Welcome back to our countdown to the 2026 Iowa football season! 

May 28 marked 100 days until the Hawkeyes storm out of the tunnel to take on Northern Illinois on Sept. 5, and if you're struggling to get through the barren summer months without hardly any sports going on, be sure to check back each day for some unique stories. 

READ MORE: 89 Days Until Iowa Football: Nico Ragaini 

Today is the 88-day mark, which means it's time to take a look at not one, but two players. No. 89 didn't bring any current players, but the Hawkeyes have issued No. 88 to two new players - defensive lineman Emmaunel Olagbaju and wide receiver Lance Beeghly. 

Hometown: Osseo, Minnesota 

High School: Osseo High School 

Year: Junior

Height: 6-foot-3 

Weight: 295 pounds 

Other notable players to wear No. 88: One popular former Hawkeye to don No. 88 in recent years is fullback Hayden Large. Large played in all 12 games in 2025, recording eight catches for 52 yards. Though Large didn't find the end zone in his career, he was beloved by Iowa fans for his blocking ability and his fitting name for his position. Large went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, but was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. 

Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas

High School: New Braunfels High School 

Year: Redshirt sophomore 

Height: 6-foot-2 

Weight: 194 pounds 

Other notable players to wear No. 88: Another notable name that wear No. 88 that Iowa fans may remember is defensive back Greg Mabin. Mabin began his career as a wide receiver before transitioning to the secondary, where he played a key role in guiding the Hawkeyes to a magical 12-2 campaign in 2015. Mabin recorded two interceptions that season and would start 31 consecutive games during his tenure. 

Olagbaju has lived out of a suitcase during his college career. He spent two seasons at Holy Cross before missing most of the 2024 campaign due to injury. Olagbaju first portal trip led him to North Dakota, where he compiled 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks. 

Olagbaju then entered the portal for a second time before committing to the Hawkeyes on Jan. 16. Olagbaju figures to be a depth piece for Iowa's young defensive line in 2026, with Iowa likely willing to develop him for the future. As it stands right now, Olagbaju has two years of eligibility left. 

On the flip side, Beeghly was brought to Iowa City as a preferred walk-on after spending two seasons at Southern Methodist. Beeghly didn't see any action with the Mustangs, and likely won't see the field with the Hawkeyes this year.

Looking for some cool Hawkeye swag to wear during the summer months? Look no further! HawkeyeRoundtable.com will be giving away prizes to lucky members throughout the summer and all you have to enter is follow these very easy and quick (under a minute) instructions to join. 

Click here to join the contest! 

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]