IOWA CITY, as excitement builds for the July 10 release of College Football 26 (or July 7 for those with early access), EA has unveiled its official player ratings for all 134 FBS programs, including the Iowa Hawkeyes. While Iowa fans might be used to seeing strong defensive showings on the field, that trend carries over to the digital gridiron, too.
Top Hawkeyes Revealed in College Football 26
The Hawkeyes' defense ranks No. 24 nationally in the game with a solid 84 rating, and five of their 10 highest-rated players come from the defensive side. Offensively, Iowa doesn't crack the top 25, a reflection of the team's real-life struggles last season, but still boasts several individual standouts.
And for fans hoping to build a powerhouse dynasty or dominate online matchups, those investing in College Football 26 Coins may find themselves targeting Iowa's elite defenders to round out their rosters.
Here's a breakdown of Iowa's top 10 players in College Football 26 and what makes each one stand out:
1. Sr. DT Aaron Graves, 91 Overall
Graves anchors the Iowa defense in both reality and the game. Starting all 13 games in 2024, the Dayton native totaled eight tackles for loss and six sacks, earning him recognition as the fifth-highest rated defensive tackle in the game. He's a force in the trenches and a must-have for defensive-minded players using their College Football 26 Coins wisely.
2. Sr. RT Gennings Dunker, 91 Overall
Tied with Graves atop Iowa's ratings is right tackle Gennings Dunker. Known for his dominance in pass protection, Dunker graded as one of the best tackles in college football according to Pro Football Focus. He ranks as the ninth-best tackle and sixth-best right tackle in the game. Notably, former Iowa transfer Kadyn Proctor, now back at Alabama, leads all tackles with a 94 rating.
3. Gr. C Logan Jones, 90 Overall
Jones was PFF's No. 4 center last year and returns as Iowa's anchor in the middle. His consistency and intelligence make him one of the more under-the-radar assets for offensive line builds, especially for gamers looking to spend College Football 26 Coins on solid, high-value interior linemen.
4. Sr. DB Xavier Nwankpa, 90 Overall
Nwankpa, a former five-star recruit, brings elite athleticism and versatility. He appeared in all 13 games in 2024, starting 10, and logged 41 total tackles. Listed at free safety in the game, he's a game-changer on the back end and represents one of the best defensive backs available from Iowa.
When asked how much stock players put into their ratings, Nwankpa admitted, "A little bit... I feel like last year, some guys were a little more upset with their rankings."
5. Gr. DE Ethan Hurkett, 88 Overall
The Hawkeyes' top pass-rusher last season, Hurkett led the team in tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (6.5). His explosive ability off the edge, along with three forced fumbles, makes him an impact defender and a solid investment for defense-heavy builds in the game.
6. Sr. K Drew Stevens, 85 Overall
Special teams matter, and Stevens delivers. He nailed 20-of-23 field goals in 2024, including a 54-yarder that matched his career best. Perfect on extra points (40-for-40), Stevens brings consistency and range to the kicker position.
7. So. P Rhys Dakin, 85 Overall
Replacing Tory Taylor was no easy task, but Dakin delivered. Averaging 44.1 yards per punt and dropping nearly half of his kicks inside the 20-yard line, Dakin has quickly emerged as one of the top punters in the country. For players who value field position, he's a hidden gem worth grabbing with your College Football 26 Coins.
8. So. RB Kamari Moulton, 85 Overall
Though he lost the starting job early to Kaleb Johnson, Moulton showed flashes of brilliance in limited action. Rushing for 473 yards and three scores on 84 carries, the sophomore still finds himself in the top 10, offering solid depth for gamers in need of a power runner.
9. Sr. TE Addison Ostrenga, 83 Overall
It wouldn't be Iowa football without a tight end in the spotlight. Ostrenga tallied 15 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown over eight games. His blocking and reliable hands make him a well-rounded option in the virtual world.
10. Sr. DE Max Llewellyn, 83 Overall
Llewellyn cemented his legacy with a game-changing strip-sack against Nebraska in the Heroes Game, setting up the winning field goal. He finished with 8 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, rounding out Iowa's top-rated defenders in the game.
11. Honorable Mention: Sr. DB TJ Hall, 82 Overall
Hall started seven games in 2024 and contributed with an interception, fumble recovery, and three passes defended. Though just outside the top 10, he's another valuable defender in Iowa's well-rounded secondary.
Final Thoughts
While Iowa's offensive rankings leave room for improvement, its top-end talent on defense and special teams should give gamers plenty to work with. Players looking to build a squad rich in physicality and discipline may find the Hawkeyes to be an underrated yet effective choice, especially when used strategically with College Football 26 Coins to boost key positions.
Whether you're aiming to recreate Iowa's defensive dominance or just hunting for value in the game's vast player pool, the Hawkeyes bring grit, power, and a few hidden gems to your College Football 26 experience.
