Iowa Hawkeyes Picked to Disappoint in 2026 Big Ten Race, Buckeyes on Top
As the 2026 college football season kicks off, national analysts have released their full conference predictions, and the news for Iowa Hawkeyes fans is not encouraging. College Football News projects Iowa to finish in a tie for eighth place in the Big Ten with a 5-4 conference record, and the outlet has named the Hawkeyes as the Big Ten team most likely to disappoint this season.
The projections, part of the CFN 26 for 2026 series, offer a comprehensive look at all 11 conference races. For Iowa fans, the forecast signals a challenging year ahead in a loaded Big Ten conference.
What do the 2026 Big Ten predictions say about Iowa?
College Football News places Iowa at T8 in the Big Ten standings alongside Illinois and Washington, all with projected 5-4 conference records. The outlet specifically calls Iowa the Big Ten team most likely to disappoint, a notable warning for a program that has consistently competed at a high level under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
The prediction comes as the Big Ten has grown even more competitive with the addition of West Coast powers USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. Iowa will need to navigate a brutal schedule that includes road games against some of the conference's top contenders.
Who is favored to win the Big Ten in 2026?
Ohio State is the overwhelming favorite, projected to go a perfect 9-0 in conference play. The Buckeyes are predicted to defeat Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game. Indiana, coming off a historic 2025 season under Coach of the Year candidate Curt Cignetti, is projected to finish second with a 7-2 record.
Michigan and Oregon round out the top tier, also projected at 7-2. Penn State, USC, and Wisconsin are expected to be competitive at 6-3, while Iowa sits in the middle of the pack.
The Big Ten Game of the Year is slated for Oct. 17 when Ohio State visits Indiana, a matchup that could have major College Football Playoff implications.
How do the national championship projections look?
Beyond the Big Ten, College Football News predicts a Georgia over Texas matchup in the SEC Championship, with both teams projected at 8-1. Arch Manning of Texas is the preseason SEC Player of the Year, while Lane Kiffin of LSU is the projected Coach of the Year.
In the ACC, Miami is favored over Louisville in the championship game. The Big 12 race is expected to come down to Texas Tech and BYU, with Texas Tech taking the title. Boise State is projected to win the new-look Pac-12.
Which teams are projected to surprise and disappoint?
Beyond Iowa, College Football News identified several surprise and disappointment candidates across the country:
- ACC: Virginia Tech is the surprise pick, Duke is the disappointment
- Big Ten: Wisconsin is the surprise pick, Iowa is the disappointment
- Big 12: Kansas State is the surprise pick, Arizona is the disappointment
- SEC: Florida is the surprise pick, Ole Miss is the disappointment
- American: Temple is the surprise pick, Tulane is the disappointment
What does this mean for Iowa's College Football Playoff hopes?
The projections are not kind to Iowa's CFP aspirations. No Big Ten team outside the top three of Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon is given a realistic shot at the playoff in these predictions. Iowa would need to significantly outperform expectations to change that narrative.
The Hawkeyes have made the College Football Playoff once, in 2024, and have been a consistent bowl contender under Ferentz. However, the 2026 schedule and the depth of the Big Ten present a steep challenge.
Iowa State Cyclones also face tough Big 12 projections
Iowa State fans also have reason for concern. The Cyclones are projected at T9 in the Big 12 with a 4-5 conference record. BYU is the favorite to win the Big 12 regular season at 8-1, with Texas Tech and Utah close behind at 7-2.
The Big 12 Game of the Year is projected to be BYU at Utah on Nov. 7, a rivalry matchup that could decide the conference title.
Full Big Ten predicted standings for 2026
- Ohio State (9-0)
- Indiana (7-2)
- Michigan (7-2)
- Oregon (7-2)
- Penn State (6-3)
- USC (6-3)
- Wisconsin (6-3)
- Illinois (5-4)
- Iowa (5-4)
- Washington (5-4)
- Minnesota (3-6)
- Nebraska (3-6)
- Northwestern (3-6)
- UCLA (3-6)
- Maryland (2-7)
- Michigan State (2-7)
- Purdue (1-8)
- Rutgers (1-8)
The 2026 season is set to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. For Iowa, the path to the playoff runs through Columbus, Ann Arbor, and Eugene. The Hawkeyes will need to prove the doubters wrong starting in September.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 college football season start?
The 2026 college football season begins in late August, with most teams opening their campaigns over Labor Day weekend. The College Football Playoff will expand to 14 teams this season.
Who is the favorite to win the 2026 national championship?
College Football News projects Georgia and Texas as the top two teams in the SEC, with Ohio State dominating the Big Ten. The Buckeyes are the early favorite to win the national title according to these projections.
What is Iowa's toughest game in 2026?
While the full schedule has not been released, Iowa's projected conference record of 5-4 suggests a difficult road. Games against Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon would be the toughest tests on the Hawkeyes' slate.