Riley Donald

Riley Donald

Joined: May 27, 2026

Riley Donald, a former NCAA student-athlete, played four years of college football and was a team captain at Augustana College. He has spent nearly five years at USA TODAY Sports covering Iowa football, Iowa men’s basketball, and Iowa women’s basketball, along with a broader coverage focusing primarily on Big Ten football and basketball. Began covering the Dallas Cowboys. Radio guest on several ESPN stations discussing Iowa football, the NFL draft, and more.

Iowa defensive lineman Kahmari Brown (43) warms up during practice April 9, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.

Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during warmups before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images

Mar 8, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) reacts after a three-point shot to force overtime against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Iowa running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

Football

Not every game is equal in college football, but the Iowa Hawkeyes find themselves in more than their fair share of big ones.

Football

It's Iowa. You know the Hawkeyes will win the games they are supposed to, but can they surprise someone along the way?

Sep 13, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver KJ Parker (1) reacts with running back Terrell Washington Jr. (8) and wide receiver Dayton Howard (7) after a touchdown reception against the Massachusetts Minutemen during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The 2026 rendition of the Cy-Hawk looks different than the last few matchups, and has the odds of another tight game shrinking with the changed dynamics of these squads.

Iowa quarterback Hank Brown (9) calls a play during practice April 9, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.

Football

Regardless of which quarterback starts for Iowa, it is putting the Hawkeyes a step behind in determining what offensive identity they are going to have in 2026.

Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Tate Sage (24) looks on during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Basketball

Despite a run to the Elite 8, the NCAA Tournament projections are low on the Iowa Hawkeyes, with anything in play for this team.

Iowa tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

Football

Iowa is a traditional offense, but wrinkles have emerged under Tim Lester. One specific personnel grouping for Iowa this year will let them play from multiple looks.

Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) celebrates a touchdown in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images

Football

A few younger players and others getting their first chance to shine could change things for Iowa in 2026.

Iowa place kicker Eli Ozick (25) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

Football

It's the forgotten unit, but special teams can win games. It will for Iowa this year.

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Iowa student-athlete Zach Lutmer speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Iowa Hawkeyes have some of college football's craziest athletes, but turning that into on-field wins is another thing.

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt at the Holiday Bowl at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa made the cut, but not by much. Joel Klatt is cautiously optimistic about the Hawkeyes in 2026.

Iowa has a few cupcake games, but the schedule packs a punch, even if it is on the easier side of the Big Ten's rankings.

Is Iowa up to something with its basketball schedule? The early-season slate may be manipulating metrics that change Iowa's tournament chances jump.