Iowa
How to watch Iowa Hawkeyes football game streaming free today: TV channel, odds, prediction
The No. 25 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes face the Illinois State Redbirds hoping to showcase their new offense and cruise to a win in Week 1 of the 2024 college football season today. This game kicks off at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET (11 a.m. CT) on Saturday, August 31 with a live broadcast on Big Ten Network, and streaming live on demand.
• WATCH: Iowa vs. Illinois State live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial), or see more streaming options listed below.
The Hawkeyes have a proven, top-ranked defense. But the offense really struggled to find points at times last season. Lucky for the Hawkeyes, they return top tight end Luke Lachey. who looks poised to have a bright NFL future. Iowa also has a new offensive coordinator in Tim Lester, hopefully paving the way for a new look offense that can help balance this team going forward. Prediction: The Hawkeyes are very comfortable 23-point favorites in this game, but the Hawkeyes have yet to show they can score efficiently. But the point total for this game is set at only 40.5 points combined. With that in mind, I’m expecting Iowa to win, but I think they fail to cover the 23-point spread.
What TV channel is the Iowa vs. Illinois State game on today?
When: Kickoff takes place at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT) on Friday, August 30
Where: Kinnick Stadium | Iowa City, Iowa
TV Channel: Big Ten Network
How to watch live stream online: If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you are out of free trials, the cheapest and best way to watch this game and more football this month is by signing up for Sling (promotional offers, cheapest streaming plans), which costs around $31 for the first month if you add the “Sports Extra” package that includes Big Ten Network and a few other sports channels. If you already have a cable or satellite subscription already, you can watch the game on FOX Sports Live by signing in with your provider information.
What TV channel is Big Ten Network on?
You can find out more about which channel Big Ten Network is on in your area by using the channel finders here:: Comcast Xfinity, DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon Fios, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice.
Iowa vs. Illinois State spread, betting odds
Moneyline: IOWA: -5000 | ISU: +1800
Point spread: IOWA: -23 | ISU: +23
Over/Under: 40.5
The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, but not without the Iowa Hawkeyes once again sending a healthy group to the next level. Iowa saw another class of NFL prospects hear their names called and find out where their new homes will be.
As is the norm for Iowa, this draft class was headlined by offensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive line talent, which is fitting. This is how Iowa wins so many games under Kirk Ferentz, and it is a direct correlation to this program’s ability to mold and develop talent into NFL stars.
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While this class of draft prospects gets set to make their way to their new NFL homes, check out the recap of where each player is headed, along with where they were taken in this year’s draft.
Logan Jones
Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) celebrates a touchdown in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
Team: Chicago Bears
Round: 2
Pick: 57
Gennings Dunker
Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Gennings Dunker (67), center, stands with teammates for the national anthem Nov. 8, 2025 before a Big Ten Football game against the Oregon Ducks at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Round: 3
Pick: 96
Kaden Wetjen
Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) celebrates with teammates after returning the opening kick off for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Round: 4
Pick: 121
Beau Stephens
Iowa offensive lineman Beau Stephens (70) celebrates with running back Kaleb Johnson in the second quarter against Nebraska during a NCAA football game on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowavsneb 20221125 Bh
Team: 4
Round: 148
Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Karson Sharar
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – NOVEMBER 28: Karson Sharar #43 of the Iowa Hawkeyes forces a fumble from Jacory Barney Jr. #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers on a punt return during the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
Team: Arizona Cardinals
Round: 6
Pick: 183
T.J. Hall
Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) celebrates after an incomplete pass against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
Team: New Orleans Saints
Round: 7
Pick: 219
Max Llewellyn
Sep 14, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Max Llewellyn (48) reacts after a sack during the third quarter against the Troy Trojans at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Team: Miami Dolphins
Round: 7
Pick: 238
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : Iowa football 2026 NFL Draft recap, player’s picks, selections, teams
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and president of football operations John Schneider met with media following day one of the NFL draft and discuss the decision to stay and pick at 32, what makes running back Jadarian Price special, how Price will fit into the offense and more at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue beefing up their offensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft after previously taking Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round.
After trading picks No. 99 and 216 to the Seattle Seahawks for No. 96, the Steelers selected Iowa’s Gennings Dunker.
Dunker was a right tackle for the Hawkeyes, where he was a huge part of helping the team win the Joe Moore Award in 2025 as the nation’s top offensive line.
As for how he projects to the next level, however, Dunker is likely to move inside for the Steelers at 6-foot-5 and 319 pounds and could compete with Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman for the starting job at left guard.
Dunker is a better run blocker than pass protector, but he is feisty in all facets of the game and possesses a ton of strength while also being rather technically sound.
A fan-favorite with his mullet and contagious personality, Dunker should fit right in with Pittsburgh.
James Campen Offers Thoughts on Dunker
Speaking with reporters after the pick was made, Steelers offensive line coach James Campen listed some of the traits that drew him to Dunker.
“He is an aggressive kid,” Campen said. “Good football player. They’re so well-coached at Iowa. They come out and have established pad level and footwork. I’ve got a lot of respect for that football program, and the people who run it, but to be able to get a guy like him, a big, powerful kid that has position flexibility and has shown leadership in his play, his play style is really unique.”
While confirming that he is slated to primarily line up at guard, Campen also shared that Dunker’s Senior Bowl participation allowed his leadership to shine through.
“You always look for guys that are first in line doing things that are challenging or different like he did at the Senior Bowl. He was first in line to go and do new drills and things like that. So I’m sure there’s some leadership qualities there too.
“But we’re very excited to have him and to add to the O-line room. We’ll get him in here and take a look at him. I think at this point he’ll be at the guard position, and tackle will be his second position. But again, when you get players like this, you can always try to figure out which way he’s going to go. So, competition is good in those areas. So, he’ll probably end up playing a little bit of both, but primarily guard.”
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