Reece Vander Zee isn’t the new kid on the block anymore.
The Iowa football wide receiver is entering his junior season, looking to take a big step forward. A fluky foot injury cost him the first half of last season, but he showed signs of life upon his return. Now the key for Vander Zee is consistency.
Across his first two seasons with the Hawkeyes, he has 29 receptions for 395 yards and five receiving touchdowns. The 6-foot-4 receiver has made some brilliant contested grabs in his career and will be tasked with a much larger role in 2026.
Vander Zee is now the veteran in a young, talented, but largely unproven wide receiver room. His fellow receivers will look to him for guidance and leadership throughout the season. In a recent media availability, Vander Zee talked about how he’s ready to step up in that capacity.
“I gotta keep working on being vocal, I can go out there and lead by example,” Vander Zee said. “Putting myself in uncomfortable situations and make sure everyone’s going in the right direction. Being open to everybody and how they operate. And learning how to get through to them and make a relationship with them has been big.”
The big question all offseason has been the quarterback position. Everyone is theorizing who will be under center when the season starts. Vander Zee offered up his perspective on the situation and reaffirmed his trust in both Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski.
“I’m going to go run my route, and I’m going to trust the guy that’s back there. Whoever it may be, I’m going to be happy with it either way.”
Regardless of who the quarterback is, they’re going to have some talented transfer receivers to throw to. Tony Diaz has gotten all the attention this offseason. Furman transfer Evan James has had less fanfare. Vander Zee mentioned that James has been very impressive in camp and has improved a ton at Iowa.
“He’s really smooth. He’s not that big of a guy, but he’s smooth, makes great cuts. He’s really efficient, really fast, a smooth type of fast. That’s what I’ve seen from him, and it’s been good to see him grow, too.”
Vander Zee and the rest of the receiver room will return to Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 5 for Iowa’s season opener against Northern Illinois.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football WR Reece Vander Zee talks QB battle, transfer receivers
Reporting by Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire | USA TODAY Network
