Inside The Hawkeyes

Fans React To Iowa's Shocking CFP Ranking

Even after losing to Oregon, the Iowa Hawkeyes were still recognized by the College Football Playoff committee.
Jordon Lawrenz|
Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Hayden Large (88) runs for extra yards after a catch Nov. 8, 2025 during a Big Ten Football game at Kinnick Stadium against the Oregon Ducks in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Hayden Large (88) runs for extra yards after a catch Nov. 8, 2025 during a Big Ten Football game at Kinnick Stadium against the Oregon Ducks in Iowa City, Iowa. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Iowa Hawkeyes

Somehow, the 6-3 (4-2) Iowa Hawkeyes are still ranked. It seemed like a fever dream after their 18-16 loss to No. 9 Oregon at home, but the College Football Playoff committee showed their respect.

Iowa finds itself ranked No. 21, having fallen just one spot after their loss to the Ducks. Iowa fans never expected to still be ranked, but fans across college football are questioning the committee's decision.

Fans Left Shocked At Iowa's No. 21 Ranking

To no surprise, the committee's decision to rank Iowa left fans stunned. One questioned, "Iowa still ranked? Lmao." For quite some time, fans thought there was an SEC bias. Now, the CFP is giving fans reason to question their thoughts on the B1G.

This fan believed in Iowa, but didn't think they'd stay as high as they did, "I thought Iowa would stay in the Top 25. But I didn't think they'd only drop 1 spot!"

"Yeah I’m honestly shocked. The quality of wins they have don’t really scream “rank me” imo. I honestly think USC is gunna smoke them this weekend though," one fan commented.

The upcoming USC vs. Iowa game will be extremely interesting as once again it is a ranked vs. ranked matchup. Somehow though, CBS opted to air Michigan State vs. Penn State while this game is stuck on the Big Ten Network.

This fan tried to argue their case for another team, "BYU has a win over a ranked team. Iowa doesn't have one that's even close."

Another argued the opposite, "Tennessee doesn't deserve it. Iowa does. 2 losses by single digits combined to 2 playoff teams."

"Iowa lost at home," one fan said in a simple response. They had everything going for them against Oregon, but still found a way to let the game slip away in the end. One can only imagine where they'd be had they taken care of business at Kinnick.

"Tennessee and Iowa shouldn't be here," another commented as this fan wrote, "BYU got manhandled by Texas Tech. Iowa only lost on an Oregon miracle."

One could easily argue it wasn't a "miracle", however just a matter of Iowa's defense failing to step up when their team needed them the most. Regardless, Iowa is still ranked.

"Iowa drops one spot after losing to #9. BYU drops 5 spots after losing to #8. Makes sense," another fan argued. There was another fan frustrated with their ranking, "Iowa?? I guess when they lose next week to USC, they'll only drop to 22. Gotta have as many Big 10 teams ranked as possible.

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Jordon Lawrenz
JORDON LAWRENZ

Jordon Lawrenz serves as the Eastern United States College Recruiting beat writer On SI. Jordon is an accomplished writer covering the NFL, MLB, and college football/basketball. He has contributed to PFSN’s and Heavy’s NFL coverage. Having graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay with a Sports Communication and Journalism degree, Jordon fully embraced the sports writing lifestyle upon his relocation to Florida.

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