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The Iowa Hawkeyes have long been known for boasting tough, stingy defenses, and they are adding another player into their mix for 2025 who could ultimately prove to be one of the top defenders in the Big Ten at some point: Iose Epenesa.
Epenesa, a five-star recruit whose brother, A.J., also starred for Iowa, will be making his Hawkeyes debut next season, and ESPN's Tom Luginbill and Craig Haubert are expecting big things from him.
In a piece where both analysts outlined how some of the top incoming freshmen will fit with their respective teams next year, they revealed a rather bold take on Epenesa.
"Iowa fans hope Epenesa fits as well as his brother, Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa, did while in Iowa City. Iose has a chance to be even better, and he's arguably even more college-ready at this stage," Luginbill and Haubert wrote . "He blends quickness, power and active hands, while displaying good instincts and a high motor. With Deontae Craig moving on and Ethan Hurkett nearing the end, Epenesa has an opportunity to make a quick impact and the tools to make his own mark on Iowa's program."
At 6-foot-5 and around 260 pounds, Epenesa is undoubtedly a physical specimen, and his all-around athleticism could make him a lethal threat right off the bat.
Epenesa was ranked the No. 5 defensive lineman in the country by 247 Sports and was its 27th-ranked player overall for the class of 2025.
Iowa has lost numerous key defensive players to the NFL Draft this offseason, so bringing Epenesa into the fold will be huge.
We'll see how much of an adjustment period there is for the freshman, if there is any at all.
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Matt Rhule has 'old school' plan for Nebraska's trip to Arrowhead Stadium
Matt Rhule is looking to build a tough and gritty football program at Nebraska, and heading into the team's Week 1 clash with Cincinnati on Thursday, he is taking that idea to another level. The game will be played in Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, and Rhule is planning on taking his team to the game via bus. For him, that's to help mold the personality he wants to see in his team. “What we believe here is we don’t want things to be easy,” Rhule explained on his new "House Rhules" podcast (h/t On3). “We want to play against great competition and strive and become a better team when we walk out of there. So, it’s gonna be cool. We’re going to bus down.” Nebraska could, of course, fly, but Rhule is trying to instill toughness into his team. His players previously played high school ball, where taking a school bus to the away games was common, so perhaps he's trying to take them back to their roots and remind them that, despite the gravity of this moment and the environment, they're playing the same game they know and love. “No private jet down there,” Rhule said. “We’re gonna get on a bus. We’re gonna drive down there, the old school way. I just think it’s an excellent start to the season.” It's just over a three-hour drive from Lincoln, Neb., to Kansas City, Mo., and you can bet the Cornhuskers are going to be locked in the whole time.
Zachary Yager, Veteran NASCAR Pit Crew Member, Dies Aged 35
Zachary Yager, who had served as an over-the-wall pit crew member in the NASCAR National Series ranks since the 2014 season, has died at the age of 35. TobyChristie.com had the initial report of Yager's death. Yager, a New York native, had pit crew stints with Richard Childress Racing, Team Penske, RFK Racing, and JTG Daugherty Racing (now known as HYAK Motorsports), where he won the 2023 Daytona 500, from 2014 to 2024. Ahead of the 2025 season, Yager moved to Elite Race Services, a Mooresville, NC-based company that specializes in assembling teams of pit crews for NASCAR National Series race teams. This season, Yager had been serving as the Jack Man for the No. 39 RSS Racing team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as well as the No. 88 ThorSport Racing team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The loss of Yager was absolutely unexpected for Elite Race Services, which is grieving the loss of one of its own, while issuing its deepest sympathy to Yager's family. “Obviously, nobody saw this coming and we’re in total disbelief,” Cory DeMarco, owner of Elite Race Services said in a statement given to TobyChristie.com. “All of the guys send our thoughts and prayers out to his dad and family, right now.” ThorSport Racing, likewise, expressed grief over the sudden and unexpected loss of Yager. “We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of our friend and teammate, Zachary Yager,” said ThorSport Racing in a statement. “He was an important part of our family, and our hearts are with his loved ones and community as we grieve this loss together.” While he was serving as a Jack Man this season, Yager was well-known as a well-rounded pit crew member, who could perform at nearly every position on an over-the-wall pit crew. Yager previously served as a Tire Carrier and Fueler in addition to the Jack Man role. No details surrounding Yager's death have been released, but the veteran pit crew member had been missing since Monday, August 18, according to various social media posts from members of Yager's family.
