Iowa 2026 schedule predictions: Iowa Hawkeyes players celebrate on the field.
Schedule Predictions for Iowa in 2026: How Many Victories Will Ferentz Get? Following the release of Iowa’s 2026 schedule, the Hawkeye Nation is already in a frenzy as fans share their predictions. Supporters are arguing on message boards and social media about how many games Coach Kirk Ferentz can win in 2026. Many supporters are hopeful after Iowa’s team finished 9-4 (34-27 in the ReliaQuest Bowl) last year, but some are concerned about the difficult schedule that lies ahead.
Iowa 2026 Schedule Predictions: Breaking Down the Hawkeyes’ Tough Slate
Iowa’s difficult schedule of early games is a major topic of discussion. The Hawkeyes play their first road trip to Michigan’s “Big House” after opening at home against Northern Illinois and hosting in-state rivals Iowa State and Northern Iowa. Ohio State comes to Kinnick Stadium right after, marking the first time Iowa has played OSU and Michigan in consecutive weeks since 1954.
Fans observe that the defense and the young quarterback (probably Hank Brown or Jeremy Hecklinski) will be put to the test during this three-game stretch (September 26–October 3). This is an exceptionally harsh stretch, according to SI.com, which describes it as “one of — if not the toughest — three-game conference stretch.” Ferentz has encountered.
Following the Ohio State game, Iowa will play a road game at Washington, have a late October bye, and then travel to Minnesota. The week off breaks up that two-game West Coast swing. The schedule lightens up in November with games at Northwestern and at home against Purdue, Illinois, and Nebraska, which is good news for Hawkeye supporters.
According to SI, Iowa “couldn’t have asked for an easier final four games,” with a trip to Illinois in mid-November being the most difficult. Many fans are still perplexed by the early Big Ten gauntlet.
Some Hawkeye supporters have an intense sense of optimism. Comments like “8–10 wins is definitely doable” or even “Iowa can reach 10–2 if the defense holds up” can be found in fan forums. These supporters point out that Iowa will soon be supported by high-profile recruits (such as incoming quarterback talents) and returns an experienced core from its 9-win squad.
They have hope because every time Ferentz’s team won a bowl game, the following season saw a double-digit win total (e.g. 10–2 in 2004, 11–2 in 2009 and 2019). With Ferentz’s 213 career victories (the most in Big Ten history) and that stat line, even the doubters are questioning whether 2026 could once more be a 10-win campaign.
However, some Hawkeye detractors contend that the schedule will inevitably restrict victories. They point out that there are gaps to be filled before the season even starts because Iowa needs to replace its starting quarterback, three offensive linemen, and nine defensive starters.
Conservative fans project a score of 6–6 or 7–5, assuming Iowa wins its winnable games and possibly pulls off one upset in the Big Ten, with Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington looming in September. “This schedule’s last four games in November are winnable, but I see two or three sure losses with the Michigan/OSU run,” stated a longtime Iowa fan.
In actuality, we won’t know the answer until the Hawks play in the fall. Wisconsin (October 31) and Iowa State (September 12) will play fierce rivalry games that could affect the final score in either direction. Fans are divided, according to polls and gut instincts; some are depending on Kirk’s past performance, while others are focused on the difficult slate.
One thing is certain, though: Hawkeye fans will be paying close attention to every kickoff. They have a lot to discuss about the 2026 schedule, and they won’t stop arguing about Ferentz’s chances of winning until the last game is over.
