College Football’s Top 50 Fanbases

31. Iowa

The good

Kirk Ferentz is emblematic of the Hawkeyes. The long-tenured head coach is steady and fair, routinely getting more than expected from his team each and every year.

The bad

Caught in the churn of the Big Ten race, Iowa lacks the recruiting footprint to contend at the levels they’d like to contend. It’s possible, at little fault of their own, the Hawkeyes’ best days are behind them.

The bottom line

The Kinnick Wave, as it has been recently named, sends goosebumps down the spine of every fan in the stadium when Iowa plays in front of their home crowd. Tens of thousands turn and offer their encouragements to those staying in the nearby children’s hospital, taking their focus off football, even if only for a moment, and considering those who could use a smile, even one from far off.

In terms of passion and empathy, few fan bases connect with the world around them like the Hawkeyes. Kinnick Stadium is a special place.