5 UNI football questions entering the 2022 season

Northern Iowa is ranked No. 21 in the FCS. Trevor Penning was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in April. Erik Sorensen, Jared Pennington, Justin Peine and Matthew Vanderslice are the returning starters at several positions. Omar Brown’s transfer to Nebraska and Austin Evans” graduation opened up both starting cornerback spots this offseason. The defensive backfield has a lot to prove. The offensive coordinator Bodie Reeder and wide receiver coach Joe Ganz are building an entirely new offense for the first time in Mark Farley‘s 22-year tenure.

The Panthers are going to play their season opener at Air Force on Sept. 3. Theo Day will need to prove his knowledge, command and execution of the scheme. Nate Murphy graduated and there's no clear candidate to replace him. UNI ranked last in the MVFC in yards per punt (38.3) last season. Cael Loecher is the Panthers’ only punter listed on the roster. Freshman kickers Casey McGhee, Calvin Jaworski and Noah Pettinger are figuring into the competition.