The Big Ten just dropped its 2026 conference schedule, and for Iowa, the road ahead is anything but smooth. The Hawkeyes are staring down a gauntlet to open Big Ten play, and with major changes across the roster - especially on special teams - this season is shaping up to be a test of both resilience and adaptability.
Let’s start with the slate. Here’s how Iowa’s Big Ten schedule stacks up:
- Sept. 26: at Michigan
- **Oct. 3: vs.
Ohio State**
- Oct. 10: at Washington
- Oct. 17: BYE
- Oct. 24: at Minnesota
- **Oct. 31: vs.
Wisconsin**
- Nov. 7: at Northwestern
- Nov. 14: vs. Purdue
- Nov. 21: at Illinois
- **Nov. 27: vs.
Nebraska**
That opening stretch? Brutal.
Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington - two road trips and a perennial powerhouse at home - all before mid-October. Iowa’s known for being a team that builds momentum as the season progresses, but in 2026, they’ll need to hit the ground running.
There’s no easing into this schedule.
Michigan will be led by new head coach Kyle Whittingham, and while he’s no stranger to big stages, coaching in the Big House brings its own kind of pressure - for both the home team and the visitors. That said, Iowa's going to need to be sharp from the jump if they want to avoid an early-season hole.
After the bye week, things start to look more like the traditional Big Ten West grind - physical matchups, rivalry games, and a November that could define the season. Trips to Minnesota, Northwestern, and Illinois won’t be easy, and home showdowns with Wisconsin, Purdue, and Nebraska offer little room for error.
Roster-wise, Iowa’s in a bit of a transition. The Hawkeyes are replacing key contributors on both sides of the ball, and the special teams unit is essentially getting a full reset. But there’s reason for optimism - and it starts with the transfer portal.
Iowa was aggressive this offseason, landing several potential difference-makers. Safety Tyler Brown brings versatility and physicality to the back end.
Wide receiver Tony Diaz adds explosiveness to a passing game that’s been looking for a true playmaker. And defensive tackle Brice Stevenson should help anchor a front seven that’s long been a strength in Iowa City.
It’s clear Kirk Ferentz isn’t standing still. The longest-tenured coach in college football has leaned into the sport’s evolution, particularly in the portal era. While he’s never been one to chase headlines, Ferentz has shown he’s willing to adapt when it counts.
“College football has changed so much, and I've seen it for a long time,” Ferentz said. “If you have the right guys, it hasn't changed. That's what you enjoy about it.”
That’s classic Ferentz - grounded, focused on the fundamentals, and always preaching the value of culture over chaos. He’s not blind to the changes sweeping the sport, but he’s also not letting them define his program.
“We’ve created an environment - we, the adults - where it’s really hard right now for players,” he added. “If we’re not careful, we’re going to strip away what’s really good about college football and what’s great about competing.”
Ferentz’s message is clear: amid all the noise, the heart of the game still matters. And for Iowa, that means building a team that competes the right way - tough, disciplined, and together.
Before diving into conference play, the Hawkeyes will open the season with three straight home games: Northern Illinois, Iowa State, and Northern Iowa. That non-conference stretch, starting September 5, should give Iowa a chance to find its footing before the Big Ten gauntlet begins.
There’s still plenty to sort out between now and September. But one thing’s certain - if Iowa wants to make noise in 2026, they’ll need to be ready from day one. And with Ferentz at the helm and a roster full of new faces ready to prove themselves, don’t count them out just yet.