Here's what to know ahead of the Hawkeyes football home opener
Here's everything you should know ahead of Iowa's football season opener against Northern Illinois University this Saturday.
(14) updates to this series since Updated
Iowa opens its 2026 season Saturday against Northern Illinois. Here’s what to know about the 11th all-time meeting between the Hawkeyes and the Huskies.
The “OR” on Iowa’s depth chart is no smokescreen. Kirk Ferentz says the quarterback competition remains close, but a decision as to who will "start" on Saturday will come soon.
Iowa football will pay Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa a combined $2.3 million for their 2026 visits to Kinnick Stadium.
From Tony Diaz’s expectations to a rebuilt offensive line and DJ Vonnahme’s rise, here’s what we learned about Iowa’s offense stars before the season opener.
Cam Buffington grew up an Iowa fan. On Saturday, he’ll make his first start for the Hawkeyes at a position where he knows expectations run high.
Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski have split first-team reps for months. They’ve learned to make the snaps they don’t take nearly as valuable.
Marcello Vitti arrived at Iowa as a four-star signee. A strong fall camp has already pushed the freshman into the Hawkeyes’ two-deep and earned him an eye-catching comp.
Iowa has named its starters, but Kirk Ferentz says several jobs remain unsettled. Saturday’s opener against Northern Illinois should provide some answers.
Before this weekend's season opener, members of the Iowa football program met with the media on Tuesday to discuss Northern Illinois, the quarterback battle and the Hawkeyes' first depth chart.
Iowa settled several offseason position battles with its Week 1 depth chart, including new starters across the offensive and defensive lines.
Landyn Van Kekerix spent years learning behind Iowa’s standout linebackers. In his final season, the veteran appears positioned for a bigger role with the Hawkeyes.
Kirk Ferentz can’t remember another season when Iowa had to replace all four specialists. That’s the challenge facing the Hawkeyes in 2026.
Iowa felt good about its running back depth last season. With three productive returners and South Dakota transfer LJ Phillips, that confidence has only grown.
Tony Diaz and Evan James arrived at Iowa undersized for Big Ten play. Eight months later, Tim Lester says both have added about 20 pounds.
Iowa enters Saturday 9-1 all-time against Northern Illinois. All eyes will be on quarterback, where Hank Brown gets the first snaps. Check back for live updates throughout the game.
Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski both made their cases Saturday — and both showed why Iowa’s quarterback competition remains unsettled. Plus, just how impressive was Kamari Moulton's dominant start?
Before the 2026 CyHawk Game, members of the Iowa football program met with the media on Tuesday to discuss the Hawkeyes' win over Northern Illinois, Iowa State and more.
A missed PAT and field goal tested Caden Buhr early. Iowa’s new starting kicker responded by connecting on each of his remaining attempts. Here's how he did it.
Iowa has no quarterback plan for Saturday yet. Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski continue splitting reps in practice. Plus, the Hawkeyes will be without a pair of talented transfers.
