Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said the No. 15 Hawkeyes will send a game ball from Saturday's 24-10 road win over Northwestern to former Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell, who remains hospitalized after suffering a neck injury with the Detroit Lions on Nov. 1.
The gesture came after Iowa (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) handed Northwestern (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) its first loss at the new Ryan Field, according to Yahoo Sports. Campbell, a former Hawkeye standout and current Lions linebacker, was carted off the field during Detroit's Week 8 win over Minnesota after a tackle on another former Hawkeye, Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.
What Kirk Ferentz Said About Campbell
Ferentz announced the game ball in his postgame media availability and said the news on Campbell's recovery has been encouraging.
“All the feedback has been really positive,” Ferentz said. “Hearing some encouraging news, it's going to be an - I don't know how long road - but it's moving in the right direction. Thought that was really fitting certainly to give him a ball and we'll get that to him.”
Speaking last Tuesday, Ferentz reflected on what Campbell meant to the program and what he has become in Detroit.
“I think all of you know just how impactful Jack was in our program, what a tremendous person he is, what a tremendous player he's been for us, and then now he's moved on and done the same exact thing in Detroit,” Ferentz said. “Not only playing really well, but just a tremendous leader and tremendous addition. So we're all keeping him in our thoughts, and certainly, you know, hope everybody that's a Hawkeye fan does the same.”
How Jack Campbell Was Injured
Campbell went down during the Lions' Nov. 1 win over the Vikings and was carted off the field with a neck injury. ESPN's game coverage noted that Ferentz told reporters after the Northwestern win that Campbell had suffered a spinal injury.
Campbell has been hospitalized since the injury, but he released a statement last week updating fans on his condition.
“I have full movement in my lower body and I'm continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body,” Campbell said in the statement.
Hawkeyes Honor a Former Captain
Campbell built his reputation in Iowa City as one of the most productive defenders of the Ferentz era. A former Hawkeye captain, he carried that same leadership into the NFL, where he has become a key piece of the Lions' defense and a respected voice in the locker room.
Iowa fans have kept Campbell front of mind since the injury, and the program has responded. The Hawkeyes will continue honoring his legacy through their play in the closing weeks of the 2026 regular season.
The defense set the tone on Saturday. KIMT reported that quarterback Hank Brown and the Iowa defense combined to shut down Northwestern in the Wildcats' first loss at their rebuilt stadium.
What's Next for Iowa
The Hawkeyes return to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, to host Purdue (3-6, 2-4 Big Ten). Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.
With a 7-2 record and bowl positioning still in play, Iowa controls its own path down the stretch. A win over the Boilermakers would keep the Hawkeyes in the hunt for a strong Big Ten finish.
When the team takes the field, Campbell's number will not be on it, but a game ball with his name on it will be on its way to Detroit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Jack Campbell?
Campbell suffered a neck injury while making a tackle during the Detroit Lions' Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 1. He was carted off the field and has been hospitalized since.
How is Jack Campbell recovering?
Campbell said in a statement last week that he has full movement in his lower body and is continuing to make progress with movement in his upper body.
Why is Iowa giving Jack Campbell a game ball?
Ferentz said the Hawkeyes wanted to honor Campbell, a former Iowa star and captain, after the 24-10 win at Northwestern as he recovers from his neck injury.
When does Iowa play Purdue?
Iowa hosts Purdue on Saturday, Nov. 14, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.