Iowa Football Lands at No. 22 in Preseason AP Poll as Hawkeyes Eye Big Ten Contention

The Associated Press released its preseason top 25 poll for the 2026 college football season on Monday, and the Iowa Hawkeyes are positioned to make noise this fall. Iowa checks in at No. 22 in the initial rankings, a spot that reflects both the program's steady consistency under head coach Kirk Ferentz and the high expectations surrounding a veteran-laden roster.

For Iowa fans, the ranking signals respect from national voters but also sets the stage for a season defined by tough Big Ten matchups and the ever-present goal of reaching Indianapolis for the conference championship game. The Hawkeyes are one of just four Big Ten teams in the preseason top 25, joining Ohio State (No. 1), Oregon (No. 2), and Indiana (No. 6).

Full Preseason AP Top 25 Poll

Here is the complete preseason AP poll as the 2026 season approaches:

1. Ohio State
2. Oregon
3. Georgia
4. Notre Dame
5. Texas
6. Indiana
7. Miami (FL)
8. Texas A&M
9. Ole Miss
10. Oklahoma
11. LSU
12. Texas Tech
13. Alabama
14. BYU
15. USC
16. Michigan
17. Washington
18. Penn State
19. SMU
20. Tennessee
21. Utah
22. Iowa
23. Houston
24. Louisville
25. Missouri

What Does Iowa's No. 22 Ranking Mean for the 2026 Season?

The Hawkeyes enter the season with legitimate reasons for optimism. Iowa's defense, traditionally the backbone of the program, returns several key playmakers, and the offense showed signs of life in the spring under a revamped coaching approach. The No. 22 spot suggests voters believe Iowa is a top-25 caliber team, but the real test will come during a demanding Big Ten slate.

Iowa's path to a Big Ten West title (or a strong at-large bid in the expanded College Football Playoff) runs through physical, low-scoring games that have become the program's trademark. The Hawkeyes will need to win the turnover battle and control the clock to exceed expectations.

Iowa's History With Preseason Rankings

Iowa has been a fixture in preseason polls over the past decade, often landing in the 15-to-25 range. The Hawkeyes have consistently used modest preseason rankings as motivation, and Ferentz's teams have a track record of improving as the season progresses.

In 2023, Iowa was unranked in the preseason and finished the regular season at 10-2 before falling in the Big Ten Championship Game. The 2026 squad hopes to follow a similar trajectory, but with a stronger finish.

Key Matchups That Will Define Iowa's Season

Several games stand out on Iowa's 2026 schedule as potential season-definers:

• Week 2 vs. Iowa State: The Cy-Hawk rivalry game is always a toss-up, and a win here would give Iowa early momentum and bragging rights for the next 365 days.
• Midseason clash with Penn State: The Nittany Lions are ranked No. 18, and a home game against them could be a pivotal swing in Iowa's quest for a top-15 finish.
• Season finale at Nebraska: The Heroes Trophy game has been competitive in recent years, and a win in Lincoln would send Iowa into bowl season with confidence.

Can Iowa Exceed Its Preseason Ranking?

The Hawkeyes have the pieces to outperform their No. 22 spot. The defense should be among the best in the Big Ten, and if the offense can average just 24-28 points per game, Iowa could easily finish in the top 15.

Ferentz, now in his third decade leading the program, has built a culture of toughness and accountability that resonates with Iowa values. The Hawkeyes won't be flashy, but they will be physical, disciplined, and prepared every Saturday.

What Fans Should Watch as the Season Approaches

As fall camp winds down, the biggest question is who will emerge as the starting quarterback. The competition has been open all spring, and the decision will shape Iowa's offensive identity. Additionally, the offensive line must replace a couple of starters, but the Hawkeyes have recruited well in the trenches.

Iowa fans should also keep an eye on the special teams unit, which has been a weapon for years under Ferentz. Field position will matter in the tight games Iowa is expected to play.

Bottom Line for Iowa in 2026

The No. 22 preseason ranking is fair, but it also feels like a slight undervaluation of a team that could surprise people. Iowa has the defense, the coaching, and the culture to make a run at a 9- or 10-win season.

If the offense can avoid the costly turnovers that plagued past teams, the Hawkeyes could be a tough out for anyone on their schedule. Iowa football is back, and the state's fans are ready for another autumn of hard-nosed, winning football.