John Steppe
@jsteppe1.bsky.social
Wisconsin Badgers athletics reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Previously covered Iowa football for The Gazette. Marquette alum. Cheese curd connoisseur.
#Badgers volleyball has announced some staff moves:
Lauren Carlini ➡️ assistant coach
Gary White ➡️ director of player personnel and analytics
John Shondell ➡️ assistant coach
More details: www.jsonline.com/story/sports...
Lauren Carlini ➡️ assistant coach
Gary White ➡️ director of player personnel and analytics
John Shondell ➡️ assistant coach
More details: www.jsonline.com/story/sports...
Wisconsin volleyball announces new roles for two assistants, hires another assistant
Wisconsin volleyball announced new roles for two existing assistant coaches and hired a new assistant coach ahead of the 2025 season.
www.jsonline.com
July 23, 2025 at 7:27 PM
#Badgers volleyball has announced some staff moves:
Lauren Carlini ➡️ assistant coach
Gary White ➡️ director of player personnel and analytics
John Shondell ➡️ assistant coach
More details: www.jsonline.com/story/sports...
Lauren Carlini ➡️ assistant coach
Gary White ➡️ director of player personnel and analytics
John Shondell ➡️ assistant coach
More details: www.jsonline.com/story/sports...
A little late posting on here, but incredibly grateful for the last five years at The Gazette (including four years on the Iowa football beat).
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
And incredibly excited to be back home at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as I cover Wisconsin Badgers athletics.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
And incredibly excited to be back home at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as I cover Wisconsin Badgers athletics.
July 18, 2025 at 4:51 PM
A little late posting on here, but incredibly grateful for the last five years at The Gazette (including four years on the Iowa football beat).
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
And incredibly excited to be back home at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as I cover Wisconsin Badgers athletics.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
And incredibly excited to be back home at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as I cover Wisconsin Badgers athletics.
Paul Federici is retiring following 21 years with #Hawkeyes football (including 16 as director of football operations).
He leaves a legacy of making an "incredibly challenging" role look "effortless" while mentoring the next generation.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
He leaves a legacy of making an "incredibly challenging" role look "effortless" while mentoring the next generation.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
As Iowa's Paul Federici retires, he leaves legacy of mentorship, steady leadership
Iowa's longtime director of football operations is retiring after 21 years with the Hawkeyes, where he made an "incredibly challenging" role look "effortless" while mentoring the next generation.
www.thegazette.com
July 1, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Paul Federici is retiring following 21 years with #Hawkeyes football (including 16 as director of football operations).
He leaves a legacy of making an "incredibly challenging" role look "effortless" while mentoring the next generation.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
He leaves a legacy of making an "incredibly challenging" role look "effortless" while mentoring the next generation.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
The first-ever NCAA women's wrestling championships will take place in the #Hawkeyes' backyard.
Coralville's Xtream Arena will host the 2026 finals in women's wrestling's first season as an official NCAA championship sport.
www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
Coralville's Xtream Arena will host the 2026 finals in women's wrestling's first season as an official NCAA championship sport.
www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
Coralville's Xtream Arena to host first NCAA women's wrestling championships in 2026
The first-ever NCAA women's wrestling championships will be in the University of Iowa's backyard.
www.thegazette.com
June 25, 2025 at 10:46 PM
The first-ever NCAA women's wrestling championships will take place in the #Hawkeyes' backyard.
Coralville's Xtream Arena will host the 2026 finals in women's wrestling's first season as an official NCAA championship sport.
www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
Coralville's Xtream Arena will host the 2026 finals in women's wrestling's first season as an official NCAA championship sport.
www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
#Hawkeyes DL Aaron Graves has a big Saturday ahead of him this weekend as he gets married.
As for Saturdays in the fall, the all-Big Ten honorable mention is looking to improve as a leader on the defensive line.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
As for Saturdays in the fall, the all-Big Ten honorable mention is looking to improve as a leader on the defensive line.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Aaron Graves looks forward to getting married, growing as leader ahead of 2025 season
Aaron Graves has a big Saturday ahead of him as he gets married this weekend. As for Saturdays in the fall, Graves hopes to improve his leadership on the defensive line.
www.thegazette.com
June 25, 2025 at 8:27 PM
#Hawkeyes DL Aaron Graves has a big Saturday ahead of him this weekend as he gets married.
