Thanks to one of the nation’s stingiest defenses and a coaching staff that has proven time and again that it finds a way to win games, the Iowa Hawkeyes have been featured as a top 25 squad most everywhere one might look.
Iowa was ranked No. 25 in both the US LBM Coaches Poll and in the Associated Press top 25.
Fox now enters the equation in that regard. Fox Sports’ RJ Young released his preseason Ultimate 134 college football rankings.
Young actually likes Iowa just a hair better than either the Coaches Poll or AP top 25. Iowa is ranked No. 24 per Young.
Just don’t embarrass Hawkeye fans on offense, and you’re sitting pretty with Phil Parker’s defense.
While the offensive line continues to be a strength at Iowa, offensive coordinator Tim Lester’s ability to acquire Brendan Sullivan out of the portal should be appreciated. Sullivan, who led Northwestern to an eight-win season in the midst of turmoil with an interim and first-time head coach, will likely begin the season backing up starter Cade McNamara and providing quality depth.
Yes, Iowa plays at Ohio State. But the Hawkeyes might be favored in every other game they play this season. No Michigan, Penn State, Oregon or USC. But with Parker calling the defense, Sebastian Castro in the secondary and Aaron Graves on the edge, this should be a dominant defense. – Young, Fox Sports.
Iowa joins fellow Big Ten squads Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, Penn State and USC inside Young’s preseason top 25. Ohio State is ranked No. 1, Oregon No. 4, Michigan No. 8, Penn State No. 14 and USC No. 17. The Hawkeyes also play Young’s No. 25 team in the Iowa State Cyclones.
Iowa opens its 2024 season on Aug. 31 from Kinnick Stadium at 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network as the Hawkeyes play host to Illinois State.
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