Iowa returned to a familiar spot in the Top-25 rankings after crushing Washington

After a slow start against Washington, Kamari Moulton's 56-yard run sparked the offense, and the Hawkeyes never looked back.

The defense completely shut down Washington's running game, holding the Huskies to -3 total rushing yards, while a well-balanced offense led the way. Iowa finished with 202 passing yards and 263 rushing yards, putting up 41 points on the road in the Big Ten since November 2025 against Nebraska. It was a much-needed win heading into a bye week, and the Hawkeyes' performance earned them a familiar place in the most recent AP Top 25 rankings.

Iowa jumped three spots to No. 17 overall before a week off

Many believed that if Iowa could get past the first part of its schedule with 2 or more wins against Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington, they'd be in great shape. Now, six weeks later, the program has done that. Solid wins against Michigan in week four and Washington in week five have placed Iowa firmly in the mix for a College Football Playoff berth, and an expected jump in the rankings helps its case.

Iowa moved up to a familiar spot in the Top 25 rankings, jumping three spots to No. 17 overall. The Hawkeyes were also ranked No. 17 after easily defeating Northern Iowa in week three, before a crucial road game against Michigan in week four. Iowa is well-positioned for a CFP berth at 5-1 (2-1 Big Ten) heading into a week-seven bye, but the next stretch of games won't be easy. Minnesota (Oct. 24), Wisconsin (Oct. 31), Northwestern (Nov. 7), and Nebraska (Nov. 27) have all been better than expected this season, making the back half of Iowa's schedule extremely challenging.

The Hawkeyes can't afford to take any of their six remaining opponents lightly, especially with three more trophies still on the line. Iowa has traditionally played well late in the season, and it must continue that trend to stay in the CFP mix.

Iowa has a path to the CFP, but they can't afford to stumble along the way

The Hawkeyes started with one of the tougher conference schedules, and they got through it relatively unscathed. The defense has taken some hits and the offense has been inconsistent at times, but a 5-1 record isn't bad. Only one of Iowa's remaining six opponents is currently ranked (No. 25 Northwestern), but all six teams have shown flashes of solid play this season. Illinois is the only team that has been worse than expected, but Bret Bielema would love nothing more than to stick it to his alma mater.

The last half of Iowa's schedule isn't a layup, and they still have a few things to clean up if they want to play meaningful postseason football. The defense has improved, but is still very susceptible to allowing big passing plays. Iowa has been stout against the run, but it hasn't regularly pressured the quarterback enough or stopped chunk plays in the passing game. That was very clear against Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who had all day to throw, and carved up the Iowa secondary. Washington's backup quarterback Elijah Brown also had a field day against the Hawkeyes, finishing with 251 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Phil Parker got creative with his blitzes against Washington, and they worked extremely well. He may need to keep doing it until the defensive line can regularly pressure the quarterback.

The Iowa offense has also been very inconsistent this season, dominating teams it should, but looking mediocre against good teams. The overall numbers are deceiving, propped up by three big games against much weaker opponents (Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa, and Washington), and it remains to be seen whether Hank Brown or Jeremy Hecklinski will start moving forward. Hecklinski looked stellar filling in for Brown against Washington, but there is no guarantee he starts again this season.

For Iowa to succeed, it must establish the run game to take pressure off the quarterback, and find ways to pressure the quarterback and force more turnovers on defense. Iowa's defense has struggled against good teams and has produced very few turnovers early this season. Iowa has four interceptions and three fumbles through six games, which is lower than normal. Iowa's issues are correctable, and the path to a CFP berth is there if they stay focused and don't lose winnable games.

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