As for Saturdays in the fall, the all-Big Ten honorable mention is looking to improve as a leader on the defensive line.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
As for Saturdays in the fall, the all-Big Ten honorable mention is looking to improve as a leader on the defensive line.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
🎙️ New episode of Hawk Off The Press:
#Hawkeyes RB coach Omar Young joins me on the podcast this week to talk about Iowa's running backs, his coaching philosophy, the Shanahan offense and much more.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
#Hawkeyes RB coach Omar Young joins me on the podcast this week to talk about Iowa's running backs, his coaching philosophy, the Shanahan offense and much more.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Hawk Off the Press Podcast: Iowa Hawkeyes football running backs coach Omar Young
Hawk Off the Press Podcast: Iowa Hawkeyes football running backs coach Omar Young
www.thegazette.com
June 25, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🎙️ New episode of Hawk Off The Press:
#Hawkeyes RB coach Omar Young joins me on the podcast this week to talk about Iowa's running backs, his coaching philosophy, the Shanahan offense and much more.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
#Hawkeyes RB coach Omar Young joins me on the podcast this week to talk about Iowa's running backs, his coaching philosophy, the Shanahan offense and much more.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
A look at where the #Hawkeyes' 2026 recruiting class stands after official visit season and a trio of commitments in the last three days: www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Where Iowa football 2026 recruiting stands after 3 weeks of official visits
Recruiting rankings for Iowa's 2026 class currently vary from 31st to 51st after the Hawkeyes picked up a commitment from top instate talent Julian Manson.
www.thegazette.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:47 PM
A look at where the #Hawkeyes' 2026 recruiting class stands after official visit season and a trio of commitments in the last three days: www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
In-state LB Kasen Thomas has committed to the #Hawkeyes following his official visit over the weekend.
His other offers included Nebraska, Kansas State, Arizona and Iowa State. Big get for Iowa's 2026 class.
His other offers included Nebraska, Kansas State, Arizona and Iowa State. Big get for Iowa's 2026 class.
June 23, 2025 at 9:37 PM
In-state LB Kasen Thomas has committed to the #Hawkeyes following his official visit over the weekend.
His other offers included Nebraska, Kansas State, Arizona and Iowa State. Big get for Iowa's 2026 class.
His other offers included Nebraska, Kansas State, Arizona and Iowa State. Big get for Iowa's 2026 class.
As the Chicagoland area gets national recruiting attention, it has remained one of the #Hawkeyes' key talent pipelines.
A look at what factors have led to Iowa's success there: www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
A look at what factors have led to Iowa's success there: www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
How Chicagoland region has remained talent hotbed for Iowa football
As college football programs from across the country covet the Chicago area, a variety of factors have helped the Hawkeyes maintain it as a recruiting pipeline.
www.thegazette.com
June 23, 2025 at 7:22 PM
As the Chicagoland area gets national recruiting attention, it has remained one of the #Hawkeyes' key talent pipelines.
A look at what factors have led to Iowa's success there: www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
A look at what factors have led to Iowa's success there: www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
The #Hawkeyes have picked up a commitment from 2026 DB Ronnie Hill after offering him a scholarship. He camped with Iowa last week.
Iowa was the first power-conference school to offer Hill.
Iowa was the first power-conference school to offer Hill.
June 22, 2025 at 8:28 PM
The #Hawkeyes have picked up a commitment from 2026 DB Ronnie Hill after offering him a scholarship. He camped with Iowa last week.
Iowa was the first power-conference school to offer Hill.
Iowa was the first power-conference school to offer Hill.
After losing an impressive senior group of linebackers, Seth Wallace believes the #Hawkeyes have "a handful of names that I think have to be thrown in there as candidates" at the position group in 2025.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Why Seth Wallace is 'very open-minded' with Iowa's LB situation ahead of 2025 season
Iowa assistant head coach/linebackers coach Seth Wallace said on The Gazette's Hawk Off the Press podcast that the Hawkeyes have "a handful of names that I think have to be thrown in there as candidat...
www.thegazette.com
June 18, 2025 at 3:17 PM
After losing an impressive senior group of linebackers, Seth Wallace believes the #Hawkeyes have "a handful of names that I think have to be thrown in there as candidates" at the position group in 2025.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
🎙️ New episode of Hawk Off The Press:
Enjoyed talking with Seth Wallace about Iowa's 2025 linebacker group, the #Hawkeyes' success recruiting Chicagoland, his journey from D3 player to Big Ten assistant head coach and more:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Enjoyed talking with Seth Wallace about Iowa's 2025 linebacker group, the #Hawkeyes' success recruiting Chicagoland, his journey from D3 player to Big Ten assistant head coach and more:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Hawk Off the Press Podcast: Hawk Off the Press Podcast: Iowa Hawkeye Football Assistant Head Coach Seth Wallace
Iowa Hawkeye Assistant Head Coach Seth Wallace talks recruiting, head coaching and the upcoming 2025 football season
www.thegazette.com
June 17, 2025 at 6:25 PM
🎙️ New episode of Hawk Off The Press:
Enjoyed talking with Seth Wallace about Iowa's 2025 linebacker group, the #Hawkeyes' success recruiting Chicagoland, his journey from D3 player to Big Ten assistant head coach and more:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Enjoyed talking with Seth Wallace about Iowa's 2025 linebacker group, the #Hawkeyes' success recruiting Chicagoland, his journey from D3 player to Big Ten assistant head coach and more:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
2026 #Hawkeyes QB commit Cash Herrera has reopened his recruitment, he announced on social media.
