Iowa shuts out Northern Illinois in 40-0 season opener

The Iowa Hawkeyes opened the 2026 football season with a 40-0 win over Northern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Kinnick Stadium. Running back Kamari Moulton recorded 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the victory. The Iowa offense accumulated 507 total yards, while the defense held Northern Illinois scoreless and prevented the Huskies from recording a first down during the entire first half. Three quarterbacks—Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski, and Jimmy Sullivan—combined for 218 passing yards. Special teams player Evan James contributed to the score with a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown. Play took place during an intense heatwave in Iowa City, with temperatures reaching 92 degrees at kickoff and a heat index of 103 degrees by mid-afternoon.

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