Big Ten Power: Iowa Hawkeyes Ranked No. 22 in Preseason Coaches Poll
The US LBM Coaches Poll for the 2026 college football season is out, and the Iowa Hawkeyes are once again in the mix. Kirk Ferentz's squad opens the year at No. 22, a solid position that reflects the program's consistent strength under his leadership.
The Big Ten dominates the top of the poll, with Ohio State taking the No. 1 spot after receiving 38 first-place votes. Oregon is No. 2, and defending national champion Indiana is No. 6. Iowa is one of seven Big Ten teams in the preseason top 25, a testament to the conference's depth.
How the Hawkeyes Stack Up
Iowa's No. 22 ranking places them behind Big Ten rivals like No. 14 USC, No. 16 Michigan, and No. 19 Washington. But the Hawkeyes have a history of exceeding preseason expectations under Ferentz. The team's defense and special teams remain the backbone of the program, and fans can expect a gritty, competitive season.
Other Big Ten teams in the poll include No. 17 Penn State, which opens with a new head coach in Matt Campbell. Campbell, a former Iowa State standout, is not among the voting coaches this year, but his presence in the conference adds an interesting storyline.
What This Means for Iowa Fans
For Iowa supporters, the preseason ranking is a starting point, not a finish line. The Hawkeyes have a challenging schedule ahead, with key games against ranked opponents that will test their mettle. The team's ability to control the line of scrimmage and win the turnover battle will be critical.
Iowa's conservative, blue-collar approach to football aligns perfectly with the values of its fan base. The program emphasizes discipline, hard work, and accountability — principles that resonate deeply in the state. This season, the Hawkeyes have a chance to prove they belong among the nation's elite.
Coaches Poll Voting: Who's Representing the Big Ten?
Big Ten coaches with a vote this year include Dave Braun (Northwestern), Curt Cignetti (Indiana), Ryan Day (Ohio State), Jedd Fisch (Washington), Barry Odom (Purdue), Matt Rhule (Nebraska), and Kyle Whittingham (Michigan). Notably, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz is not among the voters, a reminder that the poll is not a perfect science.
Other notable voters include former Iowa State coach Matt Campbell's predecessor at Penn State, James Franklin (Virginia Tech), and former assistants Manny Diaz (Duke), Charles Huff (Memphis), and Ricky Rahne (Old Dominion).
Iowa's Path to a Strong Season
The Hawkeyes have a history of outperforming preseason rankings. In 2024, they started unranked but finished in the top 25. The key this year will be consistency on offense, where quarterback play and the running game must step up. The defense, led by a stout front seven, should keep Iowa in every game.
Iowa fans know that football in the Midwest is about more than just wins and losses. It's about representing the state's values: hard work, resilience, and community. This team embodies that spirit, and the No. 22 ranking is just the beginning of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa's No. 22 ranking fair?
Given Iowa's track record under Kirk Ferentz, the ranking is reasonable. The Hawkeyes have consistently been a top-25 program, and this year's team has the pieces to compete. However, they will need to prove themselves against a tough schedule.
Who are Iowa's biggest rivals in the Big Ten this year?
Iowa faces several ranked Big Ten opponents, including No. 16 Michigan and No. 14 USC. The annual battle for the Floyd of Rosedale against Minnesota is always a highlight, though the Gophers are unranked in the preseason poll.
Can Iowa make the College Football Playoff?
It's a long shot, but not impossible. The expanded playoff format gives more teams a chance. If Iowa wins the Big Ten West and posts a strong record, they could be in the conversation. But they'll need to beat the conference's top teams to get there.