Iowa's week-four win over Michigan is still making waves across the college football world as a prominent program makes a triumphant return to Iowa City.
The Hawkeyes went into the "Big House" and knocked off Michigan 20-19 on a thrilling last-second touchdown pass from Hank Brown to Reece Vander Zee. Shortly after Iowa's win, ESPN's "College GameDay" announced that it's returning to Iowa City for the first time in a VERY long time, and one host is thrilled bout the return.
Rece Davis was rooting for the Hawkeyes against the Wolverines in week four
Iowa made a lot of new fans after knocking off Michigan, and they are being rewarded for their efforts against a tough Wolverines squad. "College GameDay" hasn't been on the University of Iowa campus since 2006, and in a full-circle moment, the crew returns for Iowa vs. Ohio State. Iowa welcomed Ohio State to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, September 30, 2006, with the Buckeyes easily winning 38-17. 20 years later, the same two teams meet on the same gridiron with even bigger stakes. Long-time ESPN host Rece Davis wanted "College GameDay" to return to Iowa City and shared an interesting revelation about his feelings behind it.
Rece Davis was rooting for Iowa because he wanted the College Gameday show to come to Iowa City. "It's great for the show". pic.twitter.com/VLHgvJKaZu
— Jordan M. Montgomery (@JMMontgomeryCo) September 27, 2026
On the "College GameDay" podcast, Davis admitted that he was rooting for Iowa against Michigan because he wanted the show to head to Iowa City for week five. Iowa's victory compelled the program to return to campus, and Davis was thrilled. Although he admitted that he wanted to be in Iowa City for Iowa-Ohio State, he said it's not because he's an Iowa fan, but simply because it would be "really good" for the program. ESPN has gotten a lot of flak for its perceived SEC bias in recent years, and for the first time all season, "College GameDay" is headed to Big Ten country.
The first four shows of the season have all been on SEC campuses (LSU, Texas, Ole Miss, and Tennessee), and it will be a refreshing change of pace when the program kicks off from the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City. Davis admitting that he cheered for Iowa is interesting, and hopefully the Hawkeyes can repay his support with a good showing against Ohio State. Iowa is making its first appearance on the show since the 2021 Cy-Hawk game in Ames, and its 10th overall. Ohio State is appearing for a record 70th time.
Iowa has its work cut out against a very difficult Ohio State team that is playing with renewed focus after its week-two loss to Texas. The atmosphere will be raucous before and during the game, and ESPN made the right choice picking Iowa City for its week-five destination. Kirk Ferentz is expected to join the program, and the Iowa wave will be a featured segment. Buckle up, Iowa fans; it's going to be a thrilling ride when "College GameDay" comes to town. The Hawkeyes are once again in the national spotlight, and can all but guarantee a College Football Playoff appearance with a good showing against the heavily-favored Buckeyes.
Add us as a preferred source on Google