Iowa Defense Ranked Ahead of Rival Wisconsin in ESPN's 2026 Projections
ESPN's early SP+ projections for the 2026 college football season rank the Iowa Hawkeyes defense at No. 17 nationally, placing them firmly ahead of border rival Wisconsin and several other Big Ten programs. The rankings, released by ESPN's Bill Connelly as part of his Big Ten preview, signal that Iowa's defensive tradition under head coach Kirk Ferentz remains strong heading into the new season.
Where Iowa Stands in the Big Ten Defensive Rankings
According to Connelly's SP+ projections, the Hawkeyes boast the fifth-best defense in the Big Ten. Iowa sits behind Ohio State (No. 1 nationally), Oregon (No. 3), Indiana (No. 6), and Michigan (No. 13). However, Iowa checks in ahead of Washington (No. 19) and, notably, the Wisconsin Badgers (No. 22).
The Badgers have generated plenty of offseason buzz after bringing in over 30 transfers and landing quarterback Colton Joseph. ESPN projects Wisconsin's defense to crack the top 25 at No. 22, a jump from their No. 35 finish in 2025. Still, the numbers show Iowa's defensive unit projected as the stronger of the two rivals when the teams meet on the field.
Badgers Rebuild Relies on Defense After Disappointing 2025
Wisconsin limped to a 4-8 record in 2025, but their defense quietly improved as the season wore on. Freshmen linebackers Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano emerged as difference-makers, while an elite pass rush featuring Mason Reiger, Darryl Peterson, and Sebastian Cheeks helped mask inconsistencies in the secondary and run defense.
Heading into 2026, the Badgers face significant turnover. Reiger and Peterson have exhausted their eligibility, and contributors like Christian Alliegro, Austin Brown, Ricardo Hallman, Ben Barten, Jay'Viar Suggs, and Brandon Lane are also gone. Wisconsin countered by adding aggressively in the secondary, bringing in cornerbacks Javan Robinson and Bryce West as likely starters, with Eric Fletcher and Cai Bates providing depth. Safety additions Marvin Burks and Carson Van Dinter are expected to play significant roles as well.
The front seven saw an infusion of defensive linemen and linebacker Jon Jon Kamara. Cheeks is projected to take a larger role, and underclassmen like Thomas Heiberger, Charles Perkins, Tyreese Fearbry, Jai'mier Scott, and Nicolas Clayton should see more snaps.
What the Rankings Mean for Iowa's 2026 Outlook
For Iowa fans, the SP+ projections offer a reason for optimism. The Hawkeyes' No. 17 defensive ranking places them ahead of several Big Ten West foes, including Minnesota (No. 24), Nebraska (No. 38), and Illinois (No. 44). Iowa also ranks ahead of traditional powers like Penn State (No. 23) and USC (No. 29).
Iowa has long built its identity on physical, disciplined defense, and the 2026 projections suggest that formula isn't going anywhere. While Wisconsin's rebuilt roster grabs headlines, the Hawkeyes simply keep producing results on that side of the ball.
Can Wisconsin's Defense Close the Gap on Iowa?
The big question in Madison is whether the Badgers can turn projections into reality. Luke Fickell's squad has the pieces to improve, but replacing a veteran pass rush and rebuilding the secondary with transfers always carries risk. If the pass rush doesn't develop quickly, Wisconsin could struggle to match expectations.
For Iowa, the path is more straightforward. The Hawkeyes return key contributors and continue to develop talent within their system rather than relying heavily on the transfer portal. That stability is reflected in the projections, and it gives Iowa an edge as both programs look to rebound from frustrating 2025 campaigns.
Will Iowa's Defense Outperform Wisconsin Again in 2026?
Based on ESPN's SP+ projections, yes. Iowa's No. 17 ranking gives them a clear edge over Wisconsin's No. 22 projection. The Hawkeyes also benefit from returning talent and program continuity, while the Badgers are integrating a wave of new players.
Which Big Ten Teams Have Better Defenses Than Iowa?
Four Big Ten teams rank ahead of Iowa in the SP+ defensive projections. Ohio State leads at No. 1 nationally, followed by Oregon at No. 3, Indiana at No. 6, and Michigan at No. 13. Washington rounds out the top five at No. 19.
Is Wisconsin's Defense Actually Improving?
The numbers suggest a modest improvement. Wisconsin finished 2025 as the No. 35 defense in SP+, and the 2026 projection places them at No. 22. However, the Badgers lost significant experience and are relying on transfers and young players to fill the gaps.