You know that sound. The crackle of a transistor radio on a porch in October. It's the sound of fall in Iowa. While everyone else is busy hunting for the right streaming app or complaining about a laggy 4K broadcast, a huge chunk of Hawkeye Nation is doing things the old-fashioned way. They’re dialed into the Hawkeye Radio Network.
There is something visceral about iowa hawkeyes football on radio that television just can't touch. It’s the descriptive "Gary-isms," the roar of the Kinnick crowd bleeding through the microphone, and that weirdly comforting delay that lets you hear your neighbor scream before you actually know why.
The Voice of the Hawkeyes: A New Era in the Booth
For decades, the voice of Iowa football was a duo that felt like family. Gary Dolphin and Ed Podolak. They were the soundtrack to every Saturday. Gary, with his deep, booming play-by-play, and Ed, the former NFL standout who always seemed to know exactly when a blitz was coming.
But things changed recently.
Last year, Ed Podolak decided to hang up the headset after 42 seasons. Honestly, it felt like the end of an era. Ed didn't disappear entirely—you can still catch him on pregame shows and various podcasts—but his seat in the booth next to Gary is now occupied by Pat Angerer.
If you're a real fan, you remember Angerer. He was a monster at linebacker for the Hawkeyes. He brings that "in the trenches" energy that works so well on radio. He’s raw. He’s enthusiastic. He talks about the game like a guy who still wants to go out there and hit someone. It's different from Ed's refined analysis, but it’s exactly what the broadcast needed to stay fresh.
Where to Find Iowa Hawkeyes Football on Radio
If you’re driving through the cornfields or stuck in traffic in Des Moines, you need to know where to turn the dial. The Hawkeye Radio Network is massive. We're talking about more than 40 stations across the Midwest.
Basically, if you're in Iowa, you're covered.
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The Heavy Hitters
In Des Moines, WHO-AM 1040 is the go-to. It’s a 50,000-watt blowtorch. You can hear it halfway across the country on a clear night. In Cedar Rapids, it’s WMT-AM 600. These stations have been the anchors for generations.
If you’re closer to the stadium in Iowa City, KXIC-AM 800 is your best bet.
Small Town Staples
- Albia: KIIC-FM 96.7
- Burlington: KBUR-AM 1490
- Carroll: KCIM-AM 1380
- Sioux City: KSCJ-AM 1360
- Storm Lake: KAYL-FM 101.7
It’s not just about the big cities. The network reaches places like Algona, Decorah, and Shenandoah. That’s the beauty of it. You can drive from the Missouri River to the Mississippi and never miss a third-down conversion.
How to Stream if You’re Out of Range
What if you're a Hawkeye living in Florida or California? You aren't catching 1040 WHO on your car radio there.
You’ve got options.
The most reliable way is through the Hawkeye Sports Properties stream via the official Iowa Athletics website or the Hawkeye mobile app. It’s usually free and features the same Gary Dolphin call you’d get at home.
Then there’s SiriusXM. Usually, the Hawkeye broadcast is on one of the dedicated Big Ten channels (like Channel 195 or 372, depending on the week). It’s great for high-quality audio, though you usually need a subscription. Some people swear by TuneIn Radio, which also carries the official network feed.
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One thing to watch out for: The "sync" issue. If you're trying to watch the game on TV but listen to the radio call, the radio is almost always ahead of the TV. It’s annoying. Some fans use "delay" apps to pause the radio feed for a few seconds so Gary’s voice matches the hit on the screen. It takes some tinkering, but it's worth it to avoid the TV announcers who sometimes don't know a Hawkeye from a Buckeye.
The Ritual of "Hawk Talk"
You can't talk about iowa hawkeyes football on radio without mentioning Hawk Talk. This is the weekly call-in show with Head Coach Kirk Ferentz.
It airs on Wednesday nights during the season, usually from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Gary Dolphin hosts it, typically from a local spot like the Vue Rooftop in Iowa City. It’s where fans get to hear the "real" Kirk. He’s more relaxed. He talks about his players, the upcoming opponent, and sometimes even cracks a joke.
It’s a staple for the die-hards. You hear the same regular callers every week. It’s a community. It’s a way for fans to feel like they have a direct line to the program, even in an era of multi-million dollar NIL deals and corporate sponsorships.
Why Radio Still Beats TV
Television is great for the visuals, sure. But radio requires imagination. When Gary Dolphin describes the sun setting over the west stands of Kinnick, or the way the "Black and Gold" looks under the lights, you see it in your mind.
Radio announcers have to be better than TV announcers. They can’t rely on a replay to explain a penalty. They have to tell you the formation, the weather, the body language of the quarterback—all of it.
Honestly, the radio broadcast feels more "Iowa." It’s humble. It’s consistent. It doesn't need flashy graphics or loud transition music. It just needs a voice and a game.
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Making the Most of Game Day
If you're planning to rely on the radio this season, here is how you do it right.
First, check the affiliate list before kickoff. Stations sometimes change, and you don't want to be scrolling through the AM band while the Hawkeyes are in the red zone. Keep a list of two or three frequencies if you're traveling.
Second, if you're streaming, use a wired connection or solid Wi-Fi. Cellular data can cut out during high-traffic times (like right after a touchdown).
Lastly, invest in a decent portable radio. It sounds crazy, but if the power goes out or the internet hangs, that old-school battery-powered box will still be pulling in Gary and Pat.
Whether you're tailgating in the Magic Bus parking lot or listening in a tractor cab in O'Brien County, the radio is the heartbeat of the program. It’s how we stay connected. It’s how we stay Hawkeyes.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download the Hawkeye Sports App: This is the easiest way to find the live audio stream regardless of where you are in the world.
- Save Your Local Frequency: If you live in Iowa, find your local affiliate on the AM/FM dial and program it into your car's "Favorites" today.
- Check the SiriusXM Schedule: If you're a traveler, verify which channel the Iowa game is assigned to each week, as it rotates throughout the season.