The Big Ten dropped its 2026 football schedule on Tuesday, and for Iowa, it’s a slate that starts with a gauntlet and ends with a stretch that feels like a throwback to the old Big Ten West. Let’s break down the Hawkeyes’ path through the conference season, game by game, and take a closer look at what stands out-and what could define their season.
A Brutal Opening Stretch
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Iowa’s first three Big Ten games are as tough as any in the country. After wrapping up non-conference play, the Hawkeyes head to Ann Arbor on September 26 to face Michigan.
While the Wolverines will be breaking in a new head coach-Kyle Whittingham takes over the reins-The Big House is still The Big House. It’s one of the toughest environments in college football, and even with Michigan in transition, that’s a tall order for any team, especially one looking to find its rhythm early.
Then comes Ohio State on October 3, and that’s when things really escalate. The Buckeyes come to Kinnick Stadium with two legitimate Heisman contenders in quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Add in a transfer portal haul ranked fourth nationally, and you’re looking at a roster that’s stacked on both sides of the ball. Iowa has improved its play against ranked opponents in recent years, but this Ohio State team is on another level.
This will be a major early test for the Hawkeyes’ defense-and for their new-look offense to keep pace.
Historically, this kind of back-to-back is rare for Iowa. According to the program’s communications office, this marks just the fourth time-and the first since 1954-that the Hawkeyes face Michigan and Ohio State in consecutive weeks. That’s not the kind of history you necessarily want to be making.
The opening trio wraps up with a cross-country trip to Seattle on October 10 to face Washington. The Huskies have already proven to be a tough matchup for Iowa since joining the Big Ten, with the Hawkeyes 0-2 in West Coast games.
Husky Stadium is no picnic, and with quarterback Demond Williams Jr. back in the fold after an offseason saga, Washington is expected to be a top-20 team under head coach Jedd Fisch. CBS Sports' early rankings place Michigan at No.
9, Ohio State at No. 1, and Washington at No. 19.
That’s three top-20 opponents in three weeks, two of them on the road.
For a team breaking in a first-year starting quarterback and integrating new pieces across the roster, this is trial by fire.
A Familiar Feel After the Bye
After that early-season gauntlet, Iowa gets a much-needed bye week on October 17. What follows is a six-game stretch that feels more like the Big Ten West of old-familiar foes, physical football, and a lot of games that could swing either way.
It starts with a trip to Minneapolis on October 24 to face Minnesota. Both teams will be coming off a bye, which levels the playing field a bit.
Then it’s back to Iowa City for a Halloween showdown with Wisconsin, a team still searching for consistency under Luke Fickell. The Badgers are in a bit of a reset mode, and how quickly they can rebound will be a storyline to watch.
The November slate opens with a road game at Northwestern, a program that overachieved last season and is looking to build on that momentum. Then it’s Purdue at home on November 14. The Boilermakers haven’t won a Big Ten game in two years, but Iowa can’t afford to overlook anyone in this stretch.
A road trip to Illinois on November 21 could be sneaky tough. The Illini have played Iowa close in recent years, and this one could have bowl or divisional implications depending on how the season unfolds.
Finally, the regular season wraps up with Nebraska at home on November 27. The Huskers have struggled to get over the hump against Iowa, and the Hawkeyes will be looking to continue that trend.
One quirk to note: Iowa doesn’t have any back-to-back home games in Big Ten play this season. The last time that happened?
All the way back in 2022. That kind of schedule rhythm-or lack thereof-can wear on a team over the course of a long season.
Sizing Up the Slate
So how does it all shake out? Here’s a quick look at how each Big Ten matchup might stack up right now, based on what we know:
- Likely Wins: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Purdue, Nebraska
- Toss-Ups: Michigan, Washington, Illinois
- Likely Loss: Ohio State
Of course, things can change quickly in college football. Injuries, breakout players, and unexpected upsets are all part of the deal. But as it stands, Iowa’s 2026 Big Ten schedule is a tale of two halves: a brutal start that could test the team’s resolve, followed by a manageable-yet still challenging-stretch that will determine whether the Hawkeyes are playing for a division title, a solid bowl bid, or just trying to stay afloat.
If Iowa can weather the early storm and hit its stride down the stretch, there’s a path to a strong season. But the margin for error is thin, and there’s no easing into this one. The Hawkeyes will need to be ready from the jump.