Herrera initially chose Iowa over offers from UCLA, Minnesota, San Diego State and others. Announced offers in May from California and Arizona.
Herrera initially chose Iowa over offers from UCLA, Minnesota, San Diego State and others. Announced offers in May from California and Arizona.
June 16, 2025 at 8:28 PM
2026 #Hawkeyes QB commit Cash Herrera has reopened his recruitment, he announced on social media.
Herrera initially chose Iowa over offers from UCLA, Minnesota, San Diego State and others. Announced offers in May from California and Arizona.
Herrera initially chose Iowa over offers from UCLA, Minnesota, San Diego State and others. Announced offers in May from California and Arizona.
As much as Iowa's offense improved in 2024, OC Tim Lester believes the #Hawkeyes were never "even close to being able to truly take the gloves off offensively" in the first season with his Shanahan-style system:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Tim Lester's Iowa offense improved remarkably in 2024. What could be next in 2025?
Many of Iowa's offensive metrics rose dramatically in 2024, but Tim Lester believes the Hawkeyes were never "even close to being able to truly take the gloves off offensively" in the first season with...
www.thegazette.com
June 12, 2025 at 1:33 PM
As much as Iowa's offense improved in 2024, OC Tim Lester believes the #Hawkeyes were never "even close to being able to truly take the gloves off offensively" in the first season with his Shanahan-style system:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
🎙️ New episode of Hawk Off The Press:
Had a great conversation with #Hawkeyes OC Tim Lester about Year 1 vs. 2 with the Shanahan offense, Mark Gronowski, his own coaching journey and more: www.thegazette.com/podcasts/haw...
Had a great conversation with #Hawkeyes OC Tim Lester about Year 1 vs. 2 with the Shanahan offense, Mark Gronowski, his own coaching journey and more: www.thegazette.com/podcasts/haw...
Hawk Off the Press Podcast: Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester
Hawk Off the Press Podcast: Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester
www.thegazette.com
June 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
🎙️ New episode of Hawk Off The Press:
Had a great conversation with #Hawkeyes OC Tim Lester about Year 1 vs. 2 with the Shanahan offense, Mark Gronowski, his own coaching journey and more: www.thegazette.com/podcasts/haw...
Had a great conversation with #Hawkeyes OC Tim Lester about Year 1 vs. 2 with the Shanahan offense, Mark Gronowski, his own coaching journey and more: www.thegazette.com/podcasts/haw...
Tim Lester gives a positive update on #Hawkeyes QB Mark Gronowski and explains why he gives Gronowski "freedom" that he has not "always given everybody" in this system:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Mark Gronowski is 'gloves off' in summer workouts, has more 'freedom' in 2025 offense
Tim Lester gives a veteran quarterback like Mark Gronowski "freedom" that he has not "always given everybody," he said this week on The Gazette's Hawk Off the Press podcast.
www.thegazette.com
June 11, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Tim Lester gives a positive update on #Hawkeyes QB Mark Gronowski and explains why he gives Gronowski "freedom" that he has not "always given everybody" in this system:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
What we know so far about the impact of the House vs. NCAA settlement's final approval on #Hawkeyes athletics in 2025-26 and beyond:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-hawkeye...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-hawkeye...
What House vs. NCAA settlement's final approval means for Iowa in 2025 and beyond
The House vs. NCAA settlement received its long-awaited final approval on Friday night, clearing the way for schools to directly share revenue with its athletes. Here is what we know so far about how ...
www.thegazette.com
June 7, 2025 at 2:53 PM
What we know so far about the impact of the House vs. NCAA settlement's final approval on #Hawkeyes athletics in 2025-26 and beyond:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-hawkeye...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-hawkeye...
#Hawkeyes baseball plans to begin construction on the second phase of Duane Banks Field renovations in the summer of 2026, pending approval from the Board of Regents.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-hawkeye...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-hawkeye...
