Big Ten · 2026

Iowa

2025 record 9–4 6–3 conference
Postseason ReliaQuest Bowl W 34–27 vs Vanderbilt
Head coach Kirk Ferentz
Scheme Multiple / 4-2-5
Conference
B−

9–4 + ReliaQuest and a 7.5 over lean keep Iowa playable; Portal #17 is the board tell

Portal
D

Portal #17 — retention class; raw rank understates continuity

Depth
B−

Depth chart shows filled two-deeps; Ferentz depth identity

Market odds

To Win Big Ten
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 7.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #10 34 commits · 240.77 pts
Portal #17 15 commits· avg 85.14

Roster notes

Leading story

Retention-first Ferentz build on a refreshed depth chart

Offense

QB Jeremy Hecklinski is listed over Hank Brown. RB Kamari Moulton; WR Reece Vander Zee / Tony Diaz / Evan James; TE DJ Vonnahme. OL: Trevor Lauck / Leighton Jones / Kade Pieper / Trent Wilson / Jack Dotzler

Defense

Defense is 4-2-5: Kenneth Merrieweather / Brice Stevenson / Bryce Hawthorne / Iose Epenesa; Landyn Van Kekerix / Jayden Montgomery; Zach Lutmer / Jaylen Watson / Anthony Hawkins / Tyler Brown / Deshaun Lee

Key offense

  1. 01
    Tony Diaz WR
    Portal
    • 2025: 67 receptions, 881 yds, 11 TD
  2. 02
    Evan James WR
    Portal
    • 2025: 65 receptions, 796 yds, 7 TD
    • 7 carries, 72 yds, 1 rushing TD
  3. 03
    Kamari Moulton RB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 170 carries, 878 yds, 5 rushing TD
    • 16 receptions, 97 yds

Key defense

  1. 01
    Zach Lutmer DB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 71 tackles, 1.0 sack, 3 INT, 7 PD
  2. 02
    Deshaun Lee CB
    Returning
    • 2025: 34 tackles, 2 INT, 6 PD
  3. 03
    Jayden Montgomery LB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 44 tackles, 2 PD in 10 G