Move over, Iowa football—Caitlin Clark just stormed into Kinnick Stadium and completely stole the show. In what was supposed to be a Big Ten clash between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Northwestern Wildcats, fans were treated to a bigger spectacle: Caitlin Clark, fresh off her electrifying rookie season with the Indiana Fever, rolling up with her championship rings like she still owns the place (and maybe she does).
Clark, along with fellow 2023-24 Iowa women’s basketball stars Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, was honored during a second-quarter timeout, which was basically the ultimate flex in front of a massive, adoring crowd. The trio brought back memories of Iowa’s unforgettable Final Four run, with fans going wild as if they were courtside at a buzzer-beater. For a brief moment, it was like everyone forgot they were there for a football game as Iowa faithful gave Clark & Co. the hero’s welcome they deserve.
And because no epic moment goes un-captured, Iowa assistant coach Raina Harmon posted a cheeky snapshot on Instagram Stories, showing her with Clark as they flexed their Big Ten Championship and Final Four rings. The caption? “Family First. Family Always!” A bold reminder to the world that no matter where she plays, Caitlin is forever part of the Iowa family. Harmon’s post might as well have had #IYKYK stamped on it because, let’s be honest, only Hawkeyes fans fully get it.
Clark’s career at Iowa was straight out of a sports fairy tale. Across four seasons, she averaged an astonishing 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Sure, there’s the tiny detail that she didn’t snag a national title, but with stats like that, who cares? Clark was a walking highlight reel, and it’s safe to say there won’t be another player quite like her at Iowa anytime soon.
Meanwhile, back on the gridiron, Iowa’s football squad decided they’d also put on a show, thrashing Northwestern 40-14. The win pushed Iowa to a 5-3 overall record, with a Big Ten mark of 3-2. They say timing is everything, and with Clark & Co. in the stands, the team might’ve been feeling the extra pressure to put on a memorable performance. Whether it was inspiration or sheer coincidence, the Hawkeyes came through.
In the end, the Hawkeyes football team may have won the game, but Caitlin Clark won the day. And if there’s one lesson for future Iowa athletes, it’s that when Caitlin Clark’s around, you’d better bring your A-game—because she’s always going to be the headliner.