ESPN Rankings Put Notre Dame at No. 3, But Iowa Hawkeyes Crack Top 25
ESPN released its 2026 Football Power Index (FPI) on Saturday, and while the national focus is on the top teams, Iowa fans have reason to pay attention. The Hawkeyes landed at No. 25 in the preseason rankings, a position that reflects both the strength of the Big Ten and the potential for a strong season in Iowa City.
The FPI measures a team's expected point margin against an average opponent on a neutral field. It also projects win-loss records, playoff chances, and national title odds. For Iowa, being ranked among the nation's elite is a testament to the program's consistency under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
How Iowa Stacks Up in the Big Ten
The Big Ten placed seven teams in the FPI Top 25, more than any conference except the SEC. Ohio State leads the nation at No. 1, followed by Oregon at No. 4, Indiana at No. 6, USC at No. 13, Michigan at No. 15, Penn State at No. 17, and Iowa at No. 25.
This depth underscores the competitive nature of the Big Ten, where Iowa will face several ranked opponents during the regular season. The Hawkeyes' schedule includes matchups against Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State, all of whom are in the top 17 of the FPI.
Notre Dame's Strong Ranking, but Questions Remain
Notre Dame came in at No. 3 overall, behind Ohio State and Texas. The Fighting Irish are projected to go 11-1, with a 74.4% chance of making the College Football Playoff. They also rank No. 1 nationally in win-out percentage at 32.7%, meaning simulations give them the best odds to run the table.
However, the FPI is not without its critics. The model has been known to produce surprising results, such as ranking Texas Tech ahead of Notre Dame in projected win-loss record despite the Red Raiders' quarterback drama. For Iowa fans, the rankings serve as a reminder that preseason projections often shift as the season unfolds.
SEC Dominates, but Big Ten Holds Its Own
The SEC leads all conferences with 12 teams in the FPI Top 25, including Texas at No. 2 and Alabama at No. 8. The Big Ten's seven ranked teams are a close second, reflecting the conference's growing strength.
Iowa's position at No. 25 puts them just ahead of SMU and behind South Carolina. For a program that prides itself on defense and special teams, the ranking is a vote of confidence in the team's ability to compete at a high level.
What This Means for Iowa Fans
The FPI rankings are a useful tool for setting expectations, but they are not a guarantee of success. Iowa has a history of exceeding projections, particularly when the defense is strong and the running game is effective.
With a challenging schedule ahead, the Hawkeyes will need to be at their best to climb the rankings. But for now, being in the top 25 is a solid starting point for a program that consistently punches above its weight.
As the season progresses, Iowa fans should keep an eye on the FPI updates. If the Hawkeyes can win key conference games, they could find themselves in the playoff conversation by November.
Photo: Yahoo Sports