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.

Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Sep 27, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz and Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti shake hands before the game at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Football

Iowa went on the road and did more than simply win. This team sent a message to the Big Ten with the performance they put on.

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

Football

Jeremy Hecklinski is getting the nod against Washington as Hank Brown recovers. What should we expect from Iowa's offense?

Iowa defensive end Iowa Joseph Anderson (84) stands for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

Football

It's pretty simple for Iowa: just find a way. Okay, that's too simple. But Iowa's keys to victory over Washington aren't complicated.

Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Cam Buffington (33) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Football

Friday night in Seattle is a tough test, but Iowa has passed these types of tests before. Who's to say they can't respond and do it again?

Sep 4, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dubs II, Washington Huskies mascot, waits for players to exit the tunnel field before a game against the Montana Grizzlies during the first quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Football

Could Iowa see its first adverse weather of the year in Seattle against Washington? That might not be a bad thing.

Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) celebrates with teammate DJ Vonnahme (81) after scoring a touchdown during a Big Ten college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes Oct. 3, 2026 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Football

It's Friday night Big Ten action from Seattle. Here is all the info you need for the Iowa Hawkeyes taking on the Washington Huskies.

Iowa head coach Ben McCollum reacts during a game against the UMass Lowell Riverhawks Dec. 29, 2025 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

Basketball

Ben McCollum was a hot commodity this coaching cycle, but stayed home with Iowa. He reiterated his reasoning why without hesitation.

Iowa running back Xavier Williams (26) Iowa running back Nathan McNeil (5) Iowa running back Kamari Moulton (28) and Iowa running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) stand for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

Football

Running the ball is a staple for Iowa, but this year, the Hawkeyes haven't cracked the code. Finding a rhythm is becoming a necessity for Iowa's offense.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker yells to his players during the Cy-Hawk football game Sept. 12, 2026 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

If Iowa wants to keep the playoff hopes and dreams alive, a win over Washington is a must, and that weight will be shouldered by some of Iowa's best.

Iowa linebacker Cam Buffington (33) and Iowa linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) stand for a portrait during Hawkeye football media day, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Iowa City.

There are times units have to pick up the slack for a football team, and that is the case for Iowa against Washington. The defense is going to be leaned on.

Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) looks to make a pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa is getting a picture of the quarterback health heading into Washington, and it is looking as clear as mud.

Oct 26, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz walks off the field after a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

It may only be Week 6, but this game between Iowa and Washington feels like it is going to dictate the overall feel for both teams' seasons.