Iowa football has been ranked No. 19 in ESPN's updated spring top 25, despite losing several key players. The team is integrating new starters and transfers as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Spring practice is nearing its end, with focus quickly shifting to summer workouts and the rapidly approaching fall camp, which will be here before fans and teams realize. The Iowa Hawkeyes are nearing the close of spring practice, which has been vital for a team full of new faces in starting positions.
A team routinely known for its veteran experience, Iowa is ushering in a bit of a different look this year, with many starters getting their first chance and a transfer portal haul that is hoping to provide an instant talent infusion.
Those additions and the consistent success Kirk Ferentz has had in Iowa City have this team earning the benefit of the doubt, coming in at No. 19 in ESPN's spring updated top 25 rankings.
19. Iowa Hawkeyes
2025 record: 9-4, 6-3 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 16
Key players lost: OT Gennings Dunker, G Beau Stephens, C Logan Jones, QB Mark Gronowski, WR/KR Kaden Wetjen, DT Aaron Graves, DE Ethan Hurkett, DE Max Llewellyn, LB Karson Sharar, LB Jaden Harrell, S Xavier Nwankpa, S Koen Entringer
Key additions: RB L.J. Phillips (South Dakota), WR Tony Diaz (Texas-Rio Grand Valley), WR Evan James (Furman), G (James Madison), DE (Elon), DE (Northern Illinois)
It's as standard as the sun coming up each day. Iowa and Phil Parker are going to have a strong defense that makes teams earn any yardage and points. Unfortunately, just as common is the question falling back on the offense.
Can this offense find traction with a new quarterback as they usher in a new signal caller for the third time in as many years? That is where Iowa's success lies, and if offensive coordinator Tim Lester can cook up another strong rushing attack as he has done the last two seasons for the Hawkeyes, this team is going to be right there.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : Iowa football cracks top 20 in ESPN spring practice updated top 25
Iowa football is currently ranked No. 19 in ESPN's updated spring top 25.
Iowa lost key players including OT Gennings Dunker, G Beau Stephens, and QB Mark Gronowski.
New additions to Iowa football include RB L.J. Phillips from South Dakota and WR Tony Diaz from Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.
Arshdeep Singh makes history as the first PBKS bowler to reach 100 IPL wickets!
California's top high school football prospects are on the move this weekend.
Viktor Hovland shines with a 64 at RBC Heritage, Gotterup scores 70.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
2026 outlook: The Hawkeyes are going to have many new starters on both sides of the ball, but chances are 70-year-old Kirk Ferentz and his coaching staff are going to figure out a way to produce another winning team. Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown will battle for the starting quarterback job. The Hawkeyes added Phillips, who ran for 1,920 yards with 19 touchdowns for the Coyotes. Three starters from the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line are leaving, but guard Kade Pieper coming back for another season helps. There are many holes to fill on defense, but with Phil Parker still in charge, the Hawkeyes should again be stingy. - Mark Schlabach, ESPN