Where Iowa football stands in national polls ahead of Cy-Hawk rivalry

IOWA CITY — Iowa football checked in at No. 21 in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll, which was released Sept. 8. The Associated Press poll comes out later in the day. The Hawkeyes began the season ranked 22nd in both the AP Poll and the US LBM Coaches Poll. There was a lot to like about Iowa's 2026 season opening win vs. Northern Illinois. Iowa pitched a shutout in a 40-0 rout. Running back Kamari Moulton rushed for a career-high 183 yards. Receiver Tony Diaz had a strong Iowa debut, leading the Hawkeyes with seven catches for 84 yards. Iowa outgained Northern Illinois 507-120 in total yardage. The Hawkeyes got a special teams touchdown from Furman transfer Evan James, who took a punt to the house. Up next, Iowa hosts Iowa State in the Cy-Hawk rivalry. The Cyclones have gotten the best of the Hawkeyes in each of the last two matchups. But Iowa State has embarked on a new era after head coach Matt Campbell and key players left Ames for Penn State. In their first game under new head coach Jimmy Rogers, Iowa State beat Southeast Missouri State 38-10. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor scored four touchdowns on the day: Two through the air and two on the ground. Though Iowa State is expected to be in a rebuilding season, the Cyclones should still present a step up in competition after Iowa's demolition of Northern Illinois. Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at TTachman@usatodayco.com This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: Where Iowa football stands in national polls ahead of Cy-Hawk rivalry