It appears on the surface that Iowa could be in a rebuilding mode in 2011 under Kirk Ferentz. That’s because the Hawkeyes bring back just 10 starters (five offense, four defense, 1 kicker). Only national champion Auburn brings back fewer than that.

The big hole on offense will be replacing quarterback Ricky Stanzi, but Iowa has its clear-cut replacement in place in junior James Vandenberg. He filled in for the final two regular-season games in 2009 when Stanzi went down with an ankle injury. Vandenberg's first career start came at Ohio State, in a game that was for a Big Ten championship. He finished 20-of-33 with 233 yards and two touchdowns and three interceptions in the overtime loss. Vandenberg, who at 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds is built a lot like Stanzi, rarely saw the field in 2010. Offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe said Vandenberg also has a strong grasp of the Hawkeyes pro-style system and has proven to be "extremely" accurate in practice with spring drills finished.

Vandenberg’s main target figures to be Marvin McNutt, who caught 53 passes for 861 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Keenan Davis emerged as the likely No. 2 in spring ball. The offensive line is the most experienced position group on the team with returning starters Riley Reiff, James Ferentz, Markus Zusevics and part-time starter Adam Gettis all back.

The defense lost stud defensive end Adrian Clayborn but does bring back All-Big Ten first team cornerback Shaun Prater. Defensive coordinator Norm Parker said the most notable difference on the defense this spring was the loss of Karl Klugg, Christian Ballard and Clayborn on the defensive line. The 2010 Hawkeye defense allowed just 17 points a game last season. Iowa had six defensive players earn first- or second-team All-Big Ten honors and five of them won't be back. The Hawkeyes are 60/1 on Bodog’s NCAA football odds to win the national title and open the season Sept. 3 against Tennessee Tech.

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