
Iowa State Cyclones Gear Up for a Brutal 2026 Big 12 Slate
The 2026 schedule blends modest non‑conference foes with a gauntlet of top‑tier Big 12 rivals, setting the stage for a rebuilding Cyclones team under head coach Jimmy Rogers.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kirk Ferentz across Football.

The 2026 schedule blends modest non‑conference foes with a gauntlet of top‑tier Big 12 rivals, setting the stage for a rebuilding Cyclones team under head coach Jimmy Rogers.

The 2026 Cyclones face a mixed slate of opponents, from Southeast Missouri State to BYU, as they navigate a challenging Big 12 landscape under head coach Jimmy Rogers.

Iowa’s football program under Kirk Ferentz continues to produce NFL talent, highlighted by seven selections in the latest draft and a pipeline that could yield additional picks next season

A look at the factors that could propel Iowa to its first playoff appearance, from close losses to key player additions.

The 2026 Cy-Hawk game will see Jimmy Rogers leading Iowa State against a favored Iowa squad in Iowa City on September 12.
With point spreads set and spring drills underway, Iowa’s coaching staff and fans are watching closely as the team blends returning starters with new transfers, aiming to turn early favoritism into sustained success.

With several starters gone and a new quarterback taking the helm, Iowa’s coaching staff is banking on disciplined play and improved defensive statistics to climb the rankings.
With only six players initially pledged for the 2026‑27 season, Iowa turned to the NCAA transfer portal, keeping key starters and adding five new faces, including ESPN‑ranked No. 3 prospect Dani Carnegie, to rebuild a roster capable of a Final Four run.

From a dominant high school career in Winfield‑Mount Union to early collegiate performances, Cam Buffington is emerging as a key playmaker for the Hawkeyes.

Nebraska sits eighth in the Big Ten per ESPN and tenth per CBS Sports, facing a challenging schedule as it seeks to turn back‑to‑back 7‑6 seasons into a breakthrough year.

Athlon Sports' annual feature gathers anonymous remarks from Big Ten head coaches, spotlighting P.J. Fleck's steady rise and the program's growing reputation.
Gavin Stecker, a four-star linebacker from Bettendorf, announced his commitment to the Iowa Hawkeyes in December 2023, becoming the first player from the 2027 class to do so. He chose Iowa over offers from Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, and Minnesota, drawn by the program's track record of producing NFL linebackers and its enduring culture under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
Gavin Stecker, a four‑star linebacker from Bettendorf, announced his commitment to Iowa in December 2023, becoming the first recruit in the 2027 class to do so. His decision reflects a blend of family legacy, program stability and a clear vision for his development.
Gavin Stecker, a four-star linebacker from Bettendorf, announced his commitment to Iowa in December 2023, becoming the first recruit in the 2027 class to do so. His decision reflects both the program’s defensive pedigree and its stable leadership under longtime coach Kirk Ferentz.

The Big Ten continues to churn out national champions, with Iowa positioned near the top despite a thin returning starter pool and a quarterback battle that will define the fall.

With a deep 2026 roster, the Hawkeyes are poised to send several players into the NFL spotlight, including Lutmer, who can patrol multiple secondary spots, and Pieper, projected as a future center.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are gearing up for the 2026 campaign, highlighted by versatile defensive back Zach Lutmer and athletic center Kade Pieper, both slated to enter the 2027 draft conversation as potential first‑round selections.

The Badgers' 2026 slate is dissected in a new ranking that highlights the most consequential matchups, from the Big Ten showdown with Iowa to the non‑conference test against Southern California.

The Badgers' upcoming slate features five marquee contests, with the Minnesota rivalry topping the list, while games against USC, Penn State, Notre Dame and Iowa round out the schedule.

Redshirt sophomore KJ Parker’s spring highlights and coach praise hint at a potential boost for Iowa’s struggling passing game.

Iowa’s offense is pinning its hopes on a breakout season from redshirt sophomore wide receiver KJ Parker, whose blend of explosiveness and catching ability could finally unlock the Hawkeyes’ stalled passing game.

Athlon’s 2026 College Football Preview places Iowa eighth in the Big Ten and 25th nationally, spotlighting coach Kirk Ferentz’s 28th year, key player recognitions and predictions for the upcoming season.

Ohio State’s flawless score, along with strong performances from Michigan, Minnesota and others, reflects a growing emphasis on student‑athlete academic success across the Big Ten.

With training camp on the horizon, the Hawkeyes confront questions at quarterback while their defense, anchored by coordinator Phil Parker, looks to preserve its recent excellence.