Iowa baseball plans to begin second phase of Duane Banks Field renovations in 2026
Iowa baseball unveiled plans to begin construction on a second phase of renovations to Duane Banks Field in the summer of 2026, pending approval from the Board of Regents at its meeting next week.
www.thegazette.com
June 3, 2025 at 4:18 PM
#Hawkeyes baseball plans to begin construction on the second phase of Duane Banks Field renovations in the summer of 2026, pending approval from the Board of Regents.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-hawkeye...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-hawkeye...
The College Football Hall of Fame's recent eligibility changes appears to be good news for Kirk Ferentz.
His career winning percentage is .598, and the path is realistic for him to keep it above the new .595 benchmark in 2025 and beyond.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal... #Hawkeyes
His career winning percentage is .598, and the path is realistic for him to keep it above the new .595 benchmark in 2025 and beyond.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal... #Hawkeyes
What College Football Hall of Fame's eligibility change could mean for Kirk Ferentz
The College Football Hall of Fame's recent eligibility change quietly makes the path much more feasible for current Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz to be eligible whenever his coaching career concludes.
www.thegazette.com
June 2, 2025 at 3:19 PM
The College Football Hall of Fame's recent eligibility changes appears to be good news for Kirk Ferentz.
His career winning percentage is .598, and the path is realistic for him to keep it above the new .595 benchmark in 2025 and beyond.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal... #Hawkeyes
His career winning percentage is .598, and the path is realistic for him to keep it above the new .595 benchmark in 2025 and beyond.
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal... #Hawkeyes
Former #Hawkeyes standouts Brad Banks and Dallas Clark are on the 2026 ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame.
The voting deadline is July 1, and the 2026 class will be announced early next year.
The voting deadline is July 1, and the 2026 class will be announced early next year.
June 2, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Former #Hawkeyes standouts Brad Banks and Dallas Clark are on the 2026 ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame.
The voting deadline is July 1, and the 2026 class will be announced early next year.
The voting deadline is July 1, and the 2026 class will be announced early next year.
Offensive line transfer (and D2 All-American) Bryce George discusses his fit with the #Hawkeyes, his skill set and Tim Lester's first time recruiting him at Western Michigan:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
For incoming OL transfer Bryce George, Iowa was 'high up there' from Day 1
Offensive lineman Bryce George received plenty of portal interest after winning three Division II national championships and being named a 2024 first-team All-American. He explains to The Gazette why ...
www.thegazette.com
May 19, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Offensive line transfer (and D2 All-American) Bryce George discusses his fit with the #Hawkeyes, his skill set and Tim Lester's first time recruiting him at Western Michigan:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
As transfer portal numbers rise nationally each year, the #Hawkeyes' ability to retain their roster has been a key factor in their recent overall success:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
How Iowa football's roster retention has fueled success in transfer portal era
"Hopefully we've got an environment that's healthy," Kirk Ferentz said this month, as Iowa has faced less transfer portal attrition than its Big Ten peers. The roster retention has been a key factor i...
www.thegazette.com
May 18, 2025 at 5:24 PM
As transfer portal numbers rise nationally each year, the #Hawkeyes' ability to retain their roster has been a key factor in their recent overall success:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Transfers Shahid Barros and Ty Hudkins give Iowa "needed depth" at cornerback and safety.
Barros' familiarity with Iowa's system and Hudkins' maturity also are big pluses as they join the #Hawkeyes:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Barros' familiarity with Iowa's system and Hudkins' maturity also are big pluses as they join the #Hawkeyes:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Iowa gains 'needed depth' at CB, safety with spring transfer portal additions
South Dakota transfer Shahid Barros has "immediate familiarity with what we do defensively," assistant head coach Seth Wallace told reporters after a Linn County I-Club event on Thursday.
www.thegazette.com
May 16, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Transfers Shahid Barros and Ty Hudkins give Iowa "needed depth" at cornerback and safety.
Barros' familiarity with Iowa's system and Hudkins' maturity also are big pluses as they join the #Hawkeyes:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
Barros' familiarity with Iowa's system and Hudkins' maturity also are big pluses as they join the #Hawkeyes:
www.thegazette.com/iowa-footbal...
#Hawkeyes assistant head coach/LB coach Seth Wallace at a Linn County I-Club event last night:
"We’re probably not in the market at this point for any more transfers. So probably what you see on our roster is what we’re going to work with."
"We’re probably not in the market at this point for any more transfers. So probably what you see on our roster is what we’re going to work with."
May 16, 2025 at 12:12 PM
#Hawkeyes assistant head coach/LB coach Seth Wallace at a Linn County I-Club event last night:
"We’re probably not in the market at this point for any more transfers. So probably what you see on our roster is what we’re going to work with."
"We’re probably not in the market at this point for any more transfers. So probably what you see on our roster is what we’re going to work with."