The Iowa Hawkeyes control their own path to the College Football Playoff after beating Northwestern 24-10 on the road on November 7, improving to 7-2 and 4-2 in the Big Ten with three regular-season games left to play.
Sports Illustrated declared the Hawkeyes a must-buy stock in its weekly stock report, arguing that everything is within reach for Kirk Ferentz's team, from a 10-2 finish to a seat at the playoff table in December.
Hawkeyes Are a Buy, According to Sports Illustrated
The national media has not given Iowa much love this season, but that may be about to change. Sports Illustrated wrote that the Hawkeyes are a hot stock right now that needs to be bought, and that Iowa is going to force its way into the conversation whether analysts like it or not.
“Are you ready to start believing in and preparing for a world where the Iowa Hawkeyes are playing games down the stretch that could thrust them into the College Football Playoff? Well, it's a reality. The time has arrived,” the report stated.
It all started with the win in Evanston. Inside NU, the Northwestern fan site, described Saturday's contest as a de-facto playoff game between two teams that each entered with two losses, and the No. 19 Hawkeyes ran out resounding winners at Ryan Field.
Stock Up: L.J. Phillips Jr. Leads the Ground Game
The star of the Iowa offense against Northwestern was running back L.J. Phillips Jr. After early-season injuries and a slow start finding his footing, Phillips showed Hawkeye fans why there was so much excitement around him in the offseason.
Getting the bulk of the carries, Phillips rumbled for a hard-earned 128 yards on 21 carries. Sports Illustrated noted that if he can keep running like a bruiser, Iowa's offense becomes a lot harder to deal with in November, when Big Ten games are won in the trenches.
Stock Up: Chris Polizzi Keeps Special Teams Elite
There was real concern in Iowa City before the season that the special teams unit would take a dip. Long-time coordinator LeVar Woods departed for Michigan State, opening the door for Chris Polizzi.
Under Polizzi, the unit has not dipped at all. The Hawkeyes are still finding the end zone on kick and punt returns, the field goal unit is strong, kicker Caden Buhr continues to grow more confident, and Boston Everitt is punting at a high level. Sports Illustrated called it another well-rounded and effective Iowa special teams unit.
Stock Down: The Pick-Six Streak Is in Danger
One beloved Hawkeye tradition is on shaky ground. Iowa has returned an interception for a touchdown in 18 consecutive seasons, a streak unlike anything else in college football, but it is running out of time in 2026.
Sports Illustrated admitted concern that the streak could end, noting that a backup quarterback playing from behind against Northwestern looked like a prime opportunity that went unclaimed. With at least four games remaining, including the postseason, the Hawkeye defense still has work to do to keep the streak alive.
Can a 10-2 Iowa Team Make the Playoff?
The math is simple. Iowa is three wins away from finishing 10-2, and Sports Illustrated does not see a world where a 10-2 Big Ten team gets left out of the College Football Playoff.
“If it happens that Iowa is snubbed for a three-loss team, it's a travesty for the sport,” the report stated. “At that point, play the games on paper. It tells us that wins don't matter, and all we do is pick teams based on data and spreadsheets.”
That argument will resonate with plenty of Iowa fans who remember seasons when the Hawkeyes did everything right on the field and still got passed over by committees and computers. A week earlier, after the blowout win over Wisconsin, the same stock report series had already flagged Iowa as a buy, and the Northwestern result only strengthened the case.
What Comes Next for the Hawkeyes
Iowa sits at 7-2 with three winnable games remaining on the schedule. Win all three, finish 10-2, and the Hawkeyes will have done everything in their power to force the committee's hand.
The playoff race is no longer a hypothetical in Iowa City. It is a real thing, with real stakes, and the Hawkeyes are playing meaningful November football with a chance to make history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iowa's record after beating Northwestern?
Iowa improved to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play with its 24-10 road win over Northwestern on November 7.
How many consecutive seasons has Iowa returned a pick-six?
Iowa has returned an interception for a touchdown in 18 consecutive seasons, a streak that needs to be extended with at least four games left in 2026.
Does a 10-2 Iowa team make the College Football Playoff?
According to Sports Illustrated, a 10-2 Iowa team coming out of the Big Ten should not be snubbed, and the Hawkeyes' playoff chances are climbing with three winnable games remaining.