EA Sports' College Football 27 simulation has projected the Iowa Hawkeyes' 2026 campaign, forecasting a 9‑4 finish that includes victories over Northern Illinois, Iowa State and Northern Iowa, while dropping games to Michigan, Ohio State and Washington.
Simulation Outlook
The model expects the Hawkeyes to average 30.5 points per game, driven by quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski, who is projected for 2,538 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, running back Kamari Moulton, expected to add 1,270 rushing yards and eight scores, and tight end DJ Vonnahme, who would contribute 705 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Defensively, the simulation caps opponents at 19.6 points per game, with safety Tyler Brown intercepting five passes and defensive end Iose Epenesa recording four sacks; linebacker Cam Buffington is also expected to play a key role.
Additional contributors such as L.J. Phillips Jr., Zach Lutmer and Reece Vander Zee are factored into the statistical breakdown, reflecting a depth of talent across the roster.
While the projected record suggests a competitive season, the simulation indicates that the Hawkeyes would likely be left out of the College Football Playoff, underscoring the difficulty of translating win totals into postseason positioning in an era marked by the transfer portal and roster turnover.
The projection also reflects broader trends in college football, where programs must constantly adapt to player movement and evolving strategies, a reality highlighted by analysts at USA TODAY Network and Reuters Connect.