Iowa Hawkeyes Rise in AP Poll After Stunning Michigan Comeback Win
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Iowa Hawkeyes are 4-0 and climbing the national rankings after a dramatic 20-19 road victory over No. 18 Michigan on Saturday. Kirk Ferentz's squad, now ranked No. 13 in the latest AP Top 25 projections, pulled off a last-second comeback that has Hawkeye fans buzzing and playoff hopes alive.
The win in Ann Arbor was sealed with two seconds left when quarterback Hank Brown led a 91-yard drive and found Reece Vander Zee for the game-winning touchdown. Brown finished with 227 passing yards and two touchdowns, both to Vander Zee, as Iowa improved to a perfect 4-0 on the season.
What does Iowa's win mean for the Big Ten race?
Iowa's victory over a ranked Michigan team on the road is a statement win that keeps the Hawkeyes firmly in the mix for the Big Ten title and a potential College Football Playoff berth. The Hawkeyes are now one of only a handful of unbeaten teams in the conference, and their defense continues to be a force.
Ferentz, the dean of Big Ten coaches, has his team playing with confidence and grit. The Hawkeyes have won close games, blown out opponents, and now pulled off a dramatic comeback. That kind of versatility is what championship teams are made of.
Ohio State looms large in Iowa City
Next up for Iowa is a massive home showdown against No. 6 Ohio State, a team that just put up 42 points against Illinois. The Buckeyes are led by quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who combined for five touchdowns last week. The last time Ohio State visited Kinnick Stadium in 2017, Iowa pulled off a stunning upset. Hawkeye fans are hoping history repeats itself.
Ferentz and his staff will need to prepare for one of the most explosive offenses in the country, but Iowa's defense has been relentless all season. This game will be a true test of where the Hawkeyes stand nationally.
Other Big Ten teams in the rankings
Iowa is not the only Big Ten team making noise. Ohio State checks in at No. 6, Indiana at No. 7, and Wisconsin at No. 24 after a dramatic comeback win over Penn State. Michigan, despite the loss, is still receiving votes. The Big Ten is deep and competitive, but Iowa has positioned itself as a legitimate contender.
How the top of the rankings shook out
Texas remains No. 1 after a narrow win over Tennessee, with Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami, and Florida rounding out the top five. Florida made the biggest jump after dominating Ole Miss, while LSU slid despite winning. For Iowa, the focus is on the task at hand: beating Ohio State and continuing to climb.
What's next for the Hawkeyes?
The Hawkeyes host Ohio State this Saturday in a game that will have major Big Ten and national implications. A win would likely push Iowa into the top 10 and solidify its status as a playoff contender. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT at Kinnick Stadium.
Iowa fans are known for their passion, and this game is expected to be one of the loudest environments of the season. If the Hawkeyes can pull off another upset, it could be a defining moment for the 2026 season.
Photo: EssentiallySports