While the Nebraska football rivalry with Iowa is relatively new, especially when compared to some of the longest lasting and most bitter around the sport, it’s quickly carving out a little niche. Mainly because it feels like there’s a genuine dislike between the two programs.
Whether talking about the taunting that’s gone on by Hawkeyes players at the end of their last two wins, or the refusal to shake hands before the game, the border rivals seem to have a deep dislike for each other. That doesn’t mean there can’t be a little bit of respect here and there every now and then though.
Such was the case when Iowa wide receiver and special teams player extraordinaire Kaden Wetjen was named the 2024 Jet Award winner. Named for Johnny “the Jet” Rodgers and awarded to the best special teams player in the country, Wetjen spoke to Hurrdat about Iowa’s rivalry with the Nebraska football team and spoke about the one thing he really does respect. The fans.
Iowa’s wide receiver Kade Wetjen says Nebraska has a top-3 fanbase 👀 pic.twitter.com/TXgi7JI4Io
— Hurrdat Sports (@HurrdatSports) April 15, 2025
Iowa’s Jet Award winner dishes rare praise for Nebraska football fans
Before delivering his compliment to Cornhusker fans he did have to remind everyone that the Hawkeyes have owned the series the last few years saying, “ It's been good for our side the last couple years, but I got my face mask dented in the first time I played them, so it's usually a rough one against those guys. But it's always a tough, fun game to play in, and always super cold, with all the fans getting them going nuts. It's awesome to play in.”
He was then asked point blank what he thought about Husker fans and offered up that he believes they are, “top three for sure. They're a good fan base.”
The Nebraska football fans will take that. But they’d like to take a few more wins against Iowa and Wetjen in the near future as well.