A northwest Iowa sixth grader will be honored during the upcoming Iowa-Nebraska football game for heroic efforts during a fatal house fire in September.
Iowa Athletics announced in a news release on Monday, Nov. 24, that 12-year-old Jayce Koob of Granville will be one of two “citizen heroes” for the Heroes Game between the Hawkeyes and the Cornhuskers. The other citizen hero to be recognized is 16-year-old Ashley De La Cruz-Martin from Columbus, Nebraska, who administered life-saving CPR on a man who had collapsed in a parking lot in late July.
Koob and Cruz-Martin will be in attendance at the game in Lincoln, receive on-field recognition during halftime and have their name inscribed on the game trophy, according to Iowa Athletics.
“The Heroes Game was created to honor the rich football traditions of the University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska football programs while also annually honoring community heroes in both states,” the news release stated. “The 2025 citizen heroes have positively impacted the community and stand as an inspiration to others.”
How Jayce Koob’s heroic efforts saved a teenager’s life
During the early morning of Sept. 1, a fire broke out at the Koob’s family’s home in rural Sioux County. The heavy smoke and alarms in the house awoke the 12-year-old from his sleep, and he was able to escape the burning house, but four others, including his older brother and sister, were still inside.
“With no phone and alone,” the 12-year-old drove his four-wheeler “almost a mile” to get help from neighbors, according to the news release. The Labor Day fire killed his siblings, Bryleigh Koob, 16, and Ashton Koob, 17, as well as Kolten Hofmeyer, 16, of Alton. Preliminary findings by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office indicated the fire was accidental and started in the living room of the home from an electrical source.
“The tragedy claimed the lives of three teenagers, but his heroic efforts saved a fourth teen inside the house,” the news release said.
Iowa Athletics Director Beth Goetz said in the news release that Koob “exemplifies the very essence of courage and selflessness that we strive to celebrate through the Pioneer Heroes program.”
“His quick thinking and bravery in the face of unimaginable tragedy saved a life and reminds us all of the power of resilience and compassion. We are honored to recognize Jayce as an Iowa Pioneer Hero,” Goetz said.
How to watch Iowa football vs. Nebraska on Friday
The Cornhuskers (7-4, 4-4) will host the Hawkeyes (7-4, 5-3) this Friday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on CBS or streaming on Paramount+.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Hawkeyes to honor Iowa boy’s heroism during ‘Heroes Game’ at Nebraska
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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