Iowa Hawkeyes Ranked 22nd in 2026 AP Preseason Poll: Full Breakdown and What It Means
The Associated Press released its preseason top 25 college football rankings Monday, and Iowa finds itself at No. 22 heading into the 2026 season. With kickoff just over a week away, the Hawkeyes have work to do to climb the ladder in a loaded Big Ten conference.
The Big Ten has won the last three national championships, and voters expect more of the same. Ohio State and Oregon hold the top two spots, while reigning champion Indiana sits at No. 6. Iowa is one of five Big Ten teams in the rankings, joining USC (15), Michigan (16), Washington (17), and Penn State (18).
What does Iowa's No. 22 ranking mean for the 2026 season?
For Iowa fans, the preseason ranking signals respect but also sets a clear challenge. The Hawkeyes enter the season as a fringe top-25 team, meaning every game matters if they want to stay in the conversation. The ranking reflects voter confidence in Iowa's defense and special teams, but questions remain about the offense's ability to keep pace in a conference stacked with elite programs.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz has built a program known for physical play and disciplined football. The Hawkeyes will need that identity to shine through in a schedule that includes several ranked opponents. A strong start could propel Iowa up the polls quickly, while an early slip could leave them on the outside looking in.
Big Ten dominates the top of the AP Poll
The Big Ten's recent dominance is undeniable. Three straight national championships have put the conference in the driver's seat, and voters have taken notice. Ohio State and Oregon are the clear favorites, but the depth of the conference is what sets it apart.
Iowa's position at No. 22 puts them in the second tier of Big Ten teams, but that could change quickly. The Hawkeyes have a history of exceeding expectations, and a strong season could see them finish well above their preseason ranking. The conference schedule will be brutal, but that also means opportunities for statement wins.
Notre Dame and the SEC headline the rest of the rankings
Notre Dame enters the season with championship aspirations after missing the College Football Playoff last year. The Fighting Irish have an experienced roster and a favorable schedule, making them a popular pick to make a deep run.
The SEC has nine teams in the top 25, more than any other conference, but the hierarchy is less defined. Georgia and Texas both sit in the top five but have fallen short of title expectations in recent years. Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, and LSU occupy spots 8 through 11, with Alabama at No. 13. Tennessee (20) and Missouri (25) round out the SEC's presence.
Who got snubbed in the preseason poll?
Clemson received the most votes of any team outside the top 25, marking the first time since 2011 the Tigers have started the season unranked. After a 7-6 campaign last year, the snub is understandable, but Clemson's pedigree suggests they could be dangerous as an unranked team.
Boise State also drew attention, earning the third-most votes among unranked teams. The Broncos are just two seasons removed from a College Football Playoff appearance and bring back an experienced squad. Vanderbilt received only eight voting points, reflecting doubts about how the Commodores will fare without quarterback Diego Pavia.
Teams to watch in Week 1
Several ranked teams face pivotal early tests. USC is the only ranked team playing in Week 0 and follows that with a Friday night game against Fresno State on Sept. 4. Lincoln Riley's squad needs momentum heading into a brutal midseason stretch.
LSU begins the Lane Kiffin era with a marquee matchup against Clemson. A big win would signal that the Tigers' expensive roster is ready to deliver. Louisville and Ole Miss meet in the only ranked vs. ranked game of Week 1 on Sunday, Sept. 6, with both teams looking to prove they belong in the national conversation.
How to watch Big Ten football this season
Iowa fans can catch Big Ten Saturday Night games on NBC or stream them on Peacock. If you have NBC through your TV provider, you can watch on TV or via the NBC Sports app with your provider login. Check your local listings for the channel.
For cord-cutters, Peacock offers comprehensive live sports coverage, including Big Ten football, NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. Existing subscribers can sign in on any supported device, and those looking to upgrade their plan can do so through their account settings.
What's next for the Hawkeyes?
The preseason ranking is just a starting point. Iowa's season will be defined by how they perform on the field, not where they sit in August. With a tough schedule ahead, the Hawkeyes have every opportunity to prove the voters right or wrong.
Iowa fans know the drill: win the games you're supposed to win, steal a few upsets, and let the rankings take care of themselves. The 2026 season is wide open, and the Hawkeyes are positioned to make some noise.