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 quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) readies for the snap Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Sep 28, 2019; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (6) in action against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Dec 30, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates his first down against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Iowa linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

The rankings are out. The polls are set. The Iowa Hawkeyes' schedule is now set up with the chances to prove 2026 is going to be different.

Iowa running back Nathan McNeil (5) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes enter another preseason poll ranked, but did the AP get things right for Iowa this year? It is more correct than most.

Iowa quarterback Hank Brown (9) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

Football

Iowa is doing more than just seeing the stats to solve its quarterback battle. The Hawkeyes are blending numbers and feel to make the decision.

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Iowa Football head coach Kirk Ferentz speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Football

To be the best you have to beat the best, and Kirk Ferentz left no doubt about what Iowa has to do with the Big Ten slate staring back.

Iowa tight end DJ Vonnahme (81) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

Football

Could the Iowa Hawkeyes be for real on offense? The fall camp rumblings point to a few key players showing signs of growth.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is pictured Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Football

Iowa isn't supposed to have all of the answers yet, but after the open practice, some questions have bubbled up, creating a bit of concern for 2026.

Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

Football

Iowa football held its first open practice of fall camp. Here's who stood out, who struggled, and what we learned about the Hawkeyes.

Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

Football

It's easy to crown the Hawkeyes' starting quarterback after one open practice, but there's reason to believe this is far from over. Kirk Ferentz isn't as reactive.

Iowa defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

It's happening again. The Hawkeyes have yet another game-changer, but it may not at the position you'd expect. It could flip games, though.

Aug 6, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the first half against the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark might be in the WNBA, but her latest move is a big-time nod to her time in Iowa City with the Hawkeyes.

Aug 30, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs the ball against the Albany Great Danes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

It's time to dig into each and every game Iowa plays this year with a score prediction.

DUPLICATE***Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) runs with the ball during a football game against the Massachusetts Minutemen Sept. 13, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

It's a strength of the Hawkeyes and each one of the four backs brings a different specialty.