Iowa Hawkeyes Ranked 20th in CFN Preseason College Football Top 25
The Iowa Hawkeyes are projected to finish 8-4 this season, landing at No. 20 in College Football News' 2026 preseason rankings. The ranking reflects a program that continues to rely on its trademark defensive strength and grinding offensive style.
According to CFN's analysis, the Hawkeyes will once again force opponents to play their brand of football. The defense is expected to be a force, and the offense will lean on its running game and field position battle until it can run out the clock in another win.
Iowa opens the season at home against Northern Illinois. The swing game that could define their season comes on Oct. 24 at Minnesota, a rivalry matchup that often has Big Ten West implications.
What the Ranking Means for Iowa Fans
The No. 20 spot is a slight drop from where Iowa finished last season. The Hawkeyes ended 2025 with a 9-4 record and were ranked No. 18 in CFN's final poll. The preseason projection of 8-4 suggests CFN sees a competitive but not dominant team.
For Iowa fans, the message is familiar: expect a physical, defensive-minded team that wins close games. The offense may not light up the scoreboard, but the formula has worked for head coach Kirk Ferentz year after year.
Other Big Ten Teams in the Rankings
The Hawkeyes are not the only Big Ten team in the 11-25 range. Penn State checks in at No. 22 with a 9-3 projection, while Michigan is at No. 13 with a 9-3 record. Washington, which hosts Iowa on Oct. 10, is ranked No. 19.
USC, now a Big Ten member, sits at No. 11 with a 9-3 projection. The Trojans visit Penn State on Oct. 10 in a key conference matchup.
Top 25 Overview: Key Takeaways
The CFN preseason rankings for spots 11 through 25 include several teams with playoff aspirations. Texas Tech is projected to go 11-1 and is ranked No. 12, while BYU is at No. 17 with a 10-2 projection. Alabama, at No. 14, is predicted to go 9-3.
Notably, Ole Miss, which reached the College Football Playoff semifinal last season, is ranked No. 24 with an 8-4 projection. That drop reflects significant roster turnover in the transfer portal era.
The full top 10 will be released later this week.
Iowa's Path to the College Football Playoff
For Iowa to make a serious playoff push, the Hawkeyes will need to exceed the 8-4 projection. Key wins over Washington and Minnesota, plus a strong showing in the Big Ten Championship game, could put them in contention.
The schedule is manageable but includes tough road tests. After opening with Northern Illinois, Iowa faces a challenging stretch that includes Washington at home and Minnesota on the road.
CFN's analysis suggests that while Iowa may not be an elite national contender, the Hawkeyes remain a tough out for any opponent. Their style of play keeps games close and gives them a chance to win late.