Iowa’s Finest: 7 College Alumni Still in NFL Playoffs
The NFL playoffs are in full swing. As we get closer to the conference championship round, you can really feel the excitement in the air.
This year’s playoffs have been especially wild for Iowa college football fans. There are former Hawkeyes, Cyclones, Panthers, and Bulldogs making noise on the big stage.
The fight for the Vince Lombardi Trophy is heating up. Let’s dig into the teams left standing, the Iowa players still in the hunt, and how you can catch every moment.
Contents
The Road to the Super Bowl
The NFL playoffs kicked off January 10 with Super Wild Card Weekend. Everything wraps up February 8 with Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, CA.
After a wild ride, just four teams are left: the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams. Each squad has clawed their way to this point.
The conference championship games are shaping up to be absolute battles. If you’re a football fan, you’ve probably got these circled on your calendar already.
AFC Championship Game
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots: The AFC title game kicks off at 2 p.m. CT on CBS. Denver and New England both have tough defenses and plenty of firepower on offense.
NFC Championship Game
Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams: Over in the NFC, Seattle faces the Rams at 5:30 p.m. CT on FOX. Expect a high-energy matchup—both teams have playmakers who can change the game in a heartbeat.
Former Iowa College Players in the Playoffs
It’s been a blast watching so many former Iowa college stars in the playoffs this year. These guys have done their schools proud and made real contributions to their NFL teams.
Here’s who’s still chasing a Super Bowl ring:
University of Iowa Hawkeyes
Six former Hawkeyes—Connor Colby, George Kittle, Kaevon Merriweather, Luke Lachey, Tory Taylor, and A.J. Epenesa—were knocked out after the 49ers, Texans, Bears, and Bills lost last round.
But there are still a handful of Hawkeyes alive:
- Riley Moss, Defensive Back
- Alaric Jackson, Offensive Line
- Jack Hefflin (Practice Squad), Defensive Line
- Mason Richman, Offensive Line
Iowa State University Cyclones
Four former Cyclones—Xavier Hutchinson, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Brock Purdy—had their runs ended with the Texans and 49ers.
Still, one Cyclone is hanging in there:
- Eyioma Uwazurike, Defensive Line
University of Northern Iowa Panthers
Spencer Brown, the Bills’ right tackle and a UNI alum, was eliminated. That leaves UNI out of the chase for the Lombardi Trophy this year.
Drake University Bulldogs
Eric Saubert is the lone Drake Bulldog in the NFL for the 2025-26 season. He’s still alive in the playoffs as a Seattle Seahawk—a pretty cool story for Drake fans.
How to Watch the Conference Championship Games
If you’re planning to watch, here’s what you need to know:
- AFC Championship Game: Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots at 2 p.m. CT on CBS
- NFC Championship Game: Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams at 5:30 p.m. CT on FOX
Both games should be a blast. Don’t miss out—grab your snacks, pick your favorite team, and settle in for some top-tier football.
The Journey to Super Bowl 60
We’re closing in on the end of the NFL playoffs, and honestly, the road to Super Bowl 60 feels more charged than ever. The last teams standing have shown a wild mix of grit, skill, and pure stubbornness.
This season’s playoffs? Easily some of the most gripping we’ve seen in a while.
If you follow Iowa college football, there’s even more to cheer about. Seeing former Hawkeyes, Cyclones, Panthers, and Bulldogs out there adds a personal touch.
These guys have really stepped up, proving Iowa keeps turning out serious football talent. It’s hard not to feel a little proud watching them make plays on such a huge stage.
With the conference championships just ahead and Super Bowl 60 looming, the buzz is real. Whether you live for football or just tune in for the big games, it’s tough not to get caught up in it all.
Want more details on how Iowa’s players are doing or what the playoff schedule looks like? You can dig into the full story at the Des Moines Register.
