After much speculation, the first AP Top 25 poll has been released for the 2025-2026 season. Many of the blue bloods of college football are in the top 25 to start the season, with a few surprises making the list.
Texas is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the first time, just ahead of No. 2 Penn State.
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 11, 2025
See where other top teams rank. https://t.co/qXJ5AkXKho
The highly-anticipated list is led by No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Penn State, and No. 3 Ohio State, with the SEC leading the way with 10 teams ranked in the initial poll. The Big Ten has the second-highest number of teams in the first poll with five.
Noticeably absent from the first poll is the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa did not make the first Top 25 poll, but did receive some votes (six) for the list.
The Hawkeyes finished with an 8-5 (6-3 Big Ten) record and lost 27-24 to Missouri in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl to close out the season.
Heading into the 2025-2026 season, the Hawkeyes have several question marks on both sides of the football, but there is a lot of optimism surrounding their chances this season.
Why the Hawkeyes are a dark horse this season
The Iowa football program lost multiple veteran players to the NFL Draft and graduation, and must find a way to replace the lost production this season. Starting the season unranked and flying under the radar is perfect for the Hawkeyes, so that they can surprise teams in the conference and nationally.
Even though Iowa has question marks on both sides of the football, multiple factors can guide them to a solid 2025 season.
The biggest upgrade is at the quarterback position with a completely revamped room, led by South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski.
Last season, the Hawkeyes cycled through four quarterbacks and did not receive consistent play from their signal callers. This season, Gronowski is a veteran with four years of experience under his belt and can pass and run at a high level.
With Gronowski as the projected starter, that gives the younger guys a chance to battle for the backup positions and be stronger in the future.
Another strength of the Iowa squad will be the offensive and defensive lines. Both lines boast extensive experience and are full of veterans, led by Aaron Graves, Ethan Hurkett, Max Llewellyn on defense, and Logan Jones and Gennings Dunker on offense.
With good line play, the Hawkeyes will succeed, regardless of who lines up under center.
The final reason the Hawkeyes will surprise teams next season is the defense is poised have a bounceback season.
Last season, the secondary was a significant weakness, and the Hawkeyes struggled to stop teams that excelled in the passing game. This year, defensive coordinator Phil Parker is excited about the depth on the back end, featuring multiple players who can play several positions.
The Hawkeyes are on the outside looking in after the first AP Top 25 Poll was released, but that is just the way they like it.