The 2026 college football season brings another high-stakes year for the Iowa football team under head coach Kirk Ferentz. The University of Iowa competes in the Big Ten Conference, bringing physical play and tough defense.
The Hawkeyes enter the fall with high expectations at Kinnick Stadium. Fans anticipate fierce rivalry matchups and a push toward the conference championship.
Tracking down where to watch games requires knowing the latest television agreements. We mapped out the complete Iowa Football schedule 2026 below, listing every opponent, date, kickoff time, and broadcast channel.
What channel is the Iowa football game on?
Big Ten television rights involve multiple major networks. You will find Hawkeyes games scattered across FOX, CBS, NBC, and the Big Ten Network. Streaming services like Peacock and Paramount+ also claim exclusive rights to certain conference matchups.
Iowa Football Schedule 2026
The 2026 slate includes seven physical matchups inside Kinnick Stadium and demanding road trips across the Midwest.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV |
| Sep. 5 | Northern Illinois | 4:15 PM | BTN |
| Sep. 12 | Iowa State | 7:30 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Sep. 19 | Northern Iowa | 4:00 PM | FS1 |
| Sep. 26 | at Michigan | TBA | TBA |
| Oct. 3 | Ohio State | TBA | TBA |
| Oct. 9 (Fri) | at Washington | 9:00 PM | FOX / FS1 |
| Oct. 17 | OFF | – | – |
| Oct. 24 | at Minnesota | TBA | TBA |
| Oct. 31 | Wisconsin | TBA | TBA |
| Nov. 7 | at Northwestern | TBA | TBA |
| Nov. 14 | Purdue | TBA | TBA |
| Nov. 21 | at Illinois | TBA | TBA |
| Nov. 27 (Fri) | Nebraska | 12:00 PM | CBS / Paramount+ |
| Dec. 5 | Big Ten Championship | 8:00 PM | FOX |
Where to watch Iowa football?
The latest television contracts distribute Big Ten games across three traditional broadcast giants. FOX secures the biggest early games for its noon window. CBS takes over the afternoon slot, while NBC broadcasts evening prime-time matchups.
Traditional cable and satellite subscribers generally receive the Big Ten Network, FS1, and local affiliates in their standard packages. Viewers with a digital antenna can access local FOX, CBS, and NBC stations for free over the air.
Cord-cutters rely on internet television providers to follow the season. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV offer channel lineups that include the necessary sports networks. Double-check your local listings before purchasing.
Standalone streaming apps claim specific games during the year. NBC places occasional conference games exclusively on Peacock. CBS airs its assigned afternoon games on television while simulcasting them live via the Paramount+ application.
Fans traveling on game day can listen to the live radio broadcast. The Hawkeye Radio Network spans across the state, bringing local play-by-play coverage. SiriusXM satellite radio also provides dedicated Big Ten channels for national listeners.
Buying tickets to see the team in person offers the best game day atmosphere. Kinnick Stadium holds over 69,000 fans, creating one of the loudest home-field advantages in the entire sport.
Editorial Disclaimer: Conference officials and television networks retain the right to adjust kickoff times. Flex scheduling rules allow networks to finalize start times and channel assignments just six to twelve days prior to Saturday.
