
Iowa’s 2026 Defense Poised for Growth Despite Youthful Questions
A look at the key players, injuries, and strategic shifts that define Iowa’s defensive outlook for the 2026 season.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Cam Buffington across Football.

A look at the key players, injuries, and strategic shifts that define Iowa’s defensive outlook for the 2026 season.

With Jack Campbell and Jay Higgins gone, Iowa’s linebackers enter 2026 under a new coach’s confidence, featuring returning starter Jayden Montgomery and a promising mix of veterans and newcomers.
After a serious post‑surgery health crisis, Ben Kueter has decided to leave the Iowa football program and concentrate on wrestling, creating a void in the Hawkeyes' linebacker corps
Ben Kueter has permanently left Iowa’s football program to focus on wrestling. His All‑American career, multiple surgeries, and a life‑threatening health crisis revealed by his mother have reshaped the Hawkeyes’ plans for the upcoming season, with Jayden Montgomery and Cam Buffington slated to lead the linebacking corps.

Iowa’s tradition of elite linebacker play is being renewed with the emergence of Cam Buffington and the recent accolades earned by Jayden Montgomery, promising a strong defensive outlook for the 2026 season.
The Hawkeyes face a pivotal season as they replace a wave of departing talent with emerging leaders.
The Hawkeyes must replace a record number of seniors and NFL prospects, with five standout athletes under intense scrutiny as they prepare for a season‑opening showdown.

The Hawkeyes' 2026 campaign hinges on a wave of emerging stars across offense, defense and special teams, each poised to assume larger roles and drive the squad toward a transformative year.

Iowa Hawkeyes enter 2026 with an 8‑4 record and an 11th straight winning season, but quarterback uncertainty and defensive depth questions loom as they prepare for a challenging schedule.

EA Sports' College Football 27 releases detailed player ratings that spotlight Iowa Hawkeyes' quarterback competition, standout running back, and fortified offensive line, shaping expectations for a competitive season.

With the 2026 campaign on the horizon, Iowa's coaching staff is navigating a series of high‑stakes competitions that will determine the starting lineup across offense, defense and special teams.
Coach Kirk Ferentz discusses the evolving quarterback race, the potential of the secondary and linebackers, and the challenges facing the defensive line and special teams.
Ferentz discusses the quarterback duel between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, the potential extension of the race into the season, and the challenges facing the defensive line, while highlighting the promise of the secondary, linebackers, and special teams.

With key starters gone, a group of fifth-year athletes is ready to step into larger roles this fall.

Preseason polls place Ohio State at the top, Iowa at eighth, and highlight All‑Big Ten selections and player of the year favorites as media days begin in Chicago.

With several key departures, Iowa’s defensive coordinator Phil Parker has outlined a tentative starting lineup that blends experienced returnees with promising newcomers, including transfer Kahmari Brown.

After losing key starters to graduation and the NFL Draft, Iowa looks to a new generation of third‑year athletes to drive impact on both sides of the ball.

From NFL draft buzz to standout performances on both sides of the ball, Iowa's 2026 class features several players ready to make a splash.

Using EA Sports College Football 27, analysts predict a competitive season for Iowa, with key performances from Jeremy Hecklinski, Kamari Moulton and others, yet the model suggests a playoff exclusion.

Analysts forecast a dynamic season for the Hawkeyes, highlighting quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski's debut, a deep rushing attack, dominant line play, and several marquee victories.

Transfer Kahmari Brown, an FCS All‑American from Elon, joins a group of Hawkeye players speaking about their summer in Iowa City, highlighting the upcoming media appearances and the season‑opening showdown

The latest rankings highlight a blend of seasoned starters, promising newcomers, and versatile specialists poised to shape Iowa’s performance on both sides of the ball.
Karson Sharar’s NFL draft selection highlights Iowa’s linebacker pipeline, but the Hawkeyes must replace several key players. Coach Wallace’s confidence in a six‑ or seven‑person unit offers a glimpse of continuity.
The Hawkeyes' defense will rely on a blend of home‑grown talent and proven leaders as they replace departing NFL linebackers.