Iowa Hawkeyes open 2026 season with NIU: Big Ten Week 1 picks and analysis
The 2026 Big Ten football season kicks into full gear this week, and the Iowa Hawkeyes open their campaign with a home matchup against Northern Illinois. The full conference slate runs from Thursday through Labor Day weekend, with several intriguing storylines including new coaches, defending champions, and a key rivalry game.
Here is a look at how the Week 1 action shapes up, with a focus on what it means for Iowa fans and the broader Big Ten picture.
Iowa opens with a manageable test against Northern Illinois
Iowa hosts Northern Illinois on Saturday, and the Hawkeyes are expected to handle business comfortably. The pick: Iowa 30, Northern Illinois 7.
The Huskies have struggled in recent seasons, and Iowa gets a soft opener before facing tougher conference competition. Hawkeye fans will be looking for early signs of improvement on offense, but the defense should dominate this one from the start.
Rutgers and Illinois get Thursday night action
The Big Ten slate begins Thursday evening with two games. Rutgers hosts UMass and should cruise to a 38-10 victory. The Scarlet Knights are not expected to be a conference contender, but UMass has shown little to suggest it can compete at this level.
Illinois also plays Thursday, hosting UAB. The Illini are picked to win 40-14. UAB is rebuilding under new head coach Alex Mortensen, and Illinois should have little trouble in its opener.
New coaches headline Friday night matchups
Friday features two games with significant coaching storylines. Michigan State hosts Toledo with new head coach Pat Fitzgerald at the helm. The Spartans are picked to win a close one, 24-21.
Out west, USC hosts Fresno State. The Trojans are favored 34-20, but Fresno State coach Matt Entz knows USC well from his time as a linebackers coach under Lincoln Riley. That familiarity could keep the game closer than expected.
Defending champion Indiana opens its title defense
Indiana begins its season as defending national champions, hosting North Texas on Saturday. The Hoosiers are picked to win 42-14. North Texas lost its coach and quarterback in the offseason, making this a favorable opener for Indiana, though the Hoosiers have historically started seasons slowly.
Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State headline Saturday's marquee games
Ohio State hosts Ball State and is picked to win big, 55-3. The Buckeyes have something to prove after falling in the playoff quarterfinals last season.
Oregon hosts Boise State in a game with an unusual twist: the Broncos are playing their first game as a Pac-12 member, while Oregon is not. The Ducks are favored 45-24.
Penn State begins a new era under Matt Campbell, hosting Marshall. The Nittany Lions are picked to win 31-10.
Michigan starts fresh under Kyle Whittingham
Michigan hosts Western Michigan on Saturday, with new head coach Kyle Whittingham making his debut in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines are picked to win 31-10.
UCLA, Washington, and Wisconsin face notable openers
UCLA hosts California in a game that could signal the start of something promising in Westwood. Bob Chesney is expected to lead the Bruins to a 27-24 win in his first game as head coach.
Washington hosts Washington State in the Apple Cup on Sunday. The Huskies are expected to have a strong season and are picked to win 34-20.
The weekend closes with Wisconsin facing Notre Dame in Green Bay. The Fighting Irish are favored 24-6, and Badgers coach Luke Fickell enters the season under pressure. Notre Dame's elite defense should control this game.
What Iowa fans should watch this weekend
For Iowa supporters, the focus is on a clean opener and building momentum before the Big Ten schedule heats up. The Hawkeyes' defense should set the tone against Northern Illinois, and fans will be eager to see progress from the offense.
The broader Big Ten picture will come into focus this weekend, with several new coaches debuting and the defending champions beginning their title defense. Iowa's path through the conference will become clearer in the coming weeks, but a strong start is essential.