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Iowa football rules out DB vs. Ohio State
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- Iowa football rules out DB vs. Ohio State
The Iowa football program has a Herculean task in front of it on Saturday. And that challenge just got a little more difficult.
The 14th-ranked Hawkeyes are hosting No. 6 Ohio State inside Kinnick Stadium on Saturday afternoon as "College GameDay" descends upon Iowa City . Phil Parker's defense will have to contend with third-year Buckeye wide receiver Jeremiah Smith . And they'll have to do so without a key contributor on the back end.
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Third-year defensive back Tyler Brown was ruled out against Ohio State in Wednesday's availability report. The 5-foot-10, 201-pound Brown came up hobbling in the fourth quarter against Michigan and will now miss a game with an injury.
Brown missed the first two games of the season with a soft tissue injury suffered in the offseason. He returned against Northern Iowa and played against the Wolverines before getting banged up again. The James Madison transfer was set to be a big contributor for Iowa 's defense this season, but he has struggled to stay healthy. He has 10 total tackles and a forced fumble in two games.
Villanova transfer Anthony Hawkins , who started the first two weeks of the season, will get the nod again on Saturday. Hawkins has six total tackles in 2026.
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes mascot performs before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz shakes hands with players after a play against Michigan during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Savion Hiter (5) runs against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Savion Hiter (5) runs against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive line Enow Etta (17) tackles Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts with wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) and offensive line Cael Winter (61) during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) passes against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver JJ Buchanan (6) runs to score a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; The Iowa Hawkeyes mascot performs during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) makes a catch for a touchdown against Michigan cornerback Smith Snowden (3) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) celebrates a touchdown against Michigan during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2), center, celebrates 20-19 win over Michigan after scoring the game winning touchdown during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive line Trevor Lauck (59) reacts during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) reacts after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz next to wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) get ready to handshake after 20-19 win over Michigan at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, left, shakes hands with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz after 20-19 final at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes mascot performs before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes mascot performs before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz shakes hands with players after a play against Michigan during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Savion Hiter (5) runs against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Savion Hiter (5) runs against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive line Enow Etta (17) tackles Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts with wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) and offensive line Cael Winter (61) during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) passes against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver JJ Buchanan (6) runs to score a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) looks to pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; The Iowa Hawkeyes mascot performs during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) makes a catch for a touchdown against Michigan cornerback Smith Snowden (3) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) celebrates a touchdown against Michigan during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2), center, celebrates 20-19 win over Michigan after scoring the game winning touchdown during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive line Trevor Lauck (59) reacts during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) reacts after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz next to wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) get ready to handshake after 20-19 win over Michigan at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos of Iowa football thriller vs. Michigan
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham, left, shakes hands with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz after 20-19 final at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football rules out DB vs. Ohio State
