
Iowa’s 2026 Football Schedule: A Make-or-Break Stretch Against Michigan, Ohio State and Washington
Iowa’s 2026 schedule pits the Hawkeyes against Michigan, Ohio State and Washington in a three‑game stretch that could define their playoff prospects.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kirk Ferentz across Football.

Iowa’s 2026 schedule pits the Hawkeyes against Michigan, Ohio State and Washington in a three‑game stretch that could define their playoff prospects.
Iowa's 2026 football schedule pits the Hawkeyes against Michigan, Ohio State and Washington in a condensed window, a test that could define their playoff destiny
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 the 2026 season looming, Iowa’s coaching staff remains undecided on who will lead the offense, as two transfer quarterbacks battle for the top spot.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema praised Indiana's unprecedented turnaround, comparing it to historic programs and highlighting the 63‑10 victory that showcased a potent offense.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema argues that revenue sharing and the transfer portal have modernized college football, offering new opportunities for teams and players. His comments come amid concerns from Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz and a defensive stance from Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti, as the conference prepares for a landmark video board unveiling.
From record‑breaking offensive numbers to strategic staff retention, Indiana’s rise to a national championship has drawn admiration from across the conference.

The Big Ten’s recent Media Days underscored confidence in competition with the SEC, featuring key storylines from Penn State’s new coach to USC’s playoff pressure.

Ohio State prepares for Big Ten Media Day in Chicago, entering the season as the poll’s top pick while facing a slate of elite opponents.

As the Hawkeyes prepare for the 2026 season, five narrative threads — quarterback competition, kicker evolution, offensive line reshaping, safety transitions, and the future of head coach Kirk Ferentz — define the conversation around Iowa football.

USA TODAY Sports’ latest Big Ten rankings place Iowa at No. 6, highlighting a program defined by stability, a historic championship by Indiana, and a promising start to the 2026 schedule.

Iowa’s football program will enter the 2026 season with a depleted wide receiver room after second‑year standout Terrence Smith announced his departure from the team.

After nearly three decades at the helm, Kirk Ferentz remains a cornerstone of Iowa football, blending defensive mastery with program stability and a contract that secures his leadership through 2029.

For nearly three decades, Kirk Ferentz has built a winning legacy at Iowa, blending defensive mastery with player development while securing a lucrative contract extension through 2029.

The 2002 Iowa Hawkeyes finished 11‑1, captured a share of the Big Ten, and were ranked No. 5 in the final BCS standings, yet a controversial exclusion from the Rose Bowl sent them to the Orange Bowl, where they fell to USC. In a world where a 24‑team playoff had existed, the Hawkeyes would have been heavy favorites, reshaping the championship picture.

The latest Big Ten preseason media poll places the Iowa Hawkeyes at No. 8, while traditional powerhouses such as Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana headline a list of teams wrestling with question marks as the 2026 campaign approaches.

With media sessions scheduled for July 28 in Chicago, Iowa’s coaching staff and players address key storylines ahead of the upcoming season.

Iowa’s rushing attack returns with proven talent and a top‑graded transfer, positioning the Hawkeyes to lean on the run early in the 2025 campaign.

The Hawkeyes combine veteran leadership, key player returns, and a solid coaching staff to challenge for a conference crown and a playoff berth.

The latest Big Ten preseason media poll ranks the Iowa Hawkeyes eighth, prompting discussion about the conference's title contenders and the challenges each team faces.

Penn State head coach Matt Campbell joins three key players for a live media availability at the Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago, highlighting health updates and season expectations.

Despite a narrow 2025 Big Ten slate that saw three games decided by a single field goal, Iowa’s blend of seasoned transfers and developing prospects positions them as a legitimate threat to the traditional powerhouses.

The latest Cleveland.com poll forecasts Ohio State as the Big Ten favorite for the eleventh time in sixteen years, highlighting key returning players and the upcoming media event that will spotlight conference contenders.