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CFP rankings: Iowa football inside initial top 25
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- CFP rankings: Iowa football inside initial top 25
After Iowa (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) put together one of its best performances of the season on Saturday by blanking Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten), 30-0, how did the Hawkeyes fare in the initial College Football Playoff rankings ?
In the initial CFP rankings, the Hawkeyes are ranked No. 19. Iowa is joined by fellow Big Ten foes in No. 4 Indiana, No. 8 UCLA , No. 12 Ohio State , No. 20 USC , and No. 23 Oregon .
In the win over Wisconsin, quarterback Hank Brown completed 20 of 24 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Tony Diaz and tight end DJ Vonnahme also each caught touchdowns in the win.
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Up next for the Hawkeyes is a trip to Evanston, Ill., to take on the Northwestern Wildcats (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) at the new Ryan Field on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on Fox.
Here's the full Nov. 3 College Football Playoff rankings:
| Rank |
Team |
Record |
Chg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8-0 |
- |
|
| 2 |
7-1 |
- |
|
| 3 |
8-0 |
- |
|
| 4 |
8-1 |
- |
|
| 5 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 6 |
7-1 |
- |
|
| 7 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 8 |
8-0 |
- |
|
| 9 |
7-1 |
- |
|
| 10 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 11 |
7-1 |
- |
|
| 12 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 13 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 14 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 15 |
7-1 |
- |
|
| 16 |
7-1 |
- |
|
| 17 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 18 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 19 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 20 |
7-2 |
- |
|
| 21 |
5-3 |
- |
|
| 22 |
6-2 |
- |
|
| 23 |
5-3 |
- |
|
| 24 |
5-3 |
- |
|
| 25 |
7-1 |
- |
The Iowa Hawkeyes swarm onto the field for a Big Ten football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The line of scrimmage between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) catches the snap against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to throw a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) runs the ball as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) looks to make the tackle during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) prepares for the snap against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) returns a kickoff against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Cam Buffington (33) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Fans wave to patients and families at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Former Iowa Hawkeye and current San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle stands at midfield as Iowa’s honorary captain during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) controls the offense at the line against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) and wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) react after a fourth-down stop by the defense against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs with the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs for a touchdown as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) pursues, and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts in the background during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) watches during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) and offensive lineman Kade Pieper (58) react after the Hawkeyes score a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz watches his team compete against the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts with a referee during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeye sideline react to a loose ball by the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36), center, celebrates after recovering a Wisconsin fumble during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) calls a play during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) reacts after intercepting a pass during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
The Hawkeyes celebrate after defeating Wisconsin 30-0 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) and tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) lift the Heartland Trophy after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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The Iowa Hawkeyes swarm onto the field for a Big Ten football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Iowa football Week 10 bowl projections: Where could the Hawkeyes be headed?
The Iowa Hawkeyes swarm onto the field for a Big Ten football game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2
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Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The line of scrimmage between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
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Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) catches the snap against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
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Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to throw a pass against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) runs the ball as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) looks to make the tackle during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) prepares for the snap against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) returns a kickoff against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Cam Buffington (33) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Fans wave to patients and families at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Former Iowa Hawkeye and current San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle stands at midfield as Iowa’s honorary captain during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
11
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) controls the offense at the line against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
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Iowa football re-enters latest AP Top 25 poll rankings
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) and wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) react after a fourth-down stop by the defense against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
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CFP rankings: Iowa football inside initial top 25
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs with the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
14
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Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs for a touchdown as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) pursues, and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts in the background during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
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Iowa football rises in US LBM Coaches Poll rankings after Wisconsin win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Cooper Catalano (44) watches during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) and offensive lineman Kade Pieper (58) react after the Hawkeyes score a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz watches his team compete against the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts with a referee during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeye sideline react to a loose ball by the Wisconsin Badgers during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
21
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Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36), center, celebrates after recovering a Wisconsin fumble during a Big Ten football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
22
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Iowa football QB Hank Brown named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) calls a play during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
23
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) reacts after intercepting a pass during a Big Ten football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
24
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
The Hawkeyes celebrate after defeating Wisconsin 30-0 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
25
/25
Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Best photos of Hawkeyes' shutout win
Oct 31, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) and tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) lift the Heartland Trophy after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: CFP rankings: Iowa football inside initial top 25
