Hawkeyes’ Playoff Push Starts Now | Iowa Hawkeyes Football News

Iowa’s 2026 season kicks off with must-win games against Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa, followed by the high-stakes Cy-Hawk clash with Iowa State. Surviving those first three games undefeated is vital for playoff hopes. The real test comes next: a brutal Big Ten stretch featuring road games at Michigan and Ohio State, then a Friday night showdown at Washington. If they can emerge 1-2 or 2-1 from that gauntlet, they’ll be in playoff contention. After a bye, Iowa heads to Minnesota for the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy — a primetime showdown with potential NBC exposure. Iowa holds a commanding 20-6 edge in the series since 2000, including 10 of the last 11 wins, and avenged last year’s controversial fair catch call with a 41-3 demolition. This could be the most electric rivalry game of the season. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/540aa39c9c7196ab