ESPN lists Iowa football as potential first-time champions in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 2:25 PM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
ESPN has identified Iowa football as a contender for a national championship in the 2026 season, ranking them fourth among programs that could achieve this first-time title. Iowa has consistently recorded eight to ten wins for over a decade. They face Northern Illinois on September 5 at Kinnick Stadium, with kick-off set for 3:15 p.m. CT. The Hawkeyes have not performed well against top-10 teams recently, losing their last seven meetings by large margins.
- •Iowa football ranks fourth on ESPN's list of potential first-time champions.
- •The team has won eight to ten games in 11 of the last 13 seasons.
- •Iowa's last seven games against top-10 teams ended in losses with an average score of 33-7.
- •Upcoming game against Northern Illinois on September 5 at Kinnick Stadium.
- 2:25 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN names Iowa football among potential first-time champions in 2026
"ESPN thinks Iowa football is among the group of programs that could break through and win the national championship.
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