Iowa Hawkeyes
· 2026-07-15
The 2002 Iowa Hawkeyes were a force to be reckoned with, finishing 11-1 overall and 8-0 in Big Ten play to win a share of the conference crown. Led by quarterback Brad Banks, the Hawkeyes had a strong supporting cast of running back Fred Russell, tight end Dallas Clark, and a hard-hitting defense.
The Hawkeyes entered the regular season unranked, but Banks proved himself to be a top-notch quarterback, leading the team to a 24-7 win over Penn State in overtime. They also beat Michigan 45-10 and clinched the Big Ten title with a 34-21 win over Minnesota. Thousands of Hawkeye fans stormed the field at the Metrodome after the victory and even took the goalposts out of the stadium.
The 2002 season was a turning point for the Iowa program, marking a significant improvement under coach Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes were a national title contender, and their performance in a 24-team College Football Playoff field would've been impressive. They would've been an instant national title favorite, with a favorable second-round test against either Auburn or Colorado.
If the chalk holds, the Hawkeyes would've gotten a highly-anticipated game against undefeated Ohio State. The 2002 Iowa Hawkeyes were a team on the rise, and their performance in a 24-team College Football Playoff field would've been a testament to their growth under Ferentz's leadership. They would've had a great chance to bring a championship to Iowa City, and their legacy would've been cemented in Hawkeye history.
The hypothetical 24-team field would've looked something like this, with the Hawkeyes ranked No. 3 in the pre-bowl game rankings. They would've had a favorable second-round test against either Auburn or Colorado, and would've been heavy favorites in a quarterfinal clash with Kansas State. The Hawkeyes would've been a dominant force in the College Football Playoff, and their performance would've been a highlight of the 2002 season.
The 2002 Iowa Hawkeyes were a team that would've been an instant national title favorite in a 24-team College Football Playoff field. They had a strong supporting cast, a hard-hitting defense, and a quarterback in Brad Banks who proved himself to be a top-notch leader. The Hawkeyes would've been a dominant force in the College Football Playoff, and their legacy would've been cemented in Hawkeye history.