Ohio State vs Iowa head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 5, Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The Breakdown
#1 Ohio State's 70 composite dwarfs #22 Iowa's 56, driven by a 5★ quarterback and 4.7★ receivers.
When Ohio State has the ball: Jeremiah Smith and a 4.7★ receiver room attack Iowa's 3.0★ secondary. Biggest mismatch on the field.
When Iowa has the ball: 3.0★ receivers face Ohio State's 4.0★ defensive backs, including 5★ Devin Sanchez. Windows close fast.
Swing factor: QB gap: 5★ Julian Sayin versus 3★ Jeremy Hecklinski, both two years in. Two full stars.
X-factor: Kinnick Stadium in October, Week 5, is where Iowa has historically dragged favorites into the mud.