Hawkeyes Unleash Secret Weapon: How Iowa Football Is Gearing Up for ReliaQuest Bowl Showdown Against Heisman Finalist

The stakes are incredibly high for Iowa Football as they prepare to face one of college football’s most dynamic talents in the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl. On New Year’s Eve, the Hawkeyes will go head-to-head with Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, the electrifying Heisman Trophy runner-up from the 2025 season. Stopping Pavia, a true dual-threat maestro, will require an “all hands on deck” approach, and Head Coach Kirk Ferentz is pulling a surprising card from his sleeve to ensure his defense is ready.

The Challenge: Containing a Heisman Runner-Up

Diego Pavia had a truly remarkable 2025 regular season, showcasing why he was a top contender for college football’s most prestigious individual award. His statistics speak volumes:

• Passing: Completed an astounding 71.2% of his passes for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns.
• Rushing: Added an impressive 826 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground.

This lethal combination of pinpoint accuracy and explosive rushing ability makes Pavia a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. He pushed Vanderbilt Football to new heights, ultimately earning a trip to New York City as a Heisman finalist, finishing only behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. For the formidable Hawkeye defense, led by the astute Phil Parker, the task of containing Pavia is monumental. For more on college football stats and rules, visit the NCAA official site.

Enter Ryan Fitzgerald: The Scout Team MVP

While defensive schemes and tactical adjustments will be crucial, Kirk Ferentz is turning to an unexpected source for assistance in practice: true freshman walk-on quarterback, Ryan Fitzgerald. As reported by Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register, Fitzgerald has been tapped to simulate Pavia’s unique skillset on the scout team, giving the Iowa Football defense an authentic look at what they’ll face.

Fitzgerald, the son of newly appointed Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald, might not have seen game action for the Hawkeyes this season, but his high school resume paints a clear picture of why he’s the ideal choice for this critical role. Hailing from Northfield, Illinois, the 6-foot-1, 218-pound quarterback led Loyola Academy High School to three consecutive state championships. His career stats highlight his own dual-threat capabilities:

• High School Passing: 3,835 yards and 45 touchdowns.
• High School Rushing: 988 yards and 15 touchdowns.

These impressive numbers, particularly his rushing totals, strongly echo Pavia’s style of play, making Fitzgerald an invaluable asset in preparing the Hawkeyes for the ReliaQuest Bowl.

More Than Just Practice: A Glimpse into the Future

This experience as the scout team quarterback is more than just helping the team prepare for one game; it’s a significant development for Ryan Fitzgerald’s future with Iowa Football. With current quarterback Mark Gronowski set to graduate, an open competition for the starting role is anticipated next season. While sophomores Hank Brown and redshirt-freshman Jeremy Hecklinski are currently considered frontrunners, Fitzgerald’s potential and this high-level practice exposure could certainly propel him into the conversation.

Coach Ferentz’s trust in Fitzgerald for such a vital preparatory role speaks volumes about the young walk-on’s talent and potential. The Hawkeyes are undoubtedly hoping that this meticulous preparation, spearheaded by Fitzgerald’s simulation of Pavia, will translate into a successful performance on Wednesday.

Game Day Details

Don’t miss the Iowa Football action! Kick-off for the ReliaQuest Bowl is scheduled for 11 a.m. CST on New Year’s Eve. Fans can catch all the excitement live on ESPN.

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