Tim Polasek Tops Iowa's Radar as Top College Football Coaching Prospect for 2026

As the college football season approaches, Iowa fans have a new name to watch: Tim Polasek. The North Dakota State head coach, with a stellar 26-3 career record, is being touted as one of the hottest coaching prospects for 2026, and he has direct ties to the Hawkeye State.

Polasek, a former Iowa offensive line coach, is seen as a natural successor should the 71-year-old Kirk Ferentz eventually step down. While Ferentz shows no signs of slowing down, the speculation is already building among Iowa faithful.

Who Are the Top Coaching Prospects for 2026?

College football analyst Pete Fiutak of College Football News has identified five head coaches who could be in high demand once the coaching carousel spins after the 2026 season. With over 22% of FBS schools welcoming new head coaches this year, the market is ripe for movement.

1. Dan Mullen, UNLV

Dan Mullen leads the list with a career record of 113-65. His track record speaks for itself: he led Mississippi State to eight or more wins five times, and Florida to the SEC Championship in 2020. Since his departure, both programs have struggled to maintain that level of success. Mullen's potential next stop could be Nebraska, a program desperate for a winning season.

2. Sean Lewis, San Diego State

Sean Lewis, with a 36-44 career record, is the wildcard of the group. Known for his offensive brilliance, Lewis showed defensive chops last year with the Aztecs. Cincinnati could be his next destination if the job opens up.

3. Jason Eck, New Mexico

Jason Eck turned New Mexico into a tough, hard-nosed team in the Mountain West, following his success at Idaho in the FCS. With a 9-4 record, Eck could be the answer for Colorado if the Deion Sanders era comes to an end.

4. Tim Polasek, North Dakota State

Polasek's name is generating buzz in Iowa for good reason. The former Hawkeye offensive line coach has a 26-3 record at NDSU, following in the footsteps of successful predecessors like Craig Bohl, Chris Klieman, and Matt Entz, all of whom moved on to bigger programs. Now that NDSU is part of the FBS, Polasek's stock is rising even higher.

Could Polasek Be Iowa's Next Head Coach?

The question on many Iowa fans' minds is whether Polasek could be the man to replace Ferentz when the time comes. His familiarity with the program and his proven success make him an attractive candidate. However, Ferentz is still rolling at 71, and any transition would likely require his blessing.

For now, Polasek remains focused on leading NDSU, but the speculation is a testament to his coaching prowess and the strong pipeline from Fargo to Iowa City.

What Does This Mean for Iowa Football?

For Iowa fans, the prospect of Polasek taking over is an exciting one. His offensive line expertise and winning pedigree align well with Iowa's values of tough, physical football. While the timing remains uncertain, the groundwork is being laid for a potential future transition.

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on these five coaches, but for Iowa, the name to remember is Tim Polasek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kirk Ferentz retiring soon?

No, Kirk Ferentz, 71, is still actively coaching and shows no signs of immediate retirement. However, speculation about his eventual successor is already underway.

What is Tim Polasek's connection to Iowa?

Tim Polasek previously served as Iowa's offensive line coach, giving him direct ties to the Hawkeye program and making him a natural candidate for the head coaching job when it opens.

How successful has Polasek been at North Dakota State?

Polasek has a 26-3 career record at NDSU, continuing the program's tradition of excellence under coaches like Craig Bohl and Chris Klieman.