Iowa Football Bowl Projection: Hawkeyes Set for Music City Showdown vs Ole Miss

Iowa Hawkeyes fans can start planning a trip to Nashville. The latest College Football News (CFN) bowl projections have Iowa facing Ole Miss in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, at Nissan Stadium.

The game is scheduled for a 3:00 PM ET kickoff and will air on ESPN. This matchup would pit the Big Ten's Hawkeyes against the SEC's Rebels in a classic Midwest-versus-South showdown.

What does the Music City Bowl matchup mean for Iowa?

For Iowa, a trip to Nashville represents a solid postseason landing spot. The Hawkeyes have a strong history in bowl games and a large, passionate fan base that travels well. A matchup against an SEC opponent like Ole Miss gives Iowa a chance to make a national statement.

The game also offers a homecoming of sorts for many Iowa fans, as Nashville is a popular and accessible destination for the state's residents. The city's vibrant atmosphere and the game's prime holiday time slot make it an attractive option for families.

How did Iowa get here?

The projection comes after a chaotic Week 2 in college football. While Iowa's season has been steady, other programs saw major shifts. Oklahoma State rebounded from an opening-week loss to Tulsa by beating Oregon, and Mississippi State handled Minnesota on the road. These results shuffled the bowl picture, solidifying Iowa's projected placement in Nashville.

Last season, Illinois defeated Tennessee 30-28 in the Music City Bowl. Iowa also has recent history in this game, having beaten Vanderbilt 34-27 in last year's ReliaQuest Bowl.

What's at stake for the Hawkeyes?

A win over Ole Miss would give Iowa its second consecutive bowl victory and provide significant momentum heading into the offseason. It would also be a feather in the cap for head coach Kirk Ferentz, who continues to build on his legacy as one of the winningest coaches in Big Ten history.

Beyond the win, the game is a chance for Iowa to showcase its brand on a national stage. With a strong performance against an SEC foe, the Hawkeyes can reinforce their reputation as a physical, disciplined, and competitive program.

Other notable bowl projections for Big Ten teams

The CFN projections also include several other Big Ten teams in high-profile games:

• Citrus Bowl: Penn State vs Texas A&M
• ReliaQuest Bowl: Michigan vs Tennessee
• Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Nebraska vs North Carolina
• Duke's Mayo Bowl: Wisconsin vs Duke
• Cactus Bowl: Illinois vs TCU

These matchups highlight the depth and competitiveness of the Big Ten conference this season.

When is the Music City Bowl?

The Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl is set for Wednesday, December 30, 2026. Kickoff is at 3:00 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN. The game will be played at Nissan Stadium, home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

Fans are encouraged to book travel early, as Nashville is a popular destination during the holiday season.

Frequently asked questions about the Music City Bowl

What channel is the Music City Bowl on?

The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Where is the Music City Bowl played?

The game is played at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Who won the Music City Bowl last year?

Illinois defeated Tennessee 30-28 in last year's game.

When was the last time Iowa played in the Music City Bowl?

Iowa has not played in the Music City Bowl in recent years. Their last bowl appearance was a 34-27 win over Vanderbilt in the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl.