HIDDEN GEMS? Iowa Hawkeyes SPRING Risers—Braeden Jackson, Joseph Anderson & Cael Winter Evaluate

This episode of Locked On Hawkeyes dives into the under-the-radar players poised to make an impact for the Iowa football team in the 2026 season, spotlighting overlooked talent across the roster. Hosts Trent Condon and Ross Jackson highlight rising stars like Cale Winter, a former walk-on now in the center conversation; Braden Jackson, a walk-on son of NFL legend Fred Jackson; Joseph Anderson, a lanky, track-savvy defensive lineman; and Xavier Stinson, a true freshman receiver with buzz. The discussion also covers key position battles, including the offensive line’s depth issues, punter competition between Tanner Philpott and Boston Everett, and defensive line development with players like Bryce Stevenson and Drew Campbell. The hosts express cautious optimism about the team’s future, especially with the recent addition of 7'3" center Andrew McKeever and transfer Tyree Coleman to the basketball program. The episode closes with a look at the NFL Draft, celebrating Logan Jones’ selection by the Bears and Jennings Dunker’s move to Pittsburgh, while emphasizing the importance of building depth for the upcoming season. Key takeaways include: 1) Undersung players like Cale Winter and Braden Jackson could emerge as key contributors due to injury and depth concerns; 2) The offensive line remains a critical area of focus, with multiple players competing for starting roles; 3) The Hawkeyes’ transfer portal strategy shows promise, especially with the addition of high-impact basketball recruits; 4) The NFL Draft results reflect strong development, with two Hawkeyes selected; 5) The team’s success in 2026 will depend on integrating young talent and maintaining depth across all positions. The overall tone is cautiously optimistic, with a strong emphasis on preparation, development, and long-term growth.