Keota native Henry Jaeger, 12, has been selected as a 2026 Iowa Kid Captain by the University of Iowa, according to a social media post from the university.
Henry will be honored when Iowa travels to face Illinois on November 21st. Kid Captains are children who have received care at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and are selected to serve as honorary captains for Hawkeye football games throughout the season. The Kid Captain program, a partnership between UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the University of Iowa football team since 2009, honors the courage and determination of 12 current and former pediatric patients each year. Henry is the first Keokuk County Kid Captain since Nathan McDonald of Delta was honored in 2023.
Henry’s story is one of remarkable resilience. At eight years old, he collapsed while playing basketball at home after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. At Stead Family Children’s Hospital, he was diagnosed with a rare heart condition that ultimately led to a heart transplant shortly after his ninth birthday. A few months later, Henry faced another challenge when he was diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin lymphoma — a rare complication that can occur following a transplant. Henry continues to return to his care team for follow-up appointments and is moving forward with resilience.
Hawkeye fans will have an opportunity to meet Henry and the other 2026 Kid Captains at Kids’ Day at Kinnick on Saturday, August 15th at Kinnick Stadium, presented by UI Health Care. The free event gives fans a chance to watch the team during an open practice before the start of the 2026 season. Gates A, B, and H open at 10:00 a.m., with practice beginning at 11:00 a.m. Young fans can also meet Hawkeye players during an autograph session beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. along the front of the west and south stands. The Kid Captains will join players on the field for photos after receiving an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Kinnick Stadium.
Admission to Kids’ Day is free, with complimentary parking available in designated hard-surface lots. Concession stands will be cashless, accepting only debit and credit cards, and Kinnick Stadium’s clear bag policy will be in effect.
The Hawkeyes open the 2026 season on Saturday, September 5th, hosting Northern Illinois at 3:15 p.m. on BTN.
The full list of 2026 Kid Captains and their stories can be found at uihc.org/childrens/kid-captain.
