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Welcome back to our countdown to the 2026 Iowa football season! 

Since May 28, we've been counting down the final 100 days until the Hawkeyes swarm out of the Kinnick Stadium tunnel for their season opener against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5. 

Each day of the countdown has primarily featured an article profiling one of the current members of the 2026 Hawkeyes based on their jersey number. We've often had to get creative with these pieces as the countdown trickles lower and lower, but for the most part, this goal has been accomplished. 

We're now just 26 days away from kickoff, so that means it's time to take a look at the man who wears No. 26 – defensive back Eli Robbins. 

Get to know him here. 

Bio

Hometown: Norwalk, Iowa 

High School: Norwalk High School 

Year: First-Year 

Height: 6-foot 

Weight: 193 pounds 

Other notable players to wear No. 26: A notable name to wear No. 26 for the Hawkeyes is former safety Jovon Johnson. There haven't been many four-year starters in the Kirk Ferentz era, but Johnson was one of them. Iowa's defense terrorized opponents during Johnson's career from 2002-2005, and Johnson finished with 17 interceptions – a figure that currently ranks third in Hawkeye history. 

Robbins' career so far 

Robbins grew up just down the road from Iowa City in Norwalk – just south of Des Moines. Norwalk's athletic prowess has grown substantially over the years, and Robbins more than added to that during his playing career. 

The 5-4 Warriors barely missed a playoff bid in the highly-competitive Class 5A, but Robbins put together a terrific performance, collecting 1,345 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns during the season.

He left the school owning a plethora of records, including career touchdowns, receiving yards, receptions, receiving touchdowns, interceptions, and return touchdowns. 

Robbins received interest at the FBS level from North Dakota State (they are moving up this season) Army, and FCS foes Illinois State, South Dakota State, and Dartmouth, but ultimately chose to stay in state and walk-on to the Hawkeye program. 

Robbins is one of two Norwalk alums to join Iowa this season – three-star tight end Luke Brewer is the other – but Robbins' road to the field will be much harder as a walk-on. 

But if there's anyone that develops walk-ons, it's the Hawkeyes, so Robbins could see the field if he impresses the coaching staff in practice. 

You Can Win FREE Tickets To Iowa's Season Opener! 

HawkeyeRoundtable is giving away TWO tickets to Iowa's season opener against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5! 

This is easily the biggest giveaway we've ever done on this site, and it's a great opportunity for two lucky fans to experience the joy of attending a Hawkeye football game at Kinnick Stadium. 

Click here to automatically become a member to enter the contest! Additional contest details can be found in our community section, too! 

HawkeyeRoundtable publisher Brad Schultz has covered the Iowa Hawkeyes since 2023. To send him story ideas, scoops, or criticize his writing, reach him at bradschultz@roundtable.io

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