Iowa Hawkeyes Ranked No. 23 in Preseason College Football Poll Prediction
The Iowa Hawkeyes are projected to open the 2026 college football season ranked No. 23 in the preseason Coaches Poll, according to a prediction from Sports Illustrated. The full poll is set to be released on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with the AP Top 25 following on Aug. 17.
Iowa's placement in the back half of the top 25 reflects the program's steady standing under head coach Kirk Ferentz, but also the fierce competition ahead. The Hawkeyes are one of four Big Ten teams expected in the preseason rankings, joining Ohio State (No. 1), Oregon (No. 3), and Indiana (No. 5).
How the Big Ten Stacks Up
The Big Ten is projected to have three teams in the top five: Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana. The Buckeyes, led by coach Ryan Day, are the preseason favorite to win the conference and the national championship. Oregon, with quarterback Dante Moore returning and a full defensive line, is ranked third. Indiana comes in at No. 5 after a breakout season.
Iowa, at No. 23, sits behind Michigan (No. 15), USC (No. 14), Penn State (No. 17), and Washington (No. 20) in the conference. The Hawkeyes will need to outperform these projections to make a run at the Big Ten title game.
SEC Dominates Top 10
The SEC is expected to place six teams in the top 10, led by Texas at No. 2. The Longhorns, quarterbacked by Arch Manning, are a national title contender. Georgia (No. 6), Texas A&M (No. 7), Ole Miss (No. 10), Alabama (No. 11), and LSU (No. 12) round out the SEC's strong showing.
Other top-10 teams include Notre Dame (No. 4), Miami (No. 8), and Texas Tech (No. 9).
What This Means for Iowa Fans
For Iowa supporters, the No. 23 ranking is a vote of confidence but also a challenge. The Hawkeyes have a tough schedule ahead, with key matchups against Big Ten contenders. A strong start to the season could propel them up the rankings, while early losses could leave them on the outside looking in.
Coach Ferentz and his staff will look to build on last year's performance, with a focus on defensive strength and ball control. Iowa's ability to compete with the top teams in the conference will be tested early.
Betting Odds and Outlook
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Ohio State (+180) is the favorite to win the Big Ten, followed by Oregon (+260) and Indiana (+310). Iowa's odds to win the conference are not listed among the top contenders, but the Hawkeyes could be a dark horse if they exceed expectations.
Nationally, Ohio State (+550) leads the national championship odds, followed by Notre Dame (+650) and Oregon (+750).
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Looking Ahead
The preseason polls set the stage for the season, but they don't decide the outcome. Iowa has a history of outperforming expectations under Ferentz. With a disciplined roster and a favorable schedule, the Hawkeyes could make noise in the Big Ten this fall.
Stay tuned to Just The News Iowa for updates on the Hawkeyes and all Iowa sports.