By state
Iowa teams
The longest-tenured coach in the sport, a defense-first identity that has barely changed in a quarter century, and the most affecting tradition in college football.
Programs
Football in Iowa
Iowa
The Wave
The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital overlooks Kinnick Stadium. At the end of the first quarter of every home game, the entire stadium — players, officials, and both sets of supporters — turns and waves to the children watching from the upper floors.
It began in 2017 and became universal almost immediately, including among visiting teams. It is the rare tradition that opposing fans join without hesitation.
Iowa
Continuity as strategy
Kirk Ferentz has been Iowa's head coach since 1999, making him the longest-tenured head coach in the FBS by a wide margin. In a sport where staffs turn over constantly, that is close to unheard of.
The identity has been just as consistent: defense, special teams, offensive line play, and a low tolerance for mistakes. Iowa has produced a steady stream of professional linemen and tight ends from a state that does not generate recruits in volume, which is a development story rather than a recruiting one.
Iowa
The Cy-Hawk game
Iowa plays Iowa State annually for the Cy-Hawk Trophy, a fixture that divides the state and opens most seasons. Iowa opens 2026 ranked 22nd and hosts Iowa State in September.
Leagues
Conferences represented
FAQ
Iowa football questions
Which college football teams are in Iowa?
This site covers the Iowa Hawkeyes, based in Iowa City and competing in the Big Ten. Coverage is being expanded program by program.
What is the Iowa Wave?
At the end of the first quarter of each home game, everyone in Kinnick Stadium turns and waves to children watching from the adjacent children's hospital. It began in 2017 and is observed by visiting teams and supporters too.
How long has Kirk Ferentz coached Iowa?
Since 1999, which makes him the longest-tenured head coach in major college football by a considerable margin.
What is the Cy-Hawk Trophy?
The trophy awarded to the winner of the annual game between Iowa and Iowa State, the state's main college football rivalry.