Logan Jones and Luke Lachey, two standout seniors from the University of Iowa, have recently been named to prestigious watch lists for college football awards. Jones has been recognized on the Rimington Trophy watch list, which is awarded annually to the nation’s top center. This is not the first time Jones has been on this list, as he was also named to the Rimington preseason list last season. Former Hawkeye Tyler Linderbaum was the recipient of the Rimington Trophy in 2021, setting a high standard for Jones to aspire to. Additionally, Jones was previously selected for the Outland Trophy Watch List, which is presented to the top offensive lineman in the country. His impressive performance on the field has earned him accolades such as being voted third-team All-Big Ten by conference media and honorable mention All-Big Ten by league coaches in 2023. Jones has proven himself as a key player for the Hawkeyes, starting at center in 13 games and only missing one game due to injury.
On the other hand, Luke Lachey has been named to the John Mackey Award watch list, which is presented to the country’s most outstanding tight end. Lachey was previously recognized as a preseason second-team All-Big Ten tight end by Athlon and a fourth-team All-Big Ten pick by Phil Steele. He has also been named to the Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List, showcasing his resilience and determination on the field. Despite sustaining a season-ending injury in the third game of the previous season, Lachey has made significant contributions to the team, with 13 career starts, four touchdowns, and 662 yards across 46 receptions. In 2022, former Hawkeye Sam LaPorta was a finalist for the Mackey Award, highlighting the strong tradition of tight ends at Iowa. The program has produced two previous winners of the Mackey Award, including Dallas Clark in 2002 and T.J. Hockenson in 2018, as well as several semifinalists.
In a similar vein, Iowa State’s Benjamin Brahmer has also made waves in college football, being named to the John Mackey Award Watch List for the upcoming season. Brahmer, a sophomore tight end, had an impressive freshman year at Iowa State, earning Freshman All-America honors and setting a new record for receptions by a true freshman tight end at the university. His performance on the field has garnered him recognition as an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection by the league’s coaches. Brahmer’s potential and talent make him a player to watch in the upcoming season, as he continues to make a name for himself in college football.
Switching gears to women’s basketball, the University of Iowa’s women’s team is gearing up for the 2024 Women’s Cancun Challenge, set to take place at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. The Hawkeyes will be competing in the Riviera Division against Rhode Island and BYU on November 28th and 29th, respectively. This will mark the team’s fifth appearance in the tournament, with their previous participation in 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, the Hawkeyes are looking forward to showcasing their skills and competing against top-tier opponents in the tournament. With a strong track record at the event, including a title win in 2013, the Hawkeyes are poised to make a statement and continue their winning tradition in Cancun.
In conclusion, the recent accolades and recognitions received by Logan Jones, Luke Lachey, Benjamin Brahmer, and the University of Iowa women’s basketball team highlight the talent and dedication of student-athletes at the university. As these players continue to excel on the field and represent their respective teams with pride, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead filled with thrilling performances and memorable moments.
