The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to open the 2026 campaign with a home matchup against Northern Illinois on September 5, a game that will kick off a season filled with both familiar battles and fresh challenges. Ticket prices for the home game start at $38, while the cheapest away ticket sits at $26 for the November 21 contest at Illinois.
Returning veterans bring experience
Head coach Kirk Ferentz will once again guide the squad, relying on the experience of running back Kamari Moulton and tight end D.J. Vonnahme, both of whom helped the team finish the previous season with a 9‑4 record and a Reliaquest Bowl victory over Vanderbilt.
Iowa will host seven opponents at Kinnick Stadium, including traditional rivals Iowa State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Nebraska and Northern Iowa, while hitting the road for five contests against Michigan, Washington, Minnesota, Northwestern and Illinois.
A schedule marked by rivalry and road tests
The Cy‑Hawk Trophy showdown with Iowa State arrives in Week 2 on September 12, a rivalry that has seen Iowa win ten of the last eleven meetings, the most recent a 41‑3 triumph over Minnesota. The Hawkeyes will also travel to face Michigan, Washington, Minnesota, Northwestern and Illinois, testing them against some of the nation’s top programs.
Beyond the on‑field action, the schedule underscores the program’s commitment to affordability, with the lowest ticket price for an away game remaining at $26, making Hawkeye football accessible to a broad fan base.