Iowa Hawkeyes Face Elite Talent in 2026: Ranking the Top 5 Opponents
The Iowa Hawkeyes have a manageable 2026 schedule, but that doesn't mean they can sleepwalk through it. The Big Ten is loaded with NFL-caliber talent, and Iowa will face some of the nation's best players this season. From Ohio State to Washington, here are the five toughest opponents the Hawkeyes will line up against.
5. Justin Evans, Offensive Lineman, Nebraska
Nebraska's junior center is the engine of the Cornhuskers' run game. Justin Evans is a projected first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, and he could be the first center off the board. Last year, Nebraska gashed Iowa for 231 rushing yards, and Evans is the key to that ground attack. If he gets the line rolling, Iowa's defense will have its hands full.
4. Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Defensive End, Ohio State
At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, Kenyatta Jackson is a physical freak off the edge. This is a battle between first-round talent and Iowa's Trevor Lauck. If Iowa doesn't have a plan for Jackson, quarterbacks Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown could be in for a long day against an already elite Buckeyes defense.
3. Demond Williams Jr., Quarterback, Washington
Iowa's trip to Washington brings a dual-threat nightmare in Demond Williams. He threw for 3,065 yards last season and ran for 611 more, with 31 total touchdowns. He may be the best quarterback on Iowa's entire schedule, and he is back and better than ever.
2. John Henry Daley, Defensive End, Michigan
Michigan's new defensive end, John Henry Daley, followed coach Kyle Whittingham from Utah. In three years at Utah and BYU, Daley posted 12.5 sacks, with 11.5 coming in 2025 alone. He joins a loaded Michigan defensive line and is poised for stardom.
1. Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
It had to be Jeremiah Smith. He is the best player on every team's schedule and the best player in the country. Smith takes over games and breaks defenses. With quarterback Julian Sayin returning after hitting 77% of his passes for over 3,600 yards and 32 touchdowns, Smith's 1,243-yard, 12-touchdown season from last year could be just the beginning. Ohio State's pitch-catch combination is the nation's best.
“You could make a piece about the five best players Iowa will face using all Ohio State players, and still have five more in the waiting room,” the analysis noted. “But Smith is the star of stars.”
For Iowa fans, the 2026 season offers a chance to prove themselves against elite competition. The Hawkeyes will need to be ready for these five stars.