Kirk Ferentz, the longest‑tenured head coach in Division I college football, has been placed at No. 20 on CBS Sports’ 2026 Top 25 Power Four coaches list. The ranking, compiled by analyst Tom Fornelli, highlights a career that blends longevity with consistent winning, even while operating with fewer resources than many of his peers.
A career defined by consistency
Since taking the helm at Iowa in 1999, Ferentz has guided the Hawkeyes to at least eight victories in every season except the COVID‑shortened 2020 campaign. His program has become a model of stability, turning a modest budget into a perennial contender in the Big Ten.
Elite units on both sides of the ball
Iowa’s defense and special teams have routinely ranked among the nation’s best, often stifling opponents with disciplined play. In recent years, the offense has also taken significant steps forward, showcasing a more balanced attack that complements the traditional ferocious Hawkeye defense.
Where he stands among his peers
The CBS Sports ranking places Ferentz as the seventh‑best coach in the Big Ten, trailing only Curt Cignetti, Ryan Day, Dan Lanning, Kyle Whittingham, Matt Campbell and Lincoln Riley. Nationally, he sits at No. 20, a testament to the respect he commands despite the crowded field of Power Four coaches.
Ferentz’s status as the all‑time wins leader in Big Ten history underscores his impact, and his continued presence at the top of such lists suggests that his influence will be felt for years to come.