Ben Kueter won't be on Iowa football roster for 2026 season

CHICAGO — Ben Kueter will not be on the Iowa football roster for the 2026 season, head coach Kirk Ferentz said on Aug. 14. Ferentz indicated that Kueter is totally focused on wrestling now. Kueter was a multi-sport star at Iowa City High and a four-star linebacker in the 2023 high school recruiting class. During his first year in college, Kueter was part of both the Hawkeyes football and wrestling programs, though he did not actually make his debut on the gridiron. In 2024, Kueter announced he was temporarily stepping away from football to focus on wrestling. But since then, he has not officially rejoined the Iowa football roster, as he intended to do. During that time away from football, Kueter has twice been an All-American for Iowa wrestling at heavyweight and undergone multiple offseason surgeries. In March, his mother Tina revealed via Facebook that Kueter dealt with a frightening health situation:  "After surgery, he scared the life out of us. He stopped breathing. His heart rate dropped. But he did what he always does — he fought back. He pushed through with minimal pain meds. He stayed calm. He stayed tough. And today, we’re walking out of this hospital and making it to his banquet.” The 2026 season will mark the third in a row without Kueter being on the Iowa football roster. The Hawkeyes are expected to have quality play at linebacker this season. Jayden Montgomery, who is one of Iowa’s representatives at Big Ten Media Days, is returning after gaining some starting experience last season. Meanwhile, Cam Buffington is a breakout candidate. Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at TTachman@usatodayco.com This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: Ben Kueter won't be on Iowa football roster for 2026 season