Kirk Ferentz enters his 28th season at Iowa in 2026, making him the longest-tenured head coach in Power-conference football. The Hawkeyes will feature a new quarterback following Mark Gronowski’s departure, with Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown among the options. Hecklinski enters the season with two career pass attempts, while Brown has made two career starts. Kamari Moulton returns at running back after averaging 80 rushing yards per game last season. Leading pass catcher D.J. Vonnahme returns at tight end along with Addison Ostrenga. Reece Vander Zee returns in the receiving corps, while 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 returns three of its top eleven tacklers from last season in linebacker Jayden Montgomery and defensive backs Zach Lutmer and Deshaun Lee. Montgomery is the only returning top-11 tackler in the front seven after making seven starts last season. Purdue transfer Ty Hudkins joins the secondary.

Chris Polizzi takes over as special teams coordinator. South Dakota transfer Eli Ozick joins the program at placekicker, while Division III transfer Tanner Philpott joins at punter. Zach Lutmer is among the punt-return options, while Brevin Doll is among the kickoff-return options after neither recorded return statistics last season. Iowa enters 2026 with a new quarterback, eight of its top eleven tacklers gone, and considerable turnover on special teams.