A Legacy in the Making
Kirk Ferentz, the longtime architect of Iowa’s football program, has been selected for the 2026 Dodd Trophy preseason watch list, a nod to his continued excellence on and off the field.
The Dodd Trophy, presented by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation in partnership with the Peach Bowl, honors coaches who combine winning performance with academic progress, graduation rates, community service and projected success for the coming season.
Entering his 28th year at the helm, Ferentz stands as the winningest coach in Big Ten history, having guided the Hawkeyes to multiple conference championships, West Division titles and a string of bowl appearances that include 14 January contests.
His tenure also includes the development of 14 national award winners and more than 100 players drafted into the NFL, while Iowa has consistently ranked among the top half of the conference and featured six final top‑25 finishes in the past eight seasons.
The Hawkeyes open the 2026 campaign on September 5 when they host Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium, a game that will add another chapter to Ferentz’s storied legacy.