Iowa Hawkeyes is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +15.6. Iowa Hawkeyes enters the season with a power rating of +15.6, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Iowa Hawkeyes host Northern Illinois next in Week 1. In 2025, Iowa Hawkeyes went 8-4 overall, 8-4 against the spread, and 5-6 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Iowa Hawkeyes Power Rating of +15.6 is 15.4 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Iowa Hawkeyes have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 5,226 miles, ranking 105th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Northern Illinois | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Iowa State | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 3 | Northern Iowa | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 4 | Michigan | 404 mi | 808 mi |
| Week 5 | Ohio State | Home | 808 mi |
| Week 6 | Washington | 1,560 mi | 3,927 mi |
| Week 7 | — | Bye | |
| Week 8 | Minnesota | 244 mi | 4,415 mi |
| Week 9 | Wisconsin | Home | 4,415 mi |
| Week 10 | Northwestern | 201 mi | 4,817 mi |
| Week 11 | Purdue | Home | 4,817 mi |
| Week 12 | Illinois | 204 mi | 5,226 mi |
| Week 13 | Nebraska | Home | 5,226 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Iowa entered the season with a quarterback competition between sophomore Jeremy Hecklinski and junior Hank Brown, neither of whom has significant starting experience. The Hawkeyes added a program-record 16 transfers but none at quarterback, signaling faith in the current roster. However, the lack of a proven starter is a major question mark, and the offense's ceiling depends on who emerges and how quickly they adapt to the starting role.
Defensive coordinator Phil Parker faces his biggest challenge yet, replacing eight starters including the entire defensive line. Iowa loaded up in the transfer portal with four linemen and four defensive backs, including safety Tyler Brown from James Madison. Junior Zach Lutmer, a second-team All-Big Ten selection, provides versatility across the secondary. Parker's track record suggests the defense will remain stout, but early-season cohesion will be critical.
Iowa must replace three first-team All-Big Ten offensive linemen, including Rimington Trophy winner Logan Jones at center. The line was the backbone of the offense in 2025, and its reconstruction is the biggest vulnerability on that side of the ball. The success of the running game and pass protection hinges on how quickly the new unit gels, especially with an inexperienced quarterback behind center.
Iowa lost its placekicker, punter, and All-America return specialist Kaden Wetjen, plus longtime special teams coordinator LeVar Woods. New coordinator Chris Polizzi inherits transfer kicker Eli Ozick and two punters, including Australian Boston Everitt. Replacing Wetjen's return production will require a committee approach, and special teams could be a weakness early in the season.
Iowa's program-record 16 transfer additions, particularly on defense and special teams, mark a shift from its traditional developmental model. An opposing Big Ten assistant noted that while the culture remains intact, the Hawkeyes must adapt to the portal era. The success of these newcomers, especially on defense, will determine whether Iowa can maintain its typical seven-to-10-win floor.
Iowa Hawkeyes is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Iowa Hawkeyes holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +15.6, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Iowa Hawkeyes's home field advantage rating is 2.1 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Iowa Hawkeyes travels 5,226 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 105th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Iowa Hawkeyes: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +15.6.
