Expectations Tiers for 2026
- Thread starter LaQuintaHawk
- Start date
Playoff contention means the Hawks went at least 1-2 during the murderers row stretch and went deep into the season with 2 or less losses.
It also means they lost a late season game that knocked them out. That would really suck.
It also means they lost a late season game that knocked them out. That would really suck.
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Playoff contention means a 9-3 season, which is realistic. If Iowa goes 1-2 to start the Big Ten and wins the next six (certainly possible) that's 10-2, a shot at the playoff. But I think 9-3 is more likely.
playoff contention would be fine considering schedule but if we manage to sneak in as a lower seed we will be a scary proposition for any team. maybe kf will take a page out of bmac’s book and take the step
Honestly would be ecstatic with that. The BIG schedule is rough, we lost A TON of players in the 2 deeps to the NFL, and are on the lower side of most P5 schools of # of returning starters including QB. I think we did well in the portal but at best it’s a coin flip if it can gel and effectively replace all that experience and talent.
Definitely optimistic but trying to be a touch realistic as well
Definitely optimistic but trying to be a touch realistic as well
Easiest answer ever. It would not be a success. In year 28 or whatever we are in of his tenure, if the goal isn’t to make the playoffs then it’s time to move on.
Yes, the goal for KF and team should be making the playoffs (at least). The OP isn't about the internal goals of the team, though. What would be an objective judgment regarding success for each of these teams?
To make the playoffs. I’d give them grace if they had already made the playoffs but honestly with where this program is at from a maturity and stability standpoint if they don’t, I deem it a failure.
From a fan perspective, I get that line of thinking. We're fans after all. From a realistic view there are things to consider before any season. Major losses in personnel. Coaching changes including our outstanding special teams coach. Uncertain situations at two major position groups, QB. DL, and a bit at LB. Then you get into the schedule. we've probably never had a three game run, (especially to START the conference season) as @Michigan, OSU, and @Washington. Three ranked teams one top 5 and one probably top 10. If we win one of those you probably can't lose another game and make the playoff. While the program stability remains a constant, the maturity changes every year with the roster. It still comes down to the Jimmys and the Joes.....
Truth be told, this is a bit of a rebuilding year.
outside of the Dline, how do you figure? Iose will be the only starter on defense without 3 years under his belt. Qb will certainly be a question mark, but I don't see how anyone considers this a rebuilding year.
Lose three starters o line, d line question marks, uncertainty at qb. Lost seven draft picks.
We just need a QB who is accurate with 10 yard passes and doesn't do stupid stuff and we will be good. Our running backs are stacked. Will take a lot of pressure off the QB
two returning potential 1st round picks, if the C experiment doesn't go well, Myslinski slides right in. I haven't heard many lineman get the type of early praise that Allgeyer has recieved from the staff, WR position looks solid, if not stacked. TE, stacked. QB is the question mark, that I agree. The only of those draft picks that I irreplaceable IMO, is Wetjen just based on his special teams play. I have zero doubt LB play will be better this year, and returning Luther in the secondary is huge. I'll leave it at this, I think the Dline is a huge question mark, but overall there is more talent on the field this year, than there was last year.
If Iowa performs on par with their rush defense historically, I predict they will make the playoffs this year at 10-2.
I concur.
You have to admit though, if they do finish in the top 25 that will be considered very successful for them.
Totally agree, playoffs is the point and expectation. That said, not making the playoff this year isn’t the main disappointment imo given the personnel (if they don’t). It was not making the playoff last year - that was the team to do it with that level of experience and nfl talent. They needed to find a way to win two of the four razor thing losses…and we didn’t.
Hecklinski's escapability could prove to be a Big Deal this Fall.
Extending plays.
A nonStatue in the backfield.
Extending plays.
A nonStatue in the backfield.
Whaaaaaa? A rebuilding year? That’s why Iowa is ranked in about every preseason poll unlike last year
Outside impression, expectations my be top 25, but last year was a peak in upperclassmen talent , a lot has to be replaced rebuilt. I believe this team is ranked low in returning snaps. That’s one way to quantify it.
ETA. IOWA ranks last 18 out of 18 in returning production at 44%, that’s a rebuild no matter how you slice it
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I just have this ****** feeling it's going to be Brown based on his ball security. I hope I'm wrong.
The stigma of the screen pass against Indiana late still lingers for me.
As opposed to Hecklinski.
Still scarred by the recent past.
Would like to reincarnate Banks or Tate.