The Hawkeyes vaulted to No. 21 in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll after a commanding 40‑0 triumph over Northern Illinois in their season opener.
Running back Kamari Moulton exploded for a career‑high 183 yards, while receiver Tony Diaz hauled in seven catches for 84 yards, helping Iowa amass 507 total yards compared to Northern Illinois’ modest 120.
Adding to the offensive firepower, special teams contributed a touchdown when Furman transfer Evan James broke through for a score, underscoring the depth of Iowa’s early‑season performance.
Iowa State Gears Up for a Tougher Test
Iowa State, still in a rebuilding phase after Matt Campbell departed for Penn State, welcomed new head coach Jimmy Rogers, who guided the Cyclones to a 38‑10 victory over Southeast Missouri State, with quarterback Jaylen Raynor accounting for four touchdowns.
Although the Cyclones have shown flashes of promise, they are expected to provide a far stiffer challenge than the Hawkeyes’ recent opponents, making the upcoming Cy‑Hawk rivalry a pivotal early‑season showdown.