Kirk Ferentz enters his 28th season at Iowa in 2026, making him the longest-tenured head coach in the Power Conference. Iowa features a new quarterback after Mark Gronowski’s departure, with Hank Brown taking over as the starter. Kamari Moulton returns at running back after averaging 80 rushing yards per game last season, along with South Dakota transfer L.J. Phillips. D.J. Vonnahme returns at tight end with Addison Ostrenga, and Reece Vander Zee returns in the receiving corps. UTRGV transfer Tony Diaz and Furman transfer Evan James join the group. The offensive line returns full-time starters Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper after both started all 13 games last season.

Phil Parker enters his 15th season as defensive coordinator. Iowa brings back three of its top eleven tacklers from last season: linebacker Jayden Montgomery and defensive backs Zach Lutmer and Deshaun Lee. Montgomery is the lone returning top-eleven tackler in the front seven after making seven starts last season. Purdue transfer Ty Hudkins joins the secondary, adding another piece to the unit.

Chris Polizzi takes over as special teams coordinator. Caden Buhr takes over as the primary placekicker, while Aussie kicker Boston Evertitt handles the punting duties. Zach Lutmer and Evan James are among the punt-return options, while Brevin Doll handles kick returns. Iowa enters 2026 with a new quarterback, eight of its top eleven tacklers gone, and special-teams turnover, leaving the roster in transition.