Freshman Wide Receiver is Iowa’s New Offensive Star [VIDEO]

The Iowa Hawkeye football team looked 'offensive' during its week one win over Illinois State. And no, that is not a dig at the offensive side of the football. Iowa fans finally got to see something that was rare in 2023. Points.

Iowa's 6-0 lead at the half on Saturday had many questioning the new offensive system. But 34 points in the second half had Iowa fans wondering just which team they were watching! Leading the way for Iowa was a freshman wide receiver who just months ago was playing high school football. Meet Reece Vander Zee.

Hawkeye Sports reports that Vander Zee is a true freshman from Rock Rapids, Iowa. He played high school sports at Central Lyon/GLR. His football and baseball teams won state championships in 2022 and were runners-up in both sports in 2023 and 2021. On Saturday, the freshman wide receiver opened some eyes with a debut to remember at Kinnick Stadium!

The Gazette reports that Vander Zee had five catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns in his Hawkeye debut. His game against Illinois State was enough to convince coaches he needs to be in the starting lineup. The Gazette reports that Vander Zee has been moved up to first-team wide receiver as Iowa gets ready to host Iowa State this Saturday.

Joining Vander Zee as starters are Williamsburg native Kaden Wetjen and Northwestern transfer Jacob Gill, according to the Gazette. 

The Hawkeyes host the Cyclones in the annual Cy-Hawk game Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. and the game can be seen on CBS.

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