Iowa football faces challenging schedule in 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 9:46 AM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
CBS Sports has ranked a portion of Iowa football's schedule among the toughest in 2026, placing it second nationally. Following three nonconference games, Iowa begins Big Ten play with three demanding matchups: a road game at Michigan on September 26, a home game against Ohio State on October 3, and a road trip to Washington on October 9. Iowa aims to improve upon its nine-win season in 2025, but the early schedule presents significant challenges. Analyst Brad Crawford noted that this stretch features formidable opponents who are expected to contend for conference titles, adding pressure on head coach Kirk Ferentz and his team to perform effectively during this crucial period.
- •Iowa's 2026 schedule features a tough three-game stretch in October.
- •The Hawkeyes will face Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington in consecutive weeks.
- •Iowa enters this season with high expectations after a successful 2025 campaign.
- •CBS Sports ranks this stretch as one of the toughest in college football.
- •Kirk Ferentz aims to manage the challenges posed by the tough schedule.
- 9:46 AMYahoo Sports — CBS ranks Iowa football schedule among nation's toughest stretches
"CBS ranks a stretch of Iowa football games among the nation's most difficult schedules in the 2026 season.
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