The University of Iowa: The House That Kinnick Built
The University of Iowa Hawkeyes football program forged its identity through legendary coaches and the inspirational story of its greatest hero.
The heart of Iowa's tradition is Nile Kinnick. In 1939, Kinnick played nearly every minute of every game for the famed "Ironmen" team, earning the Heisman Trophy with his grit and brilliance. His tragic death in World War II elevated him to mythic status, and the university honors him to this day as the Hawkeyes play in Kinnick Stadium.
Two legendary coaches built the program's greatest eras of success.
Forest Evashevski led Iowa to two Rose Bowl victories and its only consensus national championship in the 1950s.
Then, in 1979, coach Hayden Fry arrived and completely revitalized the program after nearly two decades of losing seasons. He introduced the iconic Tiger Hawk logo and turned the Hawkeyes into a consistent Big Ten power.
From the legend of Nile Kinnick to the eras of Evashevski and Fry, the Hawkeyes boast a tough, proud tradition in college football history. 🏈
