IOWA CITY — It's been quite a journey for Nick DeJong.
Over the past five years, the Pella native has worked has been a part of three different 10-win seasons and a pair of Big Ten West division championships. Over those past five years, the Hawkeyes have had to overcome everything from a COVID-19 shortened season in 2020 to a 2023 season that forced the Hawkeyes to deal with injuries that hampered the offense leading to a change in coordinators from Brian Ferentz to Tim Lester.
From playing one game as a freshman during the 2019 season to being honored as the Brett Greenwood Award, DeJong has come a long way in a short amount of time. Heading into his sixth and final season in Hawkeye black and gold, DeJong is being viewed as a pivotal part of Iowa's success this season.
"Noah is a huge asset for us," Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett said. "He's playing mostly tackle for us. He had a huge spring at tackle really coming into his own playing confident and playing aggressive. We're trying to keep on the edge as much as possible, but we can always move him to the middle if we need to."
DeJong earned third-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches after being a super utility on Iowa’s offensive line in 2023. He played in 11 games, starting games at three different positions.
Being seen as one of the key players that can help the Hawkeyes contend in a deeper Big Ten conference, DeJong isn't focused on the end of his career at Iowa. Instead, DeJong is focused on getting his final year off to a fantastic start.
"For me, the finish line won't be here as soon as I think," DeJong said. "I know that, I'll blink and it'll already be December. Right now, I'm just soaking up every minute I can with the guys being around this campus and being around this team."
In his final Iowa Football Media Day, DeJong showcased plenty of camaraderie between himself and fellow Hawkeye linemen Gennings Dunker, Connor Colby, Logan Jones and Mason Richman. The men that will counted on the control the line of scrimmage together in hopes of giving Iowa's offense to take a massive leap forward this season shared plenty of laughs and several jokes that can only come between players that have played several snaps together on the field.
"It's been a lot of fun to be a part of something like that and see guys coming in every day and putting in the work for each other," DeJong said. "You've got guys trying to get better every day just because they love each other and enjoying every minute of it. We're all really excited to get to that first game together and continue working at getting better throughout the season."
DeJong has become a three-time letterwinner at Iowa, playing in 37 of the 41 games the Hawkeyes have played over that stretch. During that time, DeJong has been a jack of all trades starting nine games at right tackle, eight at left tackle, five games at left guard and two games at right guard.
"It's huge to have someone that can play multiple positions like that. It takes away a lot of sleepless nights in the hotel room the night before a game," Barnett said. "When you have guys that have that type of pedigree and that type of understanding of the offense, you can't really describe it, but it's incredibly valuable."
DeJong showcased that same type of versatility at Pella, where the three-time letterwinner shined both at defensive end and tight end for the Little Dutch. During his three letterwinning seasons, Pella went 32-4 including a perfect 13-0 run to the Class 3A state title during his sophom*ore season.
Now, nearly a full decade later, DeJong is hoping to help Iowa make the leap forward to contend for both Big Ten and national championships this year. His final season for the Hawkeyes comes in the first season of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, giving teams all around the country more of a chance to keep those national title hopes alive deeper into the season.
"It's certainly exciting. College football is certainly a lot different than it was when I got here," DeJong said. "It's not something we're thinking about every day, but it is cool to see where things are going and the possibilities that are out there."
DeJong and his Hawkeye teammates hit the field for the first time this season at home against Illinois State on Aug. 31. The Hawkeyes are looking to make significant strides on the offensive side of the ball after finishing dead last in the Big Ten in total offense and passing yards, averaging 15.4 points and 118.6 passing yards per game.
The Pella native has embraced the challenges and all the hard work needed to put together a successful football season.
"Even things like summer camp, which is a grind, is something you learn to embrace when you get to this point in your career," DeJong said. "I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this team and be a part of what could be a special season."
While his focus is on finishing his college career at a high level, there is the possibility that DeJong may have more football to play beyond this season. Entering his fourth season as a starting lineman for a team that will open the season ranked No. 25 in the Associated Press preseason poll, DeJong's versatility could open doors to a potential future playing football professionally.
"You certainly never know, but truthfully it's not really something I've thought a whole lot about," DeJong said. "I'm just so involved in this team and getting us where we need to get to this year."
