16. Indiana - The Athletic
Coming off the program’s first Top 25 season since 1988, IU will welcome back star QB Michael Penix Jr., whose season was cut short by an ACL tear, and All-America WR Ty Fryfogle. The Hoosiers must replace RB Stevie Scott. Walk-on Davion Ervin-Poindexter earned coach Tom Allen’s praise coming out of spring.New DC Charlton Warren inherits a loaded defense led by All-Americans LB Micah McFadden and CB Tiawan Mullen. Sixth-year DB Marcelino McCrary-Ball returns after missing last season. DT Demarcus Elliott was a breakout performer this spring.
All-Big Ten running back Tyler Goodson should help bolster an offense that closed out strong last season. (Jeffrey Becker / USA Today)
14. Iowa
Returning QB Spencer Petras, who closed strong last season, fended off competitors for his job this spring. He can lean on All-Big Ten RB Tyler Goodson and C Tyler Linderbaum and TE Sam LaPorta. Junior WR Tyrone Tracy looks to be the Hawkeyes’ No. 1 receiver and four-star freshman Keagan Johnson made his case for a starting job.Super senior DE Zach VanValkenburg is the only returning starter on Iowa’s D-line. Redshirt freshman Yahya Black may be one of the next guys up. The back seven returns nearly intact, led by LB Jack Campbell. Punter Tory Taylor is a weapon.
Iowa will have a stronger Week 2 showdown, while Indiana's top non-conference showdown comes in Week 3.