Iowa junior kicker Drew Stevens named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week
By Hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior kicker Drew Stevens has been named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week following his historic performance in the Hawkeyes’ 29-13 victory at Maryland, it was announced Monday by the league office.
The conference weekly honor is the third of Stevens’ career. He was tabbed Freshman of the Week after his performance in a win over Northwestern in 2022 and Special Teams Player of the Week after a victory over the Wildcats at Wrigley Field in 2023.
Stevens made a career-high five field goals (27, 54, 50, 49 and 26 yards), tying the program’s single-game record set by Kyle Schlicher in 2004. The five field goals also tied the SECU Stadium record (Maryland). It is the second time this season (versus Washington) and the fourth time in his career he has made at least four field goals in a game. He also recorded a tackle against the Terps.
The North Augusta, South Carolina, native is the first Hawkeye since Tim Douglas (at Illinois, 1998) to make multiple 50+ yard field goals (51, 58, 51) in the same game. He is the first player to make two 50+ yard field goals against Maryland and first Terrapins’ opponent since 2002 to make five field goals in a single game.
His 54-yard field goal tied a career long, which he initially set against Northwestern in 2022. Stevens has now made seven career 50+ yard field goals, passing Brion Hurley for the most 50+ yarders in program history. Stevens has converted 17-of-20 field goals this season with three makes from 50+. His 50 career field goals are sixth-most in program history.
Four Hawkeyes have earned Big Ten weekly honors five total times this year. In addition to Stevens, Johnson was recognized after Iowa wins over border rivals Minnesota and Wisconsin; Aaron Graves was honored following the victory over Washington, while Kaden Wetjen earned the distinction following Iowa’s triumph over Northwestern.
Iowa (7-4, 5-3) returns to action Friday versus Nebraska (6-5, 3-5) in the Pioneer Heroes Game. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (CT) on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. The game will be televised on NBC and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.