Iowa Hawkeyes
· 2026-07-15
The Iowa Hawkeyes have been able to navigate trap games and upsets well under head coach Kirk Ferentz, but every team is susceptible to them. The Hawkeyes have two games against opponents they have historically handled that could derail their season in a hurry.
The Hawkeyes have a tough stretch of games before facing Minnesota, including a trip to Michigan, a matchup against Ohio State, and a game at Washington. If this stretch goes sideways, Minnesota and head coach P.J. Fleck will be lurking, knowing they could turn the Hawkeyes' season into a battle for simple bowl eligibility. Iowa has taken 11 of the last 13 and nine of the last 10 from the Gophers.
Being in Minnesota is another test for the Hawkeyes. While it isn't far and Iowa should travel well, Big Ten road games are always a challenge. The worry here for Iowa is what happens before it and how this game could serve as a turning point in the season. If things go well before it, the Hawkeyes may be in a spot where they have to have this game to stay in College Football Playoff contention. And, as said, if things are less than ideal leading up to this point, does Minnesota get the chance to pick off a limping Iowa team?
The Hawkeyes have a bye after the Michigan game, which could give them some time to recover and regroup before facing Minnesota. However, if they are already struggling, this game could be a turning point in their season. The Gophers are always up for this game and could catch a beaten and bruised Iowa team if things early in the season don't go well for Kirk Ferentz's squad.
The Hawkeyes also have a game against Illinois in Week 12, which could be another trap game. The Illini run the ball well and are going to punch you in the mouth, as head coach Bret Bielema would say. This isn't a team handing anyone anything, especially at home late in the season. The spot of this game is concerning and could catch the Hawkeyes uncharacteristically looking ahead if things have gone according to plan up to this point.
Sitting in Week 12, right before the season finale against rival Nebraska, this game is going to be physical and hard-nosed. The Hawkeyes have taken nine of the last 10 from the Illini, but this game is different. The Illini are a team that is looking to make a statement and could catch the Hawkeyes off guard. This spot is scary if the Hawkeyes need to handle business, as I am slightly lower on Illinois this year than last year and think the Illini may be in a spot where picking off Iowa and raining on its parade is as good as anything at that point in the season.
The Hawkeyes have a lot to prove in the 2026 season, and these two games against Minnesota and Illinois could be a turning point in their season. They have been able to navigate trap games well in the past, but every team is susceptible to them. The Hawkeyes will need to be on their game if they want to avoid these trap games and stay in College Football Playoff contention.
The Hawkeyes' next game is against Northern Illinois Huskies on September 5, 2026, after a tough stretch of games against Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington. They will need to be ready to face a physical and hard-nosed Illinois team in Week 12, which could be a turning point in their season. The Hawkeyes have a lot to prove in the 2026 season, and these two games against Minnesota and Illinois could be a turning point in their season.