The 2026 preseason Coaches Poll has placed the Iowa Hawkeyes at No. 22, a testament to the enduring respect for head coach Kirk Ferentz and the program he has built over nearly three decades.
Yet the ranking arrives at a moment of flux. Iowa enters the new season having lost a cascade of key contributors from the previous year, including starting quarterback Mark Gronowski, three All‑Big Ten linemen, and standout return specialist Kaden Wetjen.
To plug those gaps, the Hawkeyes have added sixteen transfers from the portal, among them junior quarterback Hank Brown, who brings size and experience, and sophomore Jeremy Hecklinski, who is also in the mix for the starting role.
A defensive backbone
On the other side of the ball, Iowa’s defense is being heralded as one of the nation’s best. Rising star Zach Lutmer, a versatile defensive back, is expected to anchor a unit that returns several playmakers.
Special teams, however, present a vulnerability. The departure of kicker Drew Stevens and punter Rhys Dakin, coupled with the transition from LeVar Woods to new coordinator Chris Polizzi, leaves a void that the coaching staff must quickly fill.
Despite the upheaval, the roster retains two of the conference’s top offensive linemen, Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, providing continuity in the trenches, while the running back and tight end positions remain deep enough to offset the losses.
The ranking also reflects a broader confidence in Ferentz’s ability to navigate rebuilding cycles. With 209 career victories, he stands as the Big Ten’s all‑time winningest coach, and his 28th season promises another chapter in a career defined by consistency and adaptability.