Season Opener Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes will kick off the 2026 football season on Saturday, September 5, when they host the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The matchup marks the first test of a schedule that promises to be both challenging and exciting for the Hawkeye faithful.
Iowa enters the game as a heavy favorite, with sportsbooks listing a 29.5‑point spread in their favor. The betting line reflects not only the team’s recent dominance but also the confidence of oddsmakers in the program’s consistency under longtime head coach Kirk Ferentz.
The Hawkeyes hold a 9‑1 all‑time record against the Huskies, the most recent meeting dating back to 2018. That historical edge is underscored by Ferentz’s impressive track record in season‑opening contests; since 2010 the team has won every first‑game showdown except for a narrow 24‑20 loss to Purdue during the pandemic‑shortened 2020 season.
Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as the stadium prepares to welcome a large traveling contingent from DeKalb, Illinois, where Northern Illinois is based. The game will be broadcast nationally, and DraftKings will offer live betting odds throughout the contest, adding an extra layer of excitement for viewers.
With the kickoff set for 12:00 p.m. local time, the Hawkeyes aim to start the year on a high note and build momentum for the weeks ahead. The performance will be closely watched as an early indicator of the team’s aspirations for the 2026 campaign.