College Football Rankings: Why Iowa Deserves More Respect in Preseason Coaches Poll
The US LBM Coaches Poll dropped Tuesday, and for Iowa fans, the Hawkeyes sitting at No. 22 might feel like a slight. While Ohio State at No. 1 is a safe bet, the rest of the top 25 is full of head-scratchers that deserve a closer look, especially from a local perspective.
Iowa went 9-4 last season, including a bowl win, and returns a solid core. Yet the coaches ranked them behind teams like Texas and Notre Dame, who didn't even make the playoff. It's a classic case of voters favoring brand names over recent results.
What the Coaches Got Wrong
Indiana at No. 6 is the biggest mistake
Indiana went 16-0 last season, the first perfect record in major college football history. They beat Ohio State in the Big Ten title game, crushed Oregon in the Peach Bowl, and won the national championship. Yet the coaches ranked them behind both teams they beat. That's not just a mistake; it's a disservice to the champions.
“I'm a firm believer in our blueprint,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said at Big Ten media days. “We have a way of doing things ... and all we do is win.”
Oregon at No. 2 ignores the Peach Bowl result
Oregon gave up 56 points to Indiana in a playoff semifinal. Ranking them four spots ahead of the Hoosiers requires a short memory. The Ducks belong in the top three, but behind the team that beat them by 34.
Texas and Notre Dame at No. 4 and No. 5 missed the playoff
Texas went 10-3 and lost to Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia. Notre Dame went 10-2 and missed the playoff entirely. Neither played a single postseason snap in January. Yet the coaches put both ahead of the champions. It's a clear case of brand bias over performance.
Miami at No. 7 makes no sense
Miami played for the national title and beat Ohio State in the quarterfinals. The coaches ranked them six spots behind the Buckeyes. That's a tough sell for any fan.
Clemson at No. 23 after a 7-6 season
Clemson was ranked sixth last year and went 7-6. Now they're back in the Top 25 with a first-year starter. Voters are ranking a logo, not a roster.
Where Iowa Fits In
Iowa at No. 22 is respectable, but it could be higher. The Hawkeyes have a strong defense, a reliable running game, and a fan base that expects more. With a favorable schedule, Kirk Ferentz's squad has a real shot at proving the coaches wrong.
The good news? These arguments get settled soon. The 2026 season opens with Week 0 on Aug. 29, and the first regular-season poll comes out Sept. 8. Until then, Iowa fans can take comfort in knowing the rankings are just a starting point.
US LBM Preseason Coaches Poll Top 25
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Georgia
- Texas
- Notre Dame
- Indiana
- Miami
- Texas A&M
- Oklahoma
- Ole Miss
- Alabama
- Texas Tech
- LSU
- USC
- BYU
- Michigan
- Penn State
- Tennessee
- Washington
- SMU
- Utah
- Iowa
- Clemson
- Houston
- Missouri