By hawkeyesports.com

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — The 2026 college football season is officially underway, and the Iowa Farm Bureau and University of Iowa are offering Hawkeye fans a chance to win four tickets and on-field sideline access to the America Needs Farmers (ANF) game on Oct. 3 against Ohio State.

For a chance to win, fans can visit IowaFarmBureau.com/ANFExperience and take a short, multiple-choice quiz to learn how Iowa farmers provide high-quality food while caring for the environment and their livestock. The prize package also includes a Kirk Ferentz-autographed football and official ANF gear. The contest runs through Sept. 24.

America Needs Farmers was launched by former Hawkeye head coach Hayden Fry during the 1980s Farm Crisis to show support for the agricultural community. In that same spirit, the annual ANF game recognizes the hardworking men and women in agriculture whose efforts impact Iowa and the globe.

Brandon Scherff Named 2026 ANF Wall of Honor Inductee
The ANF Wall of Honor salutes past University of Iowa football players who exemplify the tenacity, work ethic, and character of the Iowa farmer. Former Hawkeye standout and NFL veteran Brandon Scherff is the 14th member inducted into the prestigious group.

Scherff finished his Hawkeye career as one of the program’s most decorated offensive linemen. A two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, Scherff won the 2014 Outland Trophy, presented annually by the Football Writers Association of America to the nation’s top interior lineman. Following his collegiate career, Scherff was selected fifth overall by Washington in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He went on to earn NFL All-Pro honors in 2020 and was named a Pro Bowl selection five times (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021).

Growing up in Denison, Iowa, Scherff’s connection to agriculture started early while spending time on his mother’s family farm in Holstein—rounding up cattle, planting sweet corn, and doing chores. Those early experiences helped shape his playing career and approach to life.

Scherff’s wife also comes from an agricultural background, and today they proudly share farm life with their children. From ringing the bell to call cattle in for feed to harvesting fresh sweet corn, farming is a way of life for the Scherff family. Defined by hard work, selflessness, and commitment, Scherff sees clear parallels between the values of Iowa farmers and the Iowa football program.

“When you play at Iowa, you know you’re going to get the hardest workers, the most physical and selfless players, and guys who will do anything to help the team,” Scherff said. “And that’s the same in the farming community where they’re going to work hard and do whatever it takes to feed the country.”

Previous ANF Wall of Honor recipients include Casey Wiegmann (2012), Jared DeVries (2013), Bruce Nelson (2014), Robert Gallery (2015), Dallas Clark (2016), Chad Greenway (2017), Aaron Kampman (2018), Matt Kroul (2019), Marshal Yanda (2021), Tony Moeaki (2022), Bryan Bulaga (2023), Brandon Myers (2024) and Micah Hyde (2025).

“Farming and football look much different today than when Coach Fry launched ANF in the 1980s, but the values and qualities that define ANF remain as important today — commitment, integrity and a work ethic that’s second-to-none,” says Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau president. “We look forward to welcoming fans to the ANF Legends Tent on ANF game day as we celebrate the importance of agriculture in our daily lives and recognizing Brandon Scherff as the 2026 ANF Wall of Honoree.”

During ANF game day, Iowa Farm Bureau will welcome fans to the ANF Legends Tent at Krause Family Plaza where they can interact with local farmers, win prizes and get autographs from former