Key Takeaways
- Iowa opens the 2026 season ranked No. 22 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, the only Big Ten team besides Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, USC, Michigan, Penn State, and Washington to crack the preseason top‑25.
- The Hawkeyes must replace a wealth of talent on offense, defense, and special teams, particularly at quarterback, kicker, punter, and return specialist.
- New faces—including transfer kicker Eli Ozick, D‑III punter Tanner Philpott, and Australian punter Boston Everitt—are expected to stabilize special teams, a historic strength under Kirk Ferentz.
- Ferentz admits the special‑teams unit will be a work‑in‑progress, but stresses patience as younger specialists gain experience.
- A quarterback competition is underway, with Mark Gronowski gone and multiple candidates vying for the starting role, potentially stretching into the regular season.
Preseason Ranking
The United States LBM Coaches Poll has positioned the Iowa Hawkeyes at No. 22 for the upcoming 2026 college football campaign. This placement situates Iowa alongside other Big Ten powerhouses such as Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, USC, Michigan, Penn State, and Washington, underscoring the conference’s depth and competitive balance. The ranking reflects both the program’s recent on‑field achievements and the preseason optimism that the Hawkeyes will remain a formidable contender within the league and nationally.
Quarterback Situation
Iowa’s offense will confront a significant turnover at the quarterback position after the departure of Mark Gronowski, who served as the team’s signal‑caller for the past several seasons. In response, head coach Kirk Ferentz has highlighted an open competition among several candidates during Big Ten media days. While the exact starter remains uncertain, the coaching staff expects the battle to be resolved either during preseason practices or early in the season, ensuring that the eventual starter can integrate smoothly into the offensive scheme.
Special Teams Overhaul
Historically, Iowa’s special‑teams unit has been a cornerstone of Ferentz’s program, earning a reputation for high‑level performance over the Ferentz era. This season, however, the unit faces an unprecedented challenge: the loss of four‑year starter kicker Drew Stevens, record‑setting return specialist Kaden Wetjen, long‑time deep snapper, and punter Rhys Dakin, who also transferred to Michigan State. The departure of longtime special‑teams coach LeVar Woods to the same role under Pat Fitzgerald further compounds the transition, prompting the promotion of Chris Polizzi from defensive analyst to special‑teams coordinator.
New Specialists and Recruits
To address the vacated positions, Iowa has assembled a group of newcomers who bring a blend of experience and untapped potential. Transfer kicker Eli Ozick arrives from North Dakota State, where he converted 16 of 18 field‑goal attempts, highlighted by a 54‑yard effort. Punter Tanner Philpott, a D‑III All‑American from Simpson College, logged a 40.3‑yard average over 90 punts and pinned 31 kicks inside the opponent’s 20‑yard line. Additionally, Australian punter Boston Everitt, a 6‑foot‑1, 200‑pound athlete from Melbourne, adds another option, increasing competition for the starting punter role.
Ferentz’s Outlook and Patience
During the July 28 Big Ten media day, Ferentz openly acknowledged that this year’s special‑teams phase would be a “work‑in‑progress.” He emphasized that the loss of every specialist—kicker, punter, snapper, and returner—necessitates a period of adjustment and inevitable ups and downs. While the team will rely on new talent, Ferentz urged fans and analysts to exercise patience, recognizing that younger players often experience variability as they acclimate to the Big Ten stage. He assured that the coaching staff remains focused on developing consistency and maintaining the program’s tradition of excellence in this critical unit.
Bottom Line for the Upcoming Season
Overall, Iowa enters the 2026 season with a preseason ranking that validates its status as a top‑25 contender, yet it must navigate substantial roster changes across offense, defense, and special teams. The quarterback competition, the infusion of new specialists, and Ferentz’s measured approach to patience set the tone for a season that promises both challenges and opportunities. Success will likely hinge on how quickly the new units gel, the emergence of a reliable starter under center, and the ability to uphold the special‑teams standards that have defined Iowa football for decades.