Ferentz Slams ESPN Over CFP Ranking Coverage
The Iowa coach criticized the network's handling of the College Football Playoff rankings reveal ahead of Tuesday night's show.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz criticized ESPN's coverage of the College Football Playoff rankings reveal during a Tuesday media availability, saying the network promotes the sports it carries. The first CFP rankings reveal is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Tuesday, with Iowa ranked No. 20.
Why it matters
The Big Ten has no TV deal with ESPN, instead holding multi-year broadcasting rights with Fox Sports, NBC and CBS, which frames Ferentz's remarks as a complaint about a network outside the conference's media partners. Iowa, which has not reached the College Football Playoff under Ferentz since 2014, is seeking to re-enter the conversation after a 2-2 stretch following a 4-0 start.
Iowa's 30-0 shutout of Wisconsin and its No. 2 Big Ten scoring defense are the team's most recent measurable strengths, while its 2-2 record since starting 4-0 is the figure driving its ranking position at No. 20. Iowa has not made the College Football Playoff under Ferentz since 2014, and the official bracket will not be set until December 6.
The players
Kirk Ferentz
Iowa's longtime head football coach, who has led the program for more than two decades and is known for his steady, defense-focused approach.
ESPN
The sports broadcaster that carries the College Football Playoff rankings coverage and is the network Ferentz criticized in his remarks.
The details
Ferentz made the remarks during a Tuesday media availability, saying ESPN promotes the sports it carries and suggesting that is the context for its CFP coverage. Iowa's road win at Michigan on September 26, 2025, came on a game-winning 16-yard touchdown pass from Hank Brown to Reece Vander Zee.
Timeline
September 26, 2025: Iowa wins a top-20 road game at Michigan on a game-winning touchdown.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Ferentz addresses ESPN's coverage; CFP rankings reveal airs at 7 p.m. ET.
December 6, 2026: The official 12-team CFP bracket is revealed on Selection Sunday.
Season Trajectory
Iowa's ranking at No. 20 reflects a season that has cooled after a 4-0 start, with the team's 2-2 stretch putting its CFP hopes in doubt. The Big Ten's broadcasting structure, built around Fox Sports, NBC and CBS rather than ESPN, sits behind Ferentz's remarks about how the network covers the sports it carries.
Fans tracking Iowa's playoff hopes should watch the Tuesday 7 p.m. ET CFP rankings reveal, since Iowa's No. 20 position and 2-2 stretch will determine whether its path to the 12-team bracket stays open. Ferentz's comments suggest the rankings coverage could shape how the season's resume is perceived before Selection Sunday.
The takeaway
Iowa's ranking and playoff path now depend on the Tuesday rankings reveal and the Selection Sunday bracket, not on the network debate alone. Readers tracking the team should follow the official CFP timeline rather than coverage framing.
What happens next
The first CFP rankings reveal airs Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET, and the official 12-team bracket is revealed on Selection Sunday, December 6.
Further reading
For more on the team at the center of the debate, see Iowa Football coverage.
