After a promising redshirt freshman season, Williams figures to be a solid depth piece in a loaded room in 2026.
Welcome back to our countdown to the 2026 Iowa football season!
Since May 28, we've been counting down the final 100 days until the Hawkeyes swarm out of the Kinnick Stadium tunnel for their season opener against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5.
Each day of the countdown has primarily featured an article profiling one of the current members of the 2026 Hawkeyes based on their jersey number. We've sometimes had to mix things up due to Iowa not issuing a number for every day in this countdown, but as you've probably noticed by now, today is a rare day.
We're just 26 days away from kickoff, so that means it's time to take a look at the second man who wears No. 26 (Eli Robbins was the other) - running back Xavier Williams.
You've probably heard his name already, but if you haven't, get to know him here.
Bio
Hometown: Schererville, Indiana
High School: Lake Central High School
Year: Third-Year
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 228 pounds
Other notable players to wear No. 26 (taken from other article): A notable name to wear No. 26 for the Hawkeyes is former safety Jovon Johnson. There haven't been many four-year starters in the Kirk Ferentz era, but Johnson was one of them. Iowa's defense terrorized opponents during Johnson's career from 2002-2005, and Johnson finished with 17 interceptions - a figure that currently ranks third in Hawkeye history.
Williams' career so far
After not seeing a single snap during his true freshman campaign of 2024, Williams immediately was thrust into the spotlight in 2025 when Kamari Moulton suffered an injury in the first half of the season opener against Albany.
Iowa's passing game was struggling all night, but Williams helped the Hawkeyes cruise to victory by tallying 122 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. He became the first Iowa back to collect 100 yards in a college debut since Shonn Greene did it in 2005.
Williams remained a depth piece for the rest of the year once Moulton returned. His other notable game came against Wisconsin on Oct. 11, where he collected 55 yards and two scores in the 37-0 victory. He finished the year with 285 rushing yards.
The addition of South Dakota transfer L.J. Phillips along with Moulton returning probably keeps Williams in a depth role in 2026, but he's still going to be a valuable weapon in this offense this year.
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Click here to automatically become a member to enter the contest! Additional contest details can be found in our community section, too!
HawkeyeRoundtable publisher Brad Schultz has covered the Iowa Hawkeyes since 2023. To send him story ideas, scoops, or criticize his writing, reach him at [email protected]
