It has been 87 years since the Heisman Trophy found its way to Iowa City and the Iowa Hawkeyes. In 1939, Iowa legend Nile Kinnick brought home the Hawkeyes’ sole Heisman Trophy in program history after leading Iowa to a 6-1-1 record, while excelling through the air and on the ground.
The Hawkeyes, a program built on team success rather than individual performances, have long relied on all-around play to sustain their success. That said, CBS Sports has tabbed one of Iowa’s veterans as a Heisman longshot if he can find a groove behind a remade offensive line.
CBS Sports predicted one potential Heisman winner from each top 25 team, and running back Kamari Moulton could be set up for a special year for the Hawkeyes.
18. Iowa: RB Kamari Moulton
Odds: Unlisted
No Iowa players are listed in Heisman odds, but the Hawkeyes might quietly have themselves an interesting young back in Moulton. Across the first two years of his career, Mountain has averaged 5.3 yards per carry and cleared 1,200 yards on the ground for a steadily improving offense. While he will have to overcome turnover on the offensive line, Moulton could easily be a highly productive running back. – Shehan Jeyarajah
Moulton enters his fourth year with the Iowa program, having appeared in 27 games, with 10 starts to his name. He spent time behind Kaleb Johnson during the 2024 campaign, but saw an increased workload in 2025.
Last year, Moulton rumbled for 878 yards on 170 carries and found the endzone five times. His only limitation in 2026 may not have anything to do with himself or the Iowa offensive line, but rather a deep running back room filled also containing Xavier Williams, Nathan McNeil, and L.J. Phillips, all of whom are very capable backs.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : CBS Sports gives Iowa football veteran hope as a Heisman longshot
Reporting by Riley Donald, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
