But at the University of Iowa, the real stars are the Kid Captains from the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital! 2026 Iowa Hawkeye Kid Captains AnnouncedThe Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the Stead Family Children's Hospital announced the Kid Captains for the 2026 Iowa Hawkeye football season. The group of 12 kids represents current and former patients at the children's hospital that sits right across from Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes will introduce the Kid Captains during Kids Day at Kinnick Stadium on August 15th. Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz Through the Years Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz turned 70 this summer.