Aaron Rodgers called to check on status of Packers WR ahead of roster deadline
When the Green Bay Packers traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, multiple players followed him. Before the trade, New York signed wide receiver Allen Lazard, one of Rodgers’ favorite targets, and hired Nathaniel Hackett as the offensive coordinator. After the trade, it also signed wide receiver Randall Cobb, one of Rodgers’ best friends. As fans will recall, last season, the Jets also traded for Davante Adams, who had the best seasons of his own illustrious career while catching passes from Rodgers in Green Bay. After being released by New York following the 2024 NFL season, Rodgers signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are in the market for a veteran wide receiver to pair with Pro Bowler DK Metcalf. And it appears the future Pro Football Hall of Famer is, once again, checking in to see if one of his former teammates in Green Bay might be available. Aaron Rodgers Called Regarding the Status of Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Romeo Doubs Indeed, there are not many players currently on the Packers roster who were also there when Rodgers played for Green Bay. Following the trade, the Packers front office overhauled their roster, and many popular longtime veterans were released or not re-signed. The only players left who played with Rodgers in 2022 (or earlier) are current quarterback Jordan Love, wide receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, cornerback Keisean Nixon, center Elgton Jenkins, offensive linemen Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. And, apparently, Rodgers may be interested in possibly reuniting with Doubs. "Rodgers called on Monday, one day before roster cuts; interestingly, he asked about the status of receiver Romeo Doubs. Exactly two months after Tuesday’s roster cuts, the Packers will visit the Steelers on Oct. 26," according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated. Doubs was a rookie during Rodgers’ final season in Green Bay, and caught 42 passes for 425 yards and four touchdowns that year. All this being said, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur made it clear over the weekend that there is no way Doubs is going to be cut or traded. Additionally, all the injuries Green Bay’s wide receivers (Doubs included) have suffered during training camp have proved the Packers need all the depth at the position that they can get.
Vikings–Panthers Adam Thielen talks face cutdown-day clock: Is a deal coming?
The NFL's 53-man roster deadline arrives at 3 p.m. CT Tuesday and logic says the Minnesota Vikings would like to know where they stand on Adam Thielen before cutting any wide receivers currently on the roster, who might otherwise make the team if a deal for Thielen can't be completed. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Vikings and Carolina Panthers have "tried to work out a trade" that would bring Thielen back to Minnesota, "but the two sides continue to struggle to agree on compensation." Schefter adds that Thielen "would like to return to Minnesota," where he played nine seasons after growing up in Detroit Lakes, Minn. and then starred at Division II Minnesota State University in Mankato before making it with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Insiders, including Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer, have reported that Carolina is seekings a legitimate Day 3 draft pick for Thielen, whose $6.25 million base salary in 2025 will also have to be sorted out. Will the Vikings pick up the entire tab or ask Carolina to eat some of his salary? Subscribe: Sign up to receive the free Vikings On SI newsletter Amid the negotiations, the Vikings have been wheeling and dealing. They've stockpiled late-round draft picks by trading defensive tackle Harrison Phillips to the Jets, quarterback Sam Howell to the Eagles, and cornerback Mehki Blackmon to the Colts. Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah now has a cupboard full of picks for the 2026 draft. 1st round 2nd round 3rd round 3rd round (projected comp pick for Sam Darnold) 4th round (projected comp pick for Daniel Jones) 5th round 5th round (from the Eagles) 5th round (projected comp pick for Cam Robinson) 6th round (from the Colts) 7th round 7th round (from the Texans Adding a wide receiver of their liking before Tuesday's 3 p.m. roster deadline would be ideal. As it stands now, the only wide receivers guaranteed to make the team are Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and perhaps rookie Tai Felton. That leaves the fates of Lucky Jackson, Tim Jones, Jeshaun Jones, Myles Price (who has flashed as a kick and punt returner), Thayer Thomas and Dontae Fleming up in the air. Without adding a receiver before the cutdown deadline, the last wide receiver to make the 53-man roster would likely be on the roster on borrowed time until Minnesota adds a more proven name. What if the Vikings can't find a solution for Thielen? According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, a couple of names worth monitoring could be Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Robert Woods, who might not make the 53-man roster, and Odell Beckham Jr., who is a free agent. Both have experience in Kevin O'Connell's offense and would be somewhat seamless additions to help fill the void while Nailor is out with a hand injury and Addison is serving a three-game suspension to begin the season. More from Vikings On SI
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