Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) passes against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
What’s at stake
Iowa can jump into the College Football Playoff conversation with a win over Ohio State this weekend. The Buckeyes are only currently ranked team remaining on the Hawkeyes’ schedule. According to CBS Sports’ Mackenzie Brooks, Iowa would hold a 97% chance of making the playoff if they beat Ohio State and finished the season 11-1.
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Ohio State currently owns the sixth-best chance of making the playoff (per ESPN’s Football Power Index). Matchups with No. 6 Indiana, No. 18 USC and No. 15 Oregon remain on the Buckeyes’ schedule.
Series history
Everyone remembers the Hawkeyes’ “woodshed” win over Ohio State 55-24 in 2017, but its Iowa’s lone win over the Buckeyes in the last 20 years. You have to go back to 2004 — a 33-7 win in Iowa City — for the Hawkeyes’ second most recent win in the series.
The Buckeyes have won eight of the last 10 meetings, including the two most recent contests in 2022 and 2024.
Iowa once dominated the series, winning three of the first four (the other being a tie) and four of the first seven before Ohio State flipped the series in its favor in the 1960s-80s. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 48-15-3.
Forecast
Temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-to-high 60s near kickoff on Saturday afternoon.
Fans planning to attend ESPN’s College Gameday, which begins at 8 a.m., should plan for temperatures in the high-40s early in the broadcast though conditions will warm throughout the show.
No rain is expected on Saturday.
Buckeyes to know
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a touchdown over Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Tywan Cox (32) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 26, 2026.
WIDE RECEIVER JEREMIAH SMITH
The former top prospect in the 2024 recruiting class (per 247Sports), Smith has been as advertised since he stepped on campus in Columbus that same fall. He racked up 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, including 89 and a score against Iowa, in his freshman campaign.
After a slight dip in production last season, Smith is off to a hot start in 2026. With 617 yards and 7 touchdowns through four games, he’s on pace for 1,851 yards and 21 touchdowns. He put up 217 yards and four touchdowns last week against Illinois.
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) tackles Kent State Golden Flashes wide receiver Ardell Banks (1) after a catch in the second quarter of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 19, 2026.
CORNERBACK JERMAINE MATHEWS Jr.
A third-team All-Big Ten pick last year, Mathews has wasted little time building on his first season as a starter in Columbus. He’s notched 16 total tackles (nine solo), 1.5 tackles for loss and four passes defended through four games.
He’s the Buckeyes’ highest rated starter on defense with an 81.2 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Payton Pierce (26) celebrates after sacking the quarterback in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 26, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
LINEBACKER PAYTON PIERCE
A 2025 honorable mention All-Big Ten, Pierce stepped into a full-time starting role this season after starting three games a year ago.
He’s been a reliable playmaker for the Ohio State defense with the second-most total tackles (20) and he’s recorded 0.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one pass defended and two quarterback hurries.
Ethan Petrik is a University of Iowa beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at ethan.petrik@wcfcourier.com.
