Big Ten football standings predictions for the 2023 season

No. 3 Iowa Hawkeyes (9-3 overall, 6-3 B1G)

• Prediction

Iowa is going to Iowa again and again. No matter who they have, Iowa is going to be competitive and have a decent record. They are coming off a 7-5 campaign, and I think they have improved this offseason.

I have the Hawkeyes flying in with a 9-3 record overall in 2023. They will do well in the Big Ten and finish 6-3 in the conference. The only losses for Iowa will come at No. 7 Penn State, at No. 19 Wisconsin, and against Illinois.

• Reasoning

The Iowa schedule isn’t too tough this season. They only play two ranked teams, and I have them losing to both programs. They also play three below-average teams in the non-conference. This schedule is conducive to at least nine wins in 2023.

Iowa’s biggest issue for much of my lifetime has been the quarterback position. All Iowa quarterbacks combined for 2,037 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions last season. I think they hit the upgrade button by adding Michigan transfer Cade McNamara this offseason. The last time he started, he threw for 2,576 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

The Hawkeyes also return some pretty decent weapons. Iowa’s top two running backs are back in the fold. Kaleb Johnson is the lead back, and he averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season. Despite losing Sam LaPorta, the Hawkeyes still have three out of the top five players in receiving yards returning in 2023.

I like what Iowa has returning on defense too. A team that gave up 14.2 points per game, which ranked No. 3 in the nation, returns three out of the top five players in tackles, four out of the top five players in sacks, and three out of the top five players in interceptions.

An upgrade at a crucial position like quarterback should win the Hawkeyes a couple more games. I think this Iowa team is going to be dangerous in 2023.