The University of Iowa Hawkeyes will begin the 2026 college football season as a nationally ranked program. The Associated Press released its preseason Top 25 poll on Monday, placing Iowa at No. 22. This marks the 12th time in coach Kirk Ferentz’s 28‑year tenure that the Hawkeyes have started a season in the AP rankings.
Recent performance and expectations
Last season the Hawkeyes finished 9‑4, capping the year with a victory over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl and earning a No. 17 finish in the final AP poll. The strong finish helped set expectations for the upcoming campaign, and the new ranking reflects confidence from media members in the program’s direction.
Coach Ferentz and program stability
Coach Ferentz, now in his 28th season at Iowa, has built a reputation for consistency and player development. The No. 22 preseason spot is the highest the program has been ranked before the start of a season since 2021, when the Hawkeyes were placed at No. 18. Ferentz’s long‑standing presence provides a steady foundation as the team prepares for its opening home game on September 5.
Comparison with Iowa State
While Iowa earned a spot in the AP poll, in‑state rival Iowa State will not be ranked to start the season. The Cyclones underwent a major transition after head coach Matt Campbell left for Penn State, taking a sizable portion of the coaching staff and several players with him. Both schools open their seasons with home games on September 5, and they are slated to meet at Kinnick Stadium the following week, a matchup that will draw significant regional interest.
Full preseason Top 25 list
The complete AP Top 25 for 2026 is as follows:
- 1. Ohio State
- 2. Oregon
- 3. Georgia
- 4. Notre Dame
- 5. Texas
- 6. Indiana
- 7. Miami
- 8. Texas A&M
- 9. Mississippi
- 10. Oklahoma
- 11. LSU
- 12. Texas Tech
- 13. Alabama
- 14. BYU
- 15. USC
- 16. Michigan
- 17. Washington
- 18. Penn State
- 19. SMU
- 20. Tennessee
- 21. Utah
- 22. Iowa
- 23. Houston
- 24. Louisville
- 25. Missouri
Additional programs received votes, including Clemson, Florida, Boise State, Arizona, and several others.
Looking ahead
Fans can watch the Hawkeyes’ season opener at home on September 5, followed by the highly anticipated in‑state rivalry game at Kinnick Stadium the next week. The preseason ranking adds excitement for the community and underscores the program’s continued relevance in the national college football landscape.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
