Iowa vs Michigan: Matchup Breakdown

Iowa vs Michigan head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 4, Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The Breakdown

  • #16 Michigan's 67 composite tops #22 Iowa's 56 — Bryce Underwood's 5★ arm headlines a talent gap everywhere.
  • When Iowa has the ball: 3★ O-line meets Michigan's 3.8★ D-line; 3★ receivers (1.7 years) face a 3.8★, 3.5-year secondary.
  • When Michigan has the ball: 3.7★ receivers hold a half-step edge on Iowa's 3★ secondary, but average just one year experience.
  • Swing factor: Bryce Underwood, 5★ with one year, versus Jeremy Hecklinski's 3★ and two — biggest gap on the field.
  • X-factor: Week 4 Saturday in Ann Arbor: Iowa travels into the Big House with Michigan's crowd behind it.