Statewide Iowa — Saturday’s Iowa-Iowa State football game will draw the eyes of the nation but it is only part of the story for a state that is enjoying unprecedented college football success at all levels.
Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz talked about it at his weekly news conference.
Central College has won a NCAA Division III national title and has not suffered a losing season since the Eisenhower administration. Dutch coach Jeff McMartin says it begins with the work ethic in the state.
McMartin says with the level of high school football improving the recruiting landscape is getting even more difficult.
McMartin says multi-sport high school athletes blossom once they get to college and concentrate on football.
UNI is a regular in the FCS playoffs and Drake is one of the top programs in Pioneer Football League. Bulldog coach Todd Stepsis is a native of Ohio but found out quickly football and sports in general are important here in Iowa.
Drake recruits nationally but Stepsis says the foundation remains Iowa players.
Northwestern has won two NAIA titles and opened this season ranked second. Red Raider coach Matt McCarty says beyond relying on home grown talent Iowa colleges are appealing to kids from out of state.
McCarty says football has become part of the culture of the state.
Morningside and Grand View have combined to win three NAIA titles since 2013.
