Diaz Named Candidate For Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Award

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa football third-year wide receiver Tony Diaz was named to the 2026 Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List on Thursday, given annually to the most outstanding college football player of Hispanic ancestry.

Diaz (5-foot-10, 184 pounds) transferred to Iowa from UTRGV. As a standout last season, Diaz was voted an Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention and a Freshman All-American by Phil Steele. He was named Phil Steele's 2025 Southland Freshman of the Year, earned Southland Conference Freshman of the Year honors, and garnered All-Conference First Team recognition.

The native of San Marcos, Texas, ranked sixth in the FCS and first in the Southland in receiving touchdowns (11), 14th in the FCS and third in the Southland in receptions per game (5.67), 32nd in the FCS and second in the Southland in receiving yards (875), and 34th in the FCS and third in the Southland in receiving yards per game (72.9).

The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame was founded in 2025 to celebrate and honor the achievements of Hispanic players, coaches, and contributors in the sport of football. Its mission is to preserve history, showcase excellence, and inspire future generations by highlighting the cultural and athletic contributions of Hispanics to the game at all levels.

Iowa opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 hosting Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. CT.

HAWKEYES ON 2026 WATCH LISTS
* Iose Epenesa - Polynesian Player of the Year Award
* Tony Diaz - Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Award
* Trevor Lauck – Outland Trophy | Lombardi Award
* Eli Ozick – Lou Groza Award
* Kade Pieper – Outland Trophy | Rimington Trophy | Lombardi Award
* Zach Lutmer – Nagurski Trophy | Bednarik Award | Lott IMPACT Trophy
* Jayden Montgomery - Wuerffel Trophy | Butkus Award
* Kamari Moulton - Doak Walker Award
* DJ Vonnahme – Mackey Award