logo
USA TODAY Sports shares Big Ten, Iowa football preseason poll

USA TODAY Sports shares Big Ten, Iowa football preseason poll

USA Today5 days ago
USA TODAY Sports released its preseason Big Ten poll, and it's not what Hawkeye fans were hoping to see.
Teams were ranked first through 18th with a total points system used to rank teams: a first-place prediction equaled one point and last was 18. The team with the fewest points was ranked first.
Unfortunately for Iowa, it doesn't seem like the voters are as high on the Hawkeyes as some fans are. Let's take a closer look at Iowa's place on the list compared to the rest of the conference.
Where does Iowa rank in USA TODAY's Big Ten preseason poll?
Iowa was picked to finish 10th in USA TODAY's preseason Big Ten poll with 86 total points. They were just behind a tie for eighth place and comfortably ahead of 11th.
Nebraska and Washington tied for eighth place with 85 points, putting the Hawkeyes one point away from being higher on this poll. Minnesota finished 11th in the poll, with 112 points. Penn State is at the top of the poll and received the most votes to win the conference. Here's a look at the entire preseason poll and the points for each team.
Iowa will look to outperform its preseason projection from USA TODAY in 2025. To do so, they'll need a great year from quarterback Mark Gronowski, the offensive skill position players to step up and some new contributors to rise on defense.
With a veteran coach in Kirk Ferentz and a pair of exciting coordinators, I wouldn't put it past the Hawkeyes to finish better than 10th in the Big Ten this season.
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
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

5 Alabama football position battles to monitor during 2025 fall camp
5 Alabama football position battles to monitor during 2025 fall camp

USA Today

time5 minutes ago

  • USA Today

5 Alabama football position battles to monitor during 2025 fall camp

Football season has now officially arrived for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Yes, after a lengthy break during the summer months, the Crimson Tide will once again be back on the football field this upcoming week for the start of fall camp. A multi-week span leading up to Alabama's first game, fall camp is not only a period of time where the anticipation for the upcoming season continues to build for all, but it is also where the Crimson Tide put the finishing touches on things prior to playing meaningful games. Similar to years past as well, there will be multiple position battles for the Crimson Tide this fall that are set to take center stage, some of which are at key positions. Here are five position battles to monitor throughout fall camp for the Crimson Tide, as well as some names to know at each spot. Quarterback Kalen DeBoer recently stated at SEC media days that if Alabama had to play a game, then Ty Simpson would likely be the starter. However, Simpson will still likely have to go out and win the job during fall camp over Keelon Russell and Austin Mack, with these next couple of weeks likely deciding who starts Week 1 at Florida State. Left Guard As the Crimson Tide replace Tyler Booker at left guard this season, there are likely two names competing this fall for that starting spot in Kam Dewberry and Geno VanDeMark. With both certain to see significant time this season, the duo will likely compete in fall camp to determine who starts at left guard Week 1 at Florida State. Inside Linebacker Alabama has a starting inside linebacker returning in Deontae Lawson, but also have to replace a key starter from a year ago in Jihaad Campbell. In that competition, Justin Jefferson is undoubtedly the favorite, but another name to know is Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green, who will also play significant snaps this season. Punter Special teams in general will be a talking point for Alabama entering the season, but the punter position in particular might be one to watch this fall. Blake Doud is the arguable favorite to start entering fall camp after transferring into the program, but will be battling for the starting spot with incoming freshman Alex Asparuhov. Right Tackle Lastly, left guard is not the only position along Alabama's offensive line to monitor during fall camp, as the same can be said for right tackle. Wilkin Formby is likely the favorite to start entering fall camp, but there are certainly many others who are in the mix as well. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

Paul Finebaum reacts to Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith being called best in college football
Paul Finebaum reacts to Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith being called best in college football

USA Today

time35 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Paul Finebaum reacts to Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith being called best in college football

Sometimes you hear things you just can't believe, especially when a precedent has been set. ESPN's Paul Finebaum's rise to fame came from being the mouthpiece of the SEC. At times it's warranted, and at other times it feels like a schtick to how he plays things up and riles up opposing fanbases not drinking sweet tea and eating grits. And while Finebaum has given Ohio State credit in the past, more often than not, teams and players performing athletic feats in the game of football in the south often get the benefit of the doubt. Color me and a lot of others surprised then by the way Finebaum reacted to the question of whether or not Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith was the best in college football. ESPN's unofficial SEC mascot didn't even hesitate when asked the question on a segment of "Get Up" on the "worldwide leader." 'That he is, he's so good, Greeny. You know, doing the draft, where he would have gone last year, it's incredible he has to stay in college with all the convoluted rules, 'Finebaum said. 'The biggest issue they had last year with Chip Kelly calling the plays was getting him the ball enough. Remember, in the Michigan game. He didn't get the ball enough in the Texas game. I think that will change this year, but he is without a doubt the best player in the game.' I wouldn't say Finebaum's response is shocking, but it might be a little surprising. However, when you have a talent like Smith, who almost every national media member believes is the best player in college football, sometimes it's so obvious that going against it just doesn't make any sense. Heck, even Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was drinking the scarlet and gray colored Kool-Aid when asked about Smith at Big Ten football media days. Finebaum does bring up a good point, though. Can the Ohio State coaching staff and new quarterback get Smith the ball enough in some of the most important games to pull out wins that could mean the difference between a Big Ten and College Football Playoff national championship, and simply having another really good year? Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.

Baltimore Raven's first-round pick Malaki Starks amazed at Kyle Hamilton's football IQ
Baltimore Raven's first-round pick Malaki Starks amazed at Kyle Hamilton's football IQ

USA Today

time35 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Baltimore Raven's first-round pick Malaki Starks amazed at Kyle Hamilton's football IQ

During the NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens used its first-round pick on Georgia safety Malaki Starks, with the intention for pairing him up with former Notre Dame superstar Kyle Hamilton to make an elite duo. While the rookie hasn't been with the team long, he already knows that he's going to be playing alongside one of the best in the NFL. When asked about his new teammate, he gave a glowing review of Hamilton. 'There's levels, and Kyle is on that top level… He's so smart,' said Starks to the media on Friday. We are seeing it once again, that Hamilton isn't just a great football player, but a leader inside the locker room. His professional career is off to an amazing start, as he's made the Pro Bowl twice, was a First-team All-Pro in 2023, and a Second-team All-Pro in 2024. The duo could be roaming the Raven's secondary for years to come, and it could turn out to be one of the best set of safeties in the NFL. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store