Kirk Ferentz Excluded from College Football 26 List

Iowa Football Faces Quarterback Crossroads as Ferentz Era Continues in ‘College Football 26’

IOWA CITY, IA – The Iowa Hawkeyes football program is at a pivotal juncture, needing to address significant offensive struggles as they prepare for the upcoming season. A key area of focus will be the quarterback position, following a 2024 campaign that failed to meet expectations.

While the team looks to rebound on the field, longtime head coach Kirk Ferentz will not be featured in the upcoming “College Football 26” video game. Despite this omission, expectations remain high for Ferentz to guide the Hawkeyes to continued success in the real world.

The need for quarterback enhancement comes amidst a broader conversation about recruiting realities for the program, as highlighted in recent reports. Iowa’s ability to attract and develop top-tier talent at the position will be crucial for future competitiveness.

Beyond the Headlines: The Hawkeyes’ Offensive Identity

Iowa football has traditionally built its success on a strong running game and a stout defense. However, the modern college football landscape increasingly demands a more dynamic passing attack. The Hawkeyes’ recent offensive output underscores the necessity of finding a quarterback capable of elevating the team’s aerial game.

this isn’t simply about raw arm talent. Iowa’s system often requires a quarterback who excels in decision-making, accuracy on short to intermediate routes, and the ability to manage the game effectively. the program’s success hinges on finding a player who can seamlessly integrate into this established framework while providing the spark needed to unlock the offense’s full potential.Looking Ahead: Iowa’s Place in the Big ten

The Big Ten Conference is undergoing a period of significant change, with the addition of new teams and a heightened level of competition. For Iowa to remain a consistent contender, addressing the quarterback situation is paramount.

The Hawkeyes’ commitment to fundamental football and disciplined play remains a strength. Though, they must adapt and evolve to keep pace with the evolving demands of the conference. A capable quarterback will be instrumental in navigating this new era and ensuring Iowa continues to represent the Big Ten with pride.

Further Reading:

Indiana Fever & Caitlin Clark: https://www.si.com/college/iowa/basketball/indiana-fever-get-massive-caitlin-clark-update-on-tuesday
NFL Hawkeyes: https://www.si.com/college/iowa/football/former-iowa-hawkeyes-star-anchors-one-of-nfl-s-best-offensive-lines
iowa Basketball’s Rising Star: https://www.si.com/college/iowa/basketball/dick-vitale-new-iowa-hawkeyes-basketball-prime-time-player-ben-mccollum-bennett-stirtz
Recruiting Challenges: https://www.si.com/college/iowa/football/iowa-hawkeyes-kirk-ferentz-must-accept-harsh-recruiting-reality
* Basketball Recruiting Win: https://www.si.com/college/iowa/basketball/iowa-hawkeyes-shockingly-steal-top-recruit-uconn-huskies

To what extent do recent off-field issues impact perceptions of Kirk Ferentz’s coaching legacy?

Kirk Ferentz Excluded from College Football 26 List: A Deep Dive

The Controversy Surrounding Kirk Ferentz and the CFB 26

The recent announcement of the College Football 26 – a list compiled by The Athletic ranking the top 26 coaches in college football – sparked considerable debate, largely due to the conspicuous absence of Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz. This omission has ignited passionate discussion among fans, analysts, and media personalities, questioning the criteria used and the overall validity of the rankings. This article examines the reasons behind ferentz’s exclusion, his career achievements, and the arguments for and against his inclusion in such a prestigious list. We’ll explore the impact of recent performance, offensive struggles, and the evolving landscape of college football coaching.

Ferentz’s Career Overview: Consistency and Longevity

Kirk Ferentz has been the head coach at the University of Iowa since 1999, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in college football. His career is marked by remarkable consistency, building a program known for its strong defense and disciplined play.

Overall Record: As of July 9, 2025, Ferentz boasts an extraordinary overall record of 182-110.

Big Ten Championships: He has led the Hawkeyes to three Big Ten Championships (2004, 2009, 2015).

Bowl Game Appearances: Ferentz has guided Iowa to 19 bowl games, demonstrating a consistent ability to achieve postseason success.

Rose Bowl Appearances: Two Rose Bowl appearances (2003, 2016) highlight the program’s peak achievements under his leadership.

Winning Seasons: A remarkable streak of 23 consecutive non-losing seasons speaks to his sustained success.

This level of sustained success is rare in the modern era of college football, where coaching tenures are frequently enough shorter. However,recent trends have contributed to the debate surrounding his ranking.

Why Was Ferentz Left Off the College Football 26?

Several factors likely contributed to Ferentz’s exclusion from The Athletic’s list. The primary criticisms center around Iowa’s offensive struggles in recent years and a perceived lack of innovation in his coaching approach.

Offensive Production: A Major Point of Contention

Iowa’s offense has consistently ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten and nationally in key statistical categories, including scoring offense, total offense, and passing offense. This has become a significant talking point for critics.

Recent Offensive Rankings: In the 2024 season, Iowa ranked 118th nationally in total offense.

Quarterback Development: Concerns have been raised regarding the development of quarterbacks under Ferentz’s system.

Playcalling Criticism: Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz (Kirk’s son) faced significant scrutiny for conservative playcalling and a lack of explosive plays. (Brian Ferentz was not retained after the 2024 season).

Impact on Recruiting: The offensive struggles have possibly impacted Iowa’s ability to recruit top offensive talent.

The Evolving Landscape of College Football

The college football landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, including the introduction of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Some argue that Ferentz has been slow to adapt to these changes.

Transfer Portal Utilization: Iowa has not been as active in the transfer portal as some other programs, potentially missing opportunities to address immediate needs.

NIL Strategy: While Iowa has a NIL collective, it’s perceived as less aggressive than those at other Big Ten schools.

Offensive Scheme Modernization: The demand for more dynamic and pass-heavy offenses is increasing, and Iowa’s traditional, run-focused approach has been questioned.

Arguments for Kirk Ferentz’s inclusion

Despite the criticisms, there are compelling arguments for why Ferentz should have been included in the College Football 26.

Consistent Winning and Program Stability

Ferentz has built a consistently competitive program at Iowa, a feat that shouldn’t be overlooked. Maintaining a high level of success for over two decades is a testament to his coaching ability and program management skills.

Defensive Prowess

Iowa consistently fields one of the top defenses in the Big Ten and nationally. This defensive strength has been a hallmark of Ferentz’s tenure.

Defensive Rankings: Iowa ranked 14th nationally in total defense in 2024.

Linebacker tradition: Iowa is renowned for its development of outstanding linebackers.

* Defensive Scheme: Ferentz’s defensive scheme is known for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Big Ten Success

Iowa has consistently competed for Big Ten championships under Ferentz, demonstrating its ability to contend with the conference’s elite programs.

The Impact of Recent Off-Field Issues

In early 2024, allegations of racial discrimination within the Iowa football program surfaced, leading to an internal examination and a settlement with multiple former players. While the investigation concluded, the controversy undoubtedly cast a shadow over the program and potentially influenced perceptions of Ferentz’s leadership. This situation added another layer of complexity to the debate surrounding his coaching tenure and ranking.

Looking Ahead: Ferentz’s Future at Iowa

Despite the challenges, Kirk Ferentz remains the head coach at Iowa. The program is undergoing changes, including