Iowa football got its 2026 season off to a roaring start, racing past Northern Illinois on Saturday afternoon in 40-0 shutout fashion from Kinnick Stadium.
Fourth-year quarterback Hank Brown got the start and the Nashville, Tenn., product did not disappoint. Brown was sharp as he directed touchdown drives on each of the Hawkeyes’ first three possessions.
Brown finished 12 of 20 passing for 129 yards with a touchdown pass. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound signal-caller made Kirk Ferentz and Tim Lester’s decision to tab him as the season-opening starter look like a great one. Transfer receiver Tony Diaz impressed and veteran back Kamari Moulton ran wild.
Iowa’s defense was just magnificent as NIU could do nothing offensively all day long. The Hawkeyes also came up with a pair of turnovers.
Deshaun Lee picked off a pass and Ty Hudkins recovered a fumble.
Hawkeye fans and media had plenty of reactions to Iowa’s big season-opening performance:
How are you loving this new Iowa offense we have WRssssss #iloveit#gohawks#hawkeyes
— Marvin McNutt (@McNutt7wr) September 5, 2026
Look, if Iowa has an offense AND a defense, we might be cooked. https://t.co/oAUFTatsGV
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) September 5, 2026
ALERT THE AUTHORITIES IOWA HAS A RECEIVER
— Lucy Rohden (@lucy_rohden) September 5, 2026
I don’t know how the hell Iowa ended up with Tony Diaz but I haven’t had this much fun watching an Iowa WR since they had DJK and McNutt. And Diaz appears even more explosive.
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) September 5, 2026
No troll Iowa has a DUDE at receiver and it makes zero sense https://t.co/R5lgZspQUr
— Liam Blutman (@Blutman27) September 5, 2026
Sure feels like Tony Diaz has been open on damn near every play today.
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) September 5, 2026
Tony Diaz is open every single play.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) September 5, 2026
Iowa is replacing a bunch of starters on D but as I said they could replace all 11 and if they have Phil Parker as DC never assume they rebuild and it’s a reloading situation.
— Scott (@IndyHawk89) September 5, 2026
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The Iowa Hawkeyes in the Year 2026.
This is not your slightly older brother’s Iowa offense. pic.twitter.com/Ad8TTQe6Ym
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) September 5, 2026
Hank Brown pic.twitter.com/1Fnc9DBsDm
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) September 5, 2026
Beyond head coaches that get the love they deserve for championship-level consistency (you know who they are), I’d venture to say Iowa DC Phil Parker and Ohio State strength coach Mickey Marotti have been as good at their job as anyone in the profession. pic.twitter.com/Em1NUN8SZB
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) September 5, 2026
Hank Brown just won the starting QB job with that INT
— Hawkeye Recruiting (@Iowa_Recruiting) September 5, 2026
Deshaun Lee scheduled interception
— Grant (@BigTenGrant) September 5, 2026
Evan James to the house 💨
📺: @BigTenNetworkpic.twitter.com/DN2WLHQ9b2
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) September 5, 2026
Evan James is your punter returner.
— From the Hawkeye of the Storm (@FromTheHawkeye) September 5, 2026
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 Josh on X: @JoshOnHawks
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Fans, media react to Iowa football shutout vs. Northern Illinois
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