With the 2025 college football season officially in the books and the National Championship between Indiana and Miami behind us, attention is already shifting to what lies ahead in 2026. And in Iowa City, there’s a quiet confidence brewing.
The Hawkeyes wrapped up 2025 with a 9-4 record, and while they came up just short of their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, they gave themselves a real shot. All four of their losses came against ranked opponents, and the total margin?
Just 15 points. That’s the kind of season that tells you a team is close - not rebuilding, not reeling, but reloading.
And that’s exactly what Iowa’s been doing this offseason.
The transfer portal window may be closed, but the movement hasn’t stopped. Iowa’s already brought in 15 new players via the portal, including defensive back Cody Haddad, while eight have exited. That kind of net gain - especially when it comes with targeted additions - can make a real difference.
But it’s not just about who’s coming in. Iowa’s also returning a strong core of starters on both sides of the ball.
That continuity, paired with the injection of new talent from both the portal and the incoming recruiting class, has some early rankings giving the Hawkeyes a nod. On3 Sports slotted Iowa at No. 21 in their “Way-Too-Early” Top 25 for 2026 - a recognition that feels earned after the way they closed out last season.
Let’s not forget how they finished. After a tough midseason stretch, Iowa rattled off three straight wins to cap the year, including a dominant 41-16 rivalry win over Nebraska and a 34-27 victory over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl. That bowl win was more than a feel-good ending - it was a statement that this program is trending in the right direction.
Still, there are questions to answer before fall. The Hawkeyes need to identify their next starting quarterback and will be replacing three starters across the offensive and defensive lines.
That’s not insignificant. But Iowa has addressed some of those concerns through the portal and has several promising prospects ready to step in.
And let’s be honest - as long as Phil Parker is coordinating the defense, you know what you’re getting on that side of the ball. Iowa’s defense has been the program’s backbone for years, and there’s no reason to expect that to change.
The bigger swing factor might be the offense. If Tim Lester’s unit continues to evolve and find rhythm, this team could be a real problem for opponents in 2026.
There’s still a long way to go, but the foundation is there. Iowa may not be flashy, but they’re tough, disciplined, and built to win close games. That’s why they’re already cracking top-25 lists - and why no one should be surprised if they’re in the playoff conversation again next fall.