Key Takeaways
- Iowa football is ranked No. 21 in USA TODAY Sports Network’s too-early top 25 for the 2026 season
- The Hawkeyes lost 27 seniors, including key players at quarterback and both lines, but feel good about their internal options
- Texas is ranked as the No. 1 team in the too-early 2026 rankings, followed by Ohio State and Georgia
- The top 25 rankings are dominated by teams from the SEC and Big Ten conferences
- Iowa’s offense could be strong behind left tackle Trevor Lauck and star right guard Kade Pieper, while quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski holds the early edge for the starting job
Introduction to the Rankings
The USA TODAY Sports Network has released its too-early top 25 rankings for the 2026 college football season, and Iowa football has been ranked No. 21. The rankings were released on January 19, the day of the college football national championship game featuring Indiana and Miami. The Hawkeyes had a successful 2025 season, finishing with a 9-4 record, but will face challenges in the upcoming season due to the loss of 27 seniors, including key players at quarterback and both lines.
Analyzing Iowa’s Prospects
Despite the significant losses, the Hawkeyes feel good about their internal options. The offensive line could be a strong point for the team, with left tackle Trevor Lauck and star right guard Kade Pieper leading the way. At quarterback, former Wake Forest transfer Jeremy Hecklinski holds the early edge for the starting job. However, the team still needs to address the loss of safety Koen Entringer and find transfer help up front on defense. Iowa’s track record on defense is impressive, and the team is expected to continue its strong performance on that side of the ball.
The Top 25 Rankings
The top 25 rankings are dominated by teams from the SEC and Big Ten conferences. Texas is ranked as the No. 1 team, followed by Ohio State and Georgia. Indiana, which is currently undefeated and playing in the national championship game, is ranked No. 4. Other notable teams in the top 25 include Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Alabama. The rankings are subject to change as the offseason progresses and teams make adjustments to their rosters.
Conference Representation
The SEC and Big Ten conferences are well-represented in the top 25 rankings, with several teams from each conference making the list. The SEC has teams such as Georgia, Alabama, and Texas A&M ranked in the top 10, while the Big Ten has teams such as Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State ranked in the top 25. The Pac-12 conference also has several teams ranked, including Oregon and Utah. The ACC has teams such as Clemson and Florida State ranked, although they are lower in the rankings.
Conclusion and Outlook
The too-early top 25 rankings provide an initial look at the teams that are expected to be competitive in the 2026 college football season. Iowa’s ranking of No. 21 reflects the team’s potential, despite the loss of key players. The Hawkeyes will need to address their defensive needs and find a solid quarterback to lead the team, but their strong offense and defensive track record make them a team to watch in the upcoming season. As the offseason progresses, the rankings are likely to change, but for now, Iowa is positioned as a middle-of-the-pack team with the potential to make a run in the Big Ten conference.