TRENDING World Series updates NFL trade deadline proposals WNBA Finals schedule fiasco Anthony Edwards injury impact Week 8 fantasy trade tips Story by Story by Iowa football tumbles in latest USA TODAY Sports 1-138 re-rank Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire Thu, October 29, 2026 at 1:00 AM UTC · 1 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iowa football program was one of the biggest losers from the newest USA TODAY Sports 1-138 re-rank .
The Hawkeyes saw their offense sputter to a halt in a 13-10 road loss at Minnesota. They turned the ball over four times and couldn't establish the running game at all. Throw in a blocked punt and some mind-boggling penalties, and it's a recipe for disaster.
Iowa found out the hard way that it can't overcome a bevy of mistakes to win a game. And it bit them in the rankings, too.
A new edition of the USA TODAY Sports 1-138 re-rank was released on Monday after a wild Week 8 of the college football season. The Hawkeyes dropped 11 spots to No. 23 in this week's ranking. Their Week 9 opponent, Wisconsin , is at No. 26.
Iowa experienced the biggest drop of any team still in the top 25 of the ranking. Now sitting at 5-2, Kirk Ferentz's team has a lot of questions to answer before the Badgers come to town.
Ohio State , Miami, Georgia , Utah, and Indiana make up the top five in this week's re-rank in that order.
The Big Ten also has UCLA at No. 8 and Northwestern at No. 24.
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) and Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) take the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz leads his team onto the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players huddle during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Joey Gerlach (19) celebrates an interception against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) rubs his face with a towel during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Iose Epenesa (97) reacts after sacking Minnesota’s quarterback during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Minnesota’s Aydan West (5) celebrates with teammates during a Big Ten football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws a pass during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Minnesota’s Matt Kingsbury (49) intercepts a pass meant for Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts after a pass meant for him is intercepted during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts after getting a first down against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs with the football during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) runs into the end zone to score a touchdown against Minnesota during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz high-fives Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Zach Ortwerth (48) during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Minnesota’s Darius Taylor (1) runs with the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) is held during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) reacts after Minnesota kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Minnesota cornerback John Nestor (17) talks to Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) following the Golden Gophers’ 13-10 win over Iowa in a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers players celebrate with the Floyd of Rosedale after beating the Iowa Hawkeyes at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 21 Iowa football releases Week 9 depth chart vs. Wisconsin Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) and Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) take the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 21 Iowa football releases Week 9 depth chart vs. Wisconsin Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) and Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) take the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 2 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz leads his team onto the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 3 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players huddle during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 5 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 6 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Joey Gerlach (19) celebrates an interception against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 7 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) rubs his face with a towel during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 8 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Iose Epenesa (97) reacts after sacking Minnesota’s quarterback during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 9 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Minnesota’s Aydan West (5) celebrates with teammates during a Big Ten football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 10 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws a pass during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 11 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Minnesota’s Matt Kingsbury (49) intercepts a pass meant for Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 12 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts after a pass meant for him is intercepted during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 13 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reacts after getting a first down against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 14 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) runs with the football during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 15 / 21 CBS shares Iowa football bowl projection after Minnesota loss Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) runs into the end zone to score a touchdown against Minnesota during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 16 / 21 Iowa football plummets in updated US LBM Coaches Poll rankings Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz high-fives Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Zach Ortwerth (48) during a Big Ten football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 17 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 18 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Minnesota’s Darius Taylor (1) runs with the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) is held during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 19 / 21 Iowa football falls out of latest AP Top 25 poll rankings Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) reacts after Minnesota kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired during a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 20 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Minnesota cornerback John Nestor (17) talks to Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) following the Golden Gophers’ 13-10 win over Iowa in a Big Ten football game in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, 2026. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co) 21 / 21 Iowa football vs. Minnesota: Best photos from Week 8 Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers players celebrate with the Floyd of Rosedale after beating the Iowa Hawkeyes at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images (Matt Krohn, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football tumbles in latest USA TODAY Sports 1-138 re-rank
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