Could the 2020 Iowa Hawkeyes Have Made a 24-Team College Football Playoff?

The 2020 college football season was a chaotic mess, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the NFL managed a full season, college football split. The Big Ten initially opted out, then reversed course, giving Iowa an eight-game conference-only schedule. Despite a rocky start, the Hawkeyes finished strong. If a 24-team College Football Playoff had existed that year, Iowa likely would have been a participant.

A Season of Turmoil and Recovery

2020 was a rough year for Iowa athletics, especially the football team. The program faced accusations of racial bullying, leading to the dismissal of longtime strength coach Chris Doyle. Head coach Kirk Ferentz returned for his 22nd season amid heavy scrutiny.

The Big Ten-only schedule forced Iowa to open on the road against Purdue. Quarterback Spencer Petras threw for 265 yards in his debut, but two turnovers led to a 24-20 loss. The next week, the Hawkeyes blew a 17-0 lead to Northwestern at Kinnick Stadium, losing 21-20.

But Iowa recovered. The Hawkeyes won their final six regular-season games in dominant fashion, putting them in Big Ten West contention. However, the head-to-head loss to Northwestern kept them out of the conference championship game.

COVID-19 then ended the season early. The Dec. 19 home game against Michigan was canceled, as was the Music City Bowl matchup against Missouri. Iowa finished 6-2 overall and ranked No. 16 in the final AP Poll.

How Iowa Would Have Stacked Up in a 24-Team CFP

Using the final CFP rankings, Iowa would have been the No. 15 seed. The bracket setup would have created a potential Cy-Hawk game in the quarterfinals. The 2020 matchup between Iowa and Iowa State, originally scheduled for Iowa City, was canceled due to the pandemic. Playing each other in the CFP would have been one of the most intense weeks the state has ever seen.

But the Hawkeyes would have had to get there first. Iowa State had a good shot to advance in its half of the bracket. Iowa's potential second-round matchup against Trevor Lawrence and Clemson would have been a nightmare.

This is only a hypothetical. Nick Saban won his seventh and final national championship that season, leading Alabama to a blowout win over Ohio State.

What This Means for Iowa Fans

The 2020 season showed the Hawkeyes' resilience. Despite early setbacks and off-field turmoil, the team rallied. While the CFP expansion is now a reality for future seasons, this look back highlights Iowa's potential in a bigger playoff field.

For fans, the memory of that season is a reminder of the program's strength. The Hawkeyes are set to open the 2026 season against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5, offering a fresh start.

This article is adapted from original reporting by John Damon for Just The News Iowa.