Hawkeyes Continue Their Climb in Latest National Re-Rank

September 22, 2026 - 20:52

The Iowa football program has moved up in the newest USA TODAY Sports 1-138 Re-Rank, continuing a steady ascent that has caught the attention of observers around the country. The Hawkeyes have quietly put together a resume that looks stronger with each passing week, and the latest national ordering reflects that momentum.

Iowa's rise is not the product of a single dramatic moment. It comes from consistent play in the trenches, a defense that keeps opposing offenses off balance, and special teams that regularly flip field position. Those elements have long been the foundation of the program under Kirk Ferentz, and this season they are translating into results that voters and analysts cannot ignore.

The re-rank places all 138 teams in a single order, which makes every shift meaningful. Moving up means passing programs with similar records, and it signals that the Hawkeyes are being evaluated as a legitimate threat rather than a middle-tier team. For a program that rarely dominates highlight reels, that kind of recognition carries weight.

Players and coaches have stressed that the only ranking that matters is the one at the end of the season. Still, the upward trend offers evidence that the approach is working. If Iowa keeps stacking wins, the next re-rank could push the Hawkeyes even higher.