Iowa Hawkeyes Rise to No. 5 in Big Ten Power Rankings Ahead of Michigan Showdown

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Iowa Hawkeyes are climbing the Big Ten ladder just in time for their toughest test yet. After a dominant 55-0 shutout of Northern Iowa, Iowa moved up to No. 5 in the latest conference power rankings, setting the stage for a pivotal road clash at Michigan this Saturday.

All 18 Big Ten teams are in action this weekend, but no matchup carries more weight for Iowa fans than the Hawkeyes' visit to Ann Arbor. Iowa (3-0) will face a Michigan team that, despite two early fumbles, rolled past UTEP 52-17 and sits at No. 6 in the rankings.

Hawkeyes' Ground Game Explodes

Iowa's rushing attack was the story of Week 3. The Hawkeyes piled up 422 yards on the ground, the most under head coach Kirk Ferentz, and featured three 100-yard rushers. Xavier Williams led the way with 151 yards and three touchdowns on just six carries, while Braeden Jackson added 125 and Nathan McNeil chipped in 111.

The performance came despite the absence of leading rusher Kamari Moulton, who was injured against Iowa State. Quarterback Hank Brown also impressed, completing all 12 of his passes for two touchdowns. Ferentz has since named Brown the starter, praising his consistency.

“He's helped himself with every opportunity,” Ferentz said.

The Hawkeyes are 3-0 for the first time since 2023, and their defense remains a wall, ranking No. 6 nationally in passing yards allowed.

Michigan's Turnover Woes

Michigan (3-0) enters Saturday's game with a glaring weakness: ball security. The Wolverines have fumbled six times in three games and lost four of them. Head coach Kyle Whittingham didn't mince words after the UTEP win.

“Big concern. Hopefully that can slow down because six in three games is way too many,” Whittingham said, per the Associated Press.

Quarterback Bryce Underwood completed 19 of 25 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns, but the fumbles kept UTEP in the game early. Iowa's opportunistic defense will look to exploit those mistakes.

Big Ten Power Rankings: Top 10

Here's how the rest of the conference stacks up heading into Week 4:

• 1. Indiana (3-0) — The Hoosiers own the FBS's longest active winning streak at 19 games after a 38-0 shutout of Western Kentucky. Next: vs. Northwestern.
• 2. Ohio State (3-0) — Jeremiah Smith broke the program's career receiving yards record in a 59-3 rout of Kent State. Next: vs. Illinois.
• 3. USC (4-0) — Survived a scare at Rutgers, winning 42-35. Next: hosts Oregon in a top-10 clash.
• 4. Penn State (3-0) — Rocco Becht earned his 29th career win, most in the FBS. Next: vs. Wisconsin.
• 5. Iowa (3-0) — Ground game is rolling; now comes the real test at Michigan.
• 6. Michigan (3-0) — Undefeated but sloppy with the football. Next: vs. Iowa.
• 7. Oregon (3-0) — Set program records in an 84-0 demolition of Portland State. Next: at USC.
• 8. Washington (3-0) — Demond Williams Jr. threw for 373 yards and four scores. Next: vs. Minnesota.
• 9. UCLA (3-0) — Ran for 369 yards in a 52-38 win at Purdue. Next: at Maryland.
• 10. Nebraska (3-0) — Held FCS power North Dakota to 205 yards. Next: at Michigan State.

Rest of the Pack

Northwestern made the biggest jump, climbing four spots to No. 11 after a 41-7 rout of Colorado. Aidan Chiles accounted for five touchdowns and was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. The Wildcats are 2-0 for the first time since 2020.

Illinois (No. 12) and Minnesota (No. 13) both posted lopsided wins, while Wisconsin (No. 14) set a program record with 302 first-half passing yards in a 54-10 victory. Maryland (No. 15) fell to Virginia Tech, snapping a country-leading 20-game nonconference winning streak.

At the bottom, Michigan State (No. 16), Purdue (No. 17), and winless Rutgers (No. 18) are all searching for answers. Purdue has lost 19 straight Big Ten games, and Rutgers has turned the ball over 10 times in three games.

What's at Stake for Iowa

Saturday's game at Michigan (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS) is a chance for Iowa to prove it belongs in the Big Ten's elite. A win would mark the Hawkeyes' first 4-0 start since 2015 and vault them into the College Football Playoff conversation.

Ferentz's squad has dominated lesser opponents, but Michigan presents a significant step up in competition. The Wolverines' defense has been stout, and their rushing attack, led by Jordan Marshall, will test Iowa's front seven.

For Iowa fans, the key will be whether the Hawkeyes can maintain their ground-game dominance and force Michigan into more turnovers. If they do, a statement win in Ann Arbor could be within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the Iowa vs. Michigan game?

The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 26, and will be broadcast on CBS.

Who is Iowa's starting quarterback?

Hank Brown has been named the starter after completing all 12 of his passes for two touchdowns against Northern Iowa.

How can I watch the Big Ten power rankings leaders?

Indiana and Ohio State remain the top two teams, with USC and Oregon facing off in a marquee matchup at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.