A challenging start to the 2026 season
The Iowa Hawkeyes open the 2026 campaign with a trio of out‑of‑conference matchups that set the tone for what promises to be a demanding year. Early odds suggest the team will be favored in each of those games, giving them a chance to build momentum before stepping into conference play.
However, the Big Ten schedule quickly becomes a gauntlet, with upcoming contests against traditional powerhouses Michigan and Ohio State. Both programs are historically strong, and oddsmakers currently view Iowa as an underdog in those matchups.
A pivotal test arrives on October 9, when the Hawkeyes travel to Washington for a crucial conference battle. A loss in that game would drop Iowa to an 0‑3 start in Big Ten play, a hole that would be difficult to recover from as the schedule progresses.
Washington, on the other hand, enjoys a more favorable early stretch. The Huskies are slated to host four games on their home turf before embarking on their first road trip, which begins with a visit to USC before they return to face Iowa in a later matchup.
The contrasting schedules highlight the volatility of the conference and illustrate how quickly momentum can shift for both programs as they navigate a demanding season.