Ferentz Questions No. 22 Ranking as Iowa Prepares for 2026 Season
Coach Kirk Ferentz expresses doubt about the Hawkeyes’ preseason ranking while outlining optimism about the offense and the need for defensive growth.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Chris Polizzi across Football.
Coach Kirk Ferentz expresses doubt about the Hawkeyes’ preseason ranking while outlining optimism about the offense and the need for defensive growth.
The University of Iowa's special teams unit welcomes Australian punter Boston Everitt and Iowa native Tanner Philpott, each bringing distinct backgrounds and ambitions to replace iconic predecessors.

With a demanding schedule, significant personnel losses and a wave of transfers, the Hawkeyes must hit the nine‑win mark to rank among Kirk Ferentz’s most impressive campaigns.

Iowa’s football program is banking on a revitalized special teams unit to shape its 2026 campaign, a segment that has historically separated competent squads from championship contenders.

The Iowa Hawkeyes open the 2026 campaign ranked No. 22 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, but a wave of departures from the special‑teams unit has sparked a rebuilding effort led by new coordinator Chris Polizzi and a trio of fresh specialists.

The Hawkeyes enter the 2026 campaign with a No. 22 preseason ranking, reflecting both confidence in head coach Kirk Ferentz and the hurdles posed by significant personnel losses and a revamped special‑teams staff.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz enters his 28th year as Iowa’s head coach, supported by a largely unchanged staff that includes offensive coordinator Tim Lester, defensive coordinator Phil Parker, and new special teams coordinator Chris Polizzi.

LeVar Woods left Iowa to become Michigan State's assistant head coach and special‑teams coordinator. Kirk Ferentz praised Woods' contributions and expressed confidence in new coordinator Chris Polizzi.
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 Chris Polizzi taking the reins, the Hawkeyes are reshaping their kicking game, adding experienced talent and fresh competition ahead of their Week 1 matchup against Northern Illinois.

With LeVar Woods departing for Michigan State and Chris Polizzi stepping in, Iowa must replace key special teams contributors and integrate new talent to preserve its historic edge.

The Hawkeyes are reshaping their roster and coaching staff as they gear up for the upcoming campaign, blending new talent with Iowa's distinctive traditions.

The Hawkeyes face a pivotal 2026 campaign marked by roster turnover, emerging talent, and the challenge of integrating new pieces quickly enough to compete in the Big Ten.