About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the pregame festivities ahead of No. 24 Iowa 's (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) Heartland Trophy clash against Wisconsin (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten), former Hawkeye and current San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is joining Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff" as a special guest in Iowa City.
Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff" will air live at Duane Banks Field, with the broadcast occurring between 9 a.m. CT and 11 a.m. CT leading into Iowa- Wisconsin .
Kittle played for the Hawkeyes from 2013-16, catching 48 passes for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kittle contributed to 35 combined wins and advanced to four January bowl games, most notably being the Hawkeyes' historic 2015 squad that completed an undefeated Big Ten regular season and earned a trip to the 2016 Rose Bowl.
After his senior season with Iowa in 2016, the 49ers selected Kittle with the 146th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he has thrived as the franchise's cornerstone tight end over the past nine seasons, including making appearances in Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LVIII.
In addition to appearing on "Big Noon Kickoff," Kittle is also serving as the Hawkeyes' designated honorary captain for the game. As with previous honorary captains, Kittle will join the Iowa captains at midfield for Saturday's pregame coin toss and will be with the team in the locker room before and after the game.
Kickoff between the Hawkeyes and Badgers is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT at a sold-out Kinnick Stadium, with the game broadcast on Fox.
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 2 / 20 Iowa's Kirk Ferentz named to Bear Bryant Coach of the Year watch list Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 3 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 5 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 6 / 20 Iowa football climbs in US LBM Coaches Poll rankings in idle week Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 7 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 8 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 9 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 10 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 11 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 12 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 13 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 14 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 15 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 16 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 17 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 18 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 19 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 20 / 20 Iowa football rises again in latest AP Top 25 rankings Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: 49ers TE, Iowa great George Kittle joining 'Big Noon Kickoff' as guest
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