point for offensive coordinator Tim Lester. Running back Kamari Moulton recorded 183 rushing yards on 11 carries, including two long touchdown runs in the first half. Transfer wide receiver Tony Diaz contributed seven receptions for 84 yards and scored the team's first touchdown of the game. Quarterback Hank Brown earned the start and led scoring drives on the team's first three possessions before Jeremy Hecklinski took over. The game saw LJ Phillips leave early with a left-ankle injury, while Iowa utilized second- and third-team players throughout a scoreless second half.

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By the Numbers

•Iowa defeated NIU 40-0 in the season opener at Kinnick Stadium.
•Kamari Moulton finished with 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
•Tony Diaz recorded 84 receiving yards in his debut for the Hawkeyes.
•Hank Brown started at quarterback and led three scoring drives.
•LJ Phillips left the game in the first quarter with an apparent left-ankle injury.

Latest Updates

11:24 PMYahoo Sports — Leistikow's 4 thoughts after Iowa football steamrolls NIU, 40-0

What they're saying

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Iowa football scored 33 first-half points then took their foot off the gas in the second half, but Tony Diaz and Kamari Moulton sure looked good.
— Yahoo Sports

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