Athlon’s 2026 College Football Preview Sets the Stage
The latest edition of the Athlon Sports College Football Preview magazine arrived just months before the 2026 season opener, giving fans a first look at the storylines that will shape the year.
Iowa finds itself positioned eighth in the Big Ten and 25th in the nation according to the publication, a placement that reflects both the program’s recent momentum and the tough competition within the conference.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz, now in his 28th year at the helm, will turn 71 as the first game approaches, underscoring a career that has become a staple of Big Ten football.
Key Players and Pre‑Season Honors
The magazine’s pre‑season first‑team selections highlight a limited but notable group of Hawkeyes, with senior linebacker Kade Pieper and backup quarterback Trevor Lauck earning the nod.
On the national stage, Iowa’s defense will be reshaped after losing nine starters, a record‑breaking kicker, the starting punter and a standout return specialist, creating both challenges and opportunities for younger talent.
Elsewhere, the preview forecasts an Ohio State victory over Indiana in the Big Ten Championship, citing a first‑team offense that includes quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and lineman Austin Siereveld.
Indiana and Oregon each boast multiple first‑team honorees on offense, defense and special teams, setting up potential matchups that could influence the playoff picture.
Athlon also identifies two transfer quarterbacks to watch: Indiana’s Josh Hoover, the top transfer in the Big Ten after a stint at TCU, and former Iowa State signal‑caller Rocco Becht, now at Penn State, who ranks fifth among transfers.
Iowa’s 2026 recruiting class lands sixth in the Big Ten, a respectable haul that could add depth as the team navigates a demanding schedule.
The magazine’s “12 Games to Watch” list omits any Hawkeye matchups, suggesting that the season’s most compelling contests will unfold elsewhere.
Looking ahead to bowl season, the publication predicts a Las Vegas Bowl pairing between Iowa and Arizona, a game that could serve as a litmus test for the Hawkeyes’ revamped unit.
Fans can expect the magazine to hit newsstands on May 22, just in time to fuel preseason debates and fantasy league preparations.