With the second half of the 2026 season right around the corner, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes have opened some eyes.
Iowa is 5-1 ahead of a crucial road matchup against Minnesota in week eight, with a favorable schedule for the rest of the year. If Iowa wins out or even loses one game, it has a path not only to the College Football Playoff, but also a path to earning Kirk Ferentz some hardware. The head Hawk has earned national coach of the year honors only once in his career (2002), but has been selected as the Big Ten Coach of the Year four times (2002, 2004, 2009, 2015). If Iowa wins out and/or makes the CFP, there is growing belief he will be Coach of the Year again.
Kirk Ferentz is getting some early backing for Coach of the Year
Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, and Washington were expected to be in the mix this season, but it hasn't happened that way. Oregon and Penn State are in a freefall, with Michigan and Washington also likely on the outside looking in. Several teams have surprised us early, including the Hawkeyes, and they have a clear path to the CFP. If Iowa stumbles once or wins out in the second half of the season, they will be in the CFP, and one analyst believes Ferentz is easily in the mix for Coach of the Year.
It’s early, but Kirk Ferentz has a path to become this years Coach of the Year 👀 pic.twitter.com/Wu0wl1God1
— Brandon Walker College Football Show (@BFWshow) October 15, 2026
Popular Barstool analyst and known Iowa detractor Brandon Walker has been impressed by what Ferentz and Iowa have done. Although it's early, Walker said that Ferentz should easily be in the mix for Coach of the Year if Iowa makes the CFP. There are no guarantees, but Iowa has a very favorable schedule with one remaining ranked opponent, and if they take care of business, Ferentz should win the prestigious honor. A week after picking Iowa to lose to Washington in Seattle, Walker quickly changed his tune and is backing Ferentz if Iowa makes a run.
Plenty of games remain, and Iowa still has some kinks to work out if they want to complete the surprise run to the CFP, but the path is set. The roster is loaded with talent, and Iowa has played well without everyone playing to their full potential. Iowa's offense has been solid despite a revolving door at quarterback, and although we don't know who is starting against Minnesota, both Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski have proven they can run the offense.
The defense has been strong against the run, but limited pressure from the front four has left it vulnerable to surrendering big passing games. If Iose Epenesa, Bryce Hawthorne, Will Hubert, and Kenneth Merrieweather generate more pressure up front, the turnovers will start to come in bunches. Iowa's defense has been good, not great, but they can still turn it around.
Iowa's special teams have also been very strong, exceeding expectations. Chris Polizzi has the unit running like a well-oiled machine in his first season in charge, and that is great news for the program. The squad has multiple things working in its favor, and a few small tweaks will push them over the finish line.
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