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.
(13) updates to this series since
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.
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.
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.
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 football will pay Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa a combined $2.3 million for their 2026 visits to Kinnick Stadium.
