Most likely Iowa football 2026 College GameDay dates

In past years, this game has drawn national attention. This year, with the departure of Matt Campbell to Penn State and Iowa State's roster turnover, the Cyclones are a big unknown, and it's too early to give this game the spotlight it has had previously with big names on both sides of the ball.

September 19: Northern Iowa at Iowa

Iowa's final tune-up before Big Ten play begins, this truly should be a glorified practice for the starters to work out any kinks in the first half, then get rested for the start of conference play.

November 7: Iowa at Northwestern

Northwestern has been feisty in the past, but Iowa has consistently had the Wildcats' number in recent years. This game is slotted into November as the College Football Playoff race heats up to a fever pitch and will be hidden somewhere in the slate.

November 14: Purdue at Iowa

This is not as much anything to do with Iowa as it is Purdue's lack of Big Ten success in recent years. The Boilermakers are set for another long season, and with this game coming in the final quarter of the season, Purdue could be limping ot the finish line as a sacrificial lamb for the Hawkeyes.

Long shot if everything breaks right

Nov 28, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; The Iowa Hawkeyes hoist the Heroes Trophy after defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

October 9: Iowa at Washington

If they had not moved this game to Friday, there is a real chance this could be a destination. But the Friday night time slot is almost a death sentence for drawing the GameDay crew. Even if Iowa could somehow enter this game at 4-1 or 5-0, which figures to be Washington's record with an opening slate of Washington State, Utah State, Eastern Washington, Minnesota, and USC, it's just rather unlikely to see this game picked.

October 31: Wisconsin at Iowa

It's Halloween, it's going to be in Kinnick, and it could be a night game. Iowa, if they can get through the early-season gauntlet with only 1-2 losses, this game could be a possible GameDay selection. That is, if Wisconsin holds up its end of the bargain, which has been a tall task for the Badgers as of late.

November 27: Nebraska at Iowa

Another one that could see College Football Playoff implications is the final week of the season. Iowa and Nebraska are programs that believe they should be contending, and if one or both of these teams enter this game within striking distance of the 12-team field, we could have a potential win-and-in situation brewing.

It's not likely, as both have 11 games before this to handle business in, but it's not impossible. It is also hurt by being on the final weekend of the season, when a myriad of rivalry games take place.

A slight chance

Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jonah Pace (91) and Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Aaron Graves (95) carry the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy after defeating Minnesota Oct. 25, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

October 24: Iowa at Minnesota

At first, I said no chance. Then I said maybe. Then I saw Minnesota's schedule and my brain began dancing. Eastern Illinois, Mississippi State, Akron, Washington, Michigan, and Purdue lie in front of the Gophers. What if they are 5-1 at this point? What if Iowa is 5-1 with only one blemish after the gauntlet of Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington? Don't write it off.

November 21: Iowa at Illinois

Like the Nebraska game, this one comes down to both teams keeping themselves in position for this game to carry postseason weight. Iowa has Minnesota, Wisconsin, Northwestern, and Purdue before Illinois, all winnable games. Can the Illini take the next step and create some noise around this late-season Big Ten matchup?

Most realistic chances

Nov 4, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Noah Fant (87) catches a touchdown pass as Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jordan Fuller (4) defends during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

September 26: Iowa at Michigan

Iowa should enter this game 3-0. With their schedule, anything less is a catastrophic failure. Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa should be handled. Iowa State, this year, should be a game that Iowa can win, being itself.

Michigan has Western Michigan, Oklahoma, and UTEP before this game. If these two teams enter Week 4 a combined 6-0, College GameDay has a very attractive destination in Ann Arbor for the Hawkeyes' Big Ten opener on the road against the Michigan Wolverines.

October 3: Ohio State at Iowa

So, let's say Iowa wins on the road at Michigan and moves to 4-0. Ohio State awaits. At the very worst, they will be 3-1. They have Ball State, at Texas, then Kent State, and Illinois. The Buckeyes are no worse than 3-1 entering this game, and realistically, Iowa shouldn't be either.

If both enter 4-0, it may be a no-brainer for College GameDay. If both are 3-1, there is still a case to be made that we could be viewing an early-season elimination game from the College Football Playoff, which has to command national attention.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : Most likely Iowa football 2026 College GameDay dates