Three University of Iowa women鈥檚 soccer players have been recognized as Big Ten Players to Watch for the 2026 season: Sofia Bush, Millie Greer, and Elle Wildman. This marks the third consecutive year for Bush and Greer on the watch list. Greer anchored a defense with 10 shutouts last season, while Bush contributed significantly as a midfielder with six assists. Wildman, a standout freshman, netted two goals and four assists, earning a place on the All-Freshman team. The Hawkeyes are entering a new era under head coach Dean Ward, aiming for an improved season after finishing 10th in the recent preseason poll.

By the Numbers
  • Greer started all 21 games last season and played over 90 minutes in 19 matches.
  • Bush logged 1,749 minutes and recorded six assists, including two against No. 6 Arkansas.
  • The Hawkeyes are returning 7 starters and 17 letterwinners from a team that won 12 games last season.
Yes, But

Despite having three players recognized, Iowa was picked to finish 10th in the Big Ten, indicating skepticism about their overall team performance in the upcoming season.

State of Play
  • The Hawkeyes are stepping into the 2026 season with renewed hope but face significant competition from top-ranked teams.
  • They return a strong roster that includes key players from last season鈥檚 squad, suggesting potential for improved performance.
What's Next

The Iowa squad will need to leverage the strengths of its key players to outperform expectations in the Big Ten. Their performance in the early season matches will be critical to shifting the perception from a lower ranking.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Bush, Greer, and Wildman highlights the individual talents on the Iowa team, but they will need to synergize their efforts to elevate the team's standing in a competitive Big Ten landscape.