Iowa football reveals 2026 promotional schedule

As the 2026 college football season slowly approaches, Iowa football announced themes for its seven home games at Kinnick Stadium this fall.

The season will kick off on Sept. 5 against Northern Illinois. The game is designated as the "Hall of Fame Weekend," where the Iowa Letterwinner Club will celebrate the 2026 Hall of Fame class. The game is also listed as a "Gold Out," encouraging fans to wear gold attire.

The following week, the Hawkeyes host in-state rival Iowa State for the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series game on Sept. 12. While no specific theme has been assigned to the clash, Iowa fans understand how to represent themselves against Iowa State.

Iowa concludes its nonconference schedule on Sept. 19 by welcoming Northern Iowa to Iowa City. This game will be the annual "Family Weekend" and "Harvest Game."

Iowa will entertain 2025 College Football Playoff qualifier Ohio State in the annual "ANF Black & Gold Spirit Game" on Oct. 3. Fans are encouraged to wear black or gold clothing based on their seat location.

The Hawkeyes celebrate Homecoming in their next home game against Wisconsin on Oct. 31, with the Homecoming Council and court to be presented at halftime. The Halloween and Heartland Trophy game is also designated as a "Blackout," encouraging fans to wear all black attire against the Badgers.

Iowa will host its "Military Appreciation Game" against Purdue on Nov. 14, where Iowa will recognize active-duty and veteran members of the armed services.

The final home game of the regular season will be the annual Heroes Trophy game against rival Nebraska on Nov. 27, which is also Senior Day. Iowa will celebrate senior classes for the football program, marching band, and spirit squads. Former Iowa letter winners will once again form the Tunnel of Honor to welcome the Hawkeyes onto the field prior to the contest.