The biggest thing coming out of Iowa City entering the college football season is arguably its new football facility. Kirk Ferentz, entering his 25th year in the Big Ten, kicked off his media day press conference on Thursday in Chicago by celebrating the $55 million Hansen Football Performance Center and the effects it should have on recruiting entering its first full season of operation. On the field, Ferentz said the Hawkeyes need to develop depth. Junior C.J. Beathard was named the starting quarterback in January, but the veteran coach expects healthy competition to fill the rest of the roles.

Interesting quotes:

On naming C.J. Beathard the quarterback so early in the year:
"The story is on C.J.'s development ... it's been the growth and development we've seen [that earned him the job]."

On developing depth:
"What we do in the next month is going to be really important for our development as a football team and representative of our development of a football team and how some of the these young players come on. … Offensively, our focus right now is develop a starting offensive line and develop depth at the position. We need to develop depth at the quarterback position and receiver position, as well."

Preseason Big Ten players to watch: Drew Ott, DE, Iowa

Amway coaches poll ranking: Not ranked. Complete poll.

Last year: 7-6 overall record, 4-4 in Big Ten. Lost to Tennessee in TaxSlayer Bowl, 45-28.

Links: Kirk Ferentz press conference, Iowa BTN Twitter feed and 2015-2016 schedule.