IOWA CITY — The Iowa football team celebrated a commanding victory over Minnesota, but it was linebacker Cam Buffington who had his moment of triumph during the game. As the Hawkeyes secured a substantial 31-point lead in the fourth quarter, Buffington intercepted a pass from Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey. This mark was significant; he became the third Iowa player to snag a pick from Lindsey that day, returning it to the Gophers’ 21-yard line.
Buffington’s contribution, although occurring during what some may consider “garbage time,” highlighted his potential as a playmaker. His teammate, defensive back Xavier Nwankpa, noted, “When you’re a good player and the opportunity presents itself, you capitalize. He was able to, especially that game.”
As preparations ramp up for the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl against Vanderbilt on December 31, Buffington continues to shine in practice sessions. His performance has drawn praise from teammates across the board. Defensive back TJ Hall and defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett both identified Buffington as a standout player during bowl preparations, further showcasing his impact on the team.
Buffington, who was a standout at Winfield-Mt. Union High School and ranked as a four-star recruit in the 2024 class, spent last season redshirting and has slowly made his mark in 2025. With a season-best of four tackles during Iowa’s shutout victory over Wisconsin, he also contributed two tackles and an interception against Minnesota.
Hurkett emphasized Buffington’s “disciplined” approach, noting his seriousness about the game, which is often lacking in younger players. “He’s already hungry and wants to take that next step,” Hurkett remarked. Nwankpa even compared Buffington to former Hawkeye great Jack Campbell, who was a first-round NFL Draft pick, highlighting their similar playing styles and instincts.
The future looks promising for Buffington, especially as some of the current linebackers—such as Jaden Harrell, Karson Sharar, and Jaxon Rexroth—will be departing. With their combined 20 starts this season, Buffington could find himself stepping into a more prominent role next year, which excites both teammates and coaches. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz noted Buffington’s work ethic and development, stating, “He’s done a really nice job… right now, he’s going full speed.”
As Iowa football transitions to the next season, you can expect to see more of Cam Buffington, a player who, despite his youth, is quickly establishing himself as a vital contributor to the team’s success.