You’re sitting in a tractor in the middle of a Greene County cornfield, or maybe you’re just stuck in I-80 traffic near Davenport. The sun is starting to dip, the air has that crisp October bite, and suddenly, the static clears. Gary Dolphin’s voice boos through the speakers with that familiar, gravelly excitement. Honestly, there is something about iowa football on the radio that a 4K television just can't touch.
It’s about the theater of the mind. You aren't just watching a zone-blocking scheme; you’re hearing the literal thud of pads and the roar of Kinnick Stadium through a localized frequency that feels like home.
But let's be real—finding the game isn't as simple as it used to be. Between the conference realignment chaos and the shift toward streaming apps, you've probably found yourself frantically twisting a dial or scrolling through a phone five minutes after kickoff.
The voice of the Hawkeyes: A new era in the booth
If you haven't tuned in lately, the biggest shock to the system is the change in the color commentary chair. For over 40 years, Ed Podolak was the soundtrack to Iowa Saturdays. He was the guy who could break down a screen pass while making you feel like you were grabbing a beer with him.
As of the 2024 season, that torch officially passed to Pat Angerer.
It was a massive shift. Replacing a legend is usually a thankless job, but Angerer—a former All-American linebacker who practically bled black and gold—brought a different kind of energy. While Ed was the smooth, seasoned pro, Pat is the high-voltage wire. He reacts like a fan because, at his core, he is one.
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Gary Dolphin remains the "Voice of the Hawkeyes." He’s been doing this for over 20 years now. His "Touchdown, Iowa!" call is basically the state's unofficial anthem.
Where to find the signal
The Hawkeye Radio Network is a monster. It covers nearly every corner of the state and spills over into Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska. Basically, if you are within 200 miles of Iowa City, someone is broadcasting the game.
- Des Moines: 1040 WHO-AM is the heavy hitter here. It’s a 50,000-watt blowtorch. You can hear this station in the car halfway across the Midwest on a clear night.
- Cedar Rapids: 600 WMT-AM is the go-to for the eastern side of the state.
- The Quad Cities: 1420 WOC-AM has you covered.
- Iowa City: 800 KXIC-AM is the hometown feed.
You’ve also got dozens of smaller FM affiliates. We're talking places like KILJ in Mount Pleasant or KSCJ in Sioux City. The beauty of these smaller stations is the local flavor. You get the local high school scores during the breaks, which feels right for Iowa.
The digital shift: Apps and streaming
Okay, so what if you aren’t near a radio? Or what if your car’s antenna is a relic?
The "Varsity Network" app from Learfield is the official way to go. It’s free. It’s relatively stable. Most importantly, it’s legal. You’ll also find the stream on the official Hawkeye Sports website.
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Now, a word of warning. If you’re trying to sync the radio audio with the TV broadcast, prepare to be annoyed. The digital delay on apps can be anywhere from 30 to 90 seconds behind the live action. There is nothing worse than hearing your neighbor scream about a touchdown while your phone is still showing a 3rd-and-long.
If you want to sync them up, you usually need a specialized delay radio or a lot of patience with the "pause" button on your DVR.
Why radio still matters in a TV world
You might ask why anyone bothers with iowa football on the radio when every game is on FOX, CBS, or Peacock.
It’s the nuance.
National announcers are great, but they don't know the roster like Dolphin and Angerer. They don't know the story of the walk-on punter from a town of 400 people. Radio is for the die-hards. It's for the people who want to know exactly why the offensive line is struggling in the second quarter, not just a generic "they need to play better" comment from a national guy who hasn't been to Iowa City in three years.
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How to get the best experience
If you are planning to listen this weekend, here is the move.
First, check the affiliate list before you leave the house. Signals change, and some stations drop off the network from year to year. Second, if you're tailgating, bring a literal battery-powered radio. Cell towers near the stadium get absolutely hammered on gameday. Your "reliable" streaming app will turn into a spinning circle of doom the moment 70,000 people start trying to upload TikToks at the same time.
A physical radio doesn't rely on a cell tower. It’s old school. It’s reliable.
Next Steps for the Season:
Check your local FM/AM dial today to see which station carries the Hawkeye Radio Network in your specific zip code. If you're traveling out of state, download the Varsity Network app and create an account now so you aren't fumbling with a login while the opening kickoff is in the air. Finally, if you're a real nerd for the details, try to catch "Hawk Talk" on Wednesday nights; it's the best way to hear the coaching staff's unfiltered thoughts before the Saturday madness begins.