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ESPN analyzes Iowa football's biggest strength, weakness for 2026
TL;DR
Iowa football is ranked 19th by ESPN for the 2026 season, highlighting a strong running back duo but a weak wide receiver group. The team is integrating new players, including a transfer at quarterback.
Key points
- Iowa football is ranked 19th by ESPN for the 2026 season
- Strength lies in a strong running back duo
- Weakness identified in the wide receiver group
- New players are joining the team, including a quarterback transfer
- Kamari Moulton led the team with 878 rushing yards in 2025
Iowa HawkeyesKamari MoultonLendon Phillips Jr.Reece Vander Zee
As the end of spring ball nears for the Iowa Hawkeyes, the page is going to turn to the rapidly approaching 2026 season and fall camp. Iowa is ushering in a lot of new faces and will feature a new signal-caller at quarterback when all is said and done.
The transfer portal brought in new players at skill positions and has seemed to provide a breath of fresh air in Tim Lester's offense through spring practices. That infusion of talent is showing its head for the Hawkeyes on both ends of ESPN's biggest strengths and weaknesses for each top-25 team, which places Iowa at No. 19.
19. Iowa Hawkeyes
2025 record: 9-4, 6-3 Big Ten
Strength: Running back. Iowa could end up having one of the nation's best running back tandems in 2026. The Hawkeyes return Kamari Moulton, who led the team with 878 rushing yards in 2025, and add South Dakota transfer Lendon Phillips Jr., an FCS All-America selection who led the nation with 1,921 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns last season.
Weakness: Wide receiver. The group has been down for some time and needs a returner such as Reece Vander Zee (14.6 yards per catch in 2025) or a transfer to break through. Evan James led Furman with 65 receptions and 796 receiving yards last fall. As good as tight end is, Iowa needs its wideouts to emerge for a new quarterback. --
Q&A
What are Iowa football's biggest strengths for the 2026 season?
Iowa's biggest strength for the 2026 season is its running back tandem, featuring Kamari Moulton and transfer Lendon Phillips Jr.
Who are the key players for Iowa football's running back position in 2026?
Key players for Iowa's running back position include Kamari Moulton, who led the team in rushing yards, and Lendon Phillips Jr., an FCS All-America selection.
What weaknesses does Iowa football face heading into the 2026 season?
Iowa's main weakness heading into the 2026 season is its wide receiver group, which has struggled and needs improvement from current players or new transfers.
