IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa football team is ranked No. 25 in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25 released on Monday. 

Iowa’s national ranking in the AP Poll marks the 27th time in program history, and 10th time during the Kirk Ferentz era, that the Hawkeyes earned a preseason ranking in the AP Poll. 

The Hawkeyes won eight games a year ago, including a 21-0 shutout over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl. Iowa returns 15 starters, six on offense and defense, and three specialists. 

Iowa is one of five Big Ten universities ranked in the preseason poll, joining Michigan (2), Ohio State (3), Penn State (7), and Wisconsin (19). 

Iowa’s first six home games of 2023 are sold out. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase at hawkeyesports.com/tickets for the home finale against Illinois on Nov. 18 at Kinnick Stadium. 

The No. 25 Hawkeyes open their season against Utah State on Sept. 2. The sold-out game is set for an 11 a.m. (CT) kickoff.