Iowa Football Ranked 8th in Big Ten Preseason Poll as Oregon QB Moore Adds 17 Pounds

The Big Ten preseason media poll released this week has Iowa football sitting at No. 8 in the conference, a position that reflects both respect for the Hawkeyes' consistent program and the challenges ahead in a stacked league. The poll, compiled by Cleveland.com, places Iowa at 361 total points, trailing powerhouses Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana at the top.

For Iowa fans, the ranking is a familiar spot. The Hawkeyes have long been a program that grinds out wins through defense and special teams, but the expanded Big Ten now includes national contenders like Oregon and USC. Head coach Kirk Ferentz will need his squad to outperform expectations to climb the standings.

Oregon's Dante Moore Shows Off Physical Transformation

At Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore turned heads with his new physique. The Heisman Trophy contender revealed he added 17 pounds since the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Indiana, now weighing 220 pounds. Moore credited the extra weight to a rigorous offseason program and competition from backup Dylan Raiola, a transfer from Nebraska.

Moore's growth mirrors the trend of quarterbacks willing to wait their turn. He sat behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024 before taking over in 2025, throwing for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His development is a key reason Oregon is projected to finish second in the Big Ten, just behind Ohio State.

Dan Lanning Eyes National Championship for Oregon

Oregon coach Dan Lanning, now entering his fifth season, has a 48-8 record and is chasing the program's first national title. The Ducks have lost only three games in the last two years, all to Big Ten opponents in the College Football Playoff. Lanning told On3's Wilson Alexander that the goal remains clear: bring a championship to Eugene.

For Iowa, this means the path to the top is blocked by elite programs with national resources. But the Hawkeyes have a history of punching above their weight, and the preseason poll is just a starting point.

Iowa's Kade Pieper Named to All-Big Ten Preseason Team

Iowa offensive lineman Kade Pieper was one of 12 players selected to the All-Big Ten preseason team by a media panel. The Hawkeyes were the only program with a single representative, while Indiana led with three players. Ohio State, Oregon, and Rutgers each had two.

Pieper's recognition is a testament to Iowa's tradition of developing NFL-caliber linemen. The Hawkeyes' offensive line will be crucial if the team hopes to exceed the preseason projection.

Big Ten Preseason Media Poll: Full Rankings

The unofficial poll from Cleveland.com reflects the conference's depth. Here are the full standings:

• No. 1 Ohio State (15 first-place votes, 540 points)
• No. 2 Oregon (11 first-place votes, 527 points)
• No. 3 Indiana (5 first-place votes, 509 points)
• No. 4 USC (446 points)
• No. 5 Michigan (430 points)
• No. 6 Penn State (380 points)
• No. 7 Washington (366 points)
• No. 8 Iowa (361 points)
• No. 9 Illinois (304 points)
• No. 10 Minnesota (268 points)
• No. 11 Nebraska (246 points)
• No. 12 Wisconsin (207 points)
• No. 13 UCLA (199 points)
• No. 14 Northwestern (140 points)
• No. 15 Maryland (137 points)
• No. 16 Michigan State (99 points)
• No. 17 Rutgers (97 points)
• No. 18 Purdue (45 points)

The poll shows a clear top tier, but Iowa's position in the middle of the pack leaves room for optimism. With a strong defense and a reliable running game, the Hawkeyes could challenge for a higher finish.

What This Means for Iowa Fans

The preseason poll is just a prediction, but it sets the stage for a competitive season. Iowa's schedule includes tough matchups against Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State, but the Hawkeyes have a history of winning close games. The key will be quarterback play and offensive consistency.

For now, Iowa fans can take pride in Pieper's selection and the program's continued respect in the conference. The real test begins when the pads go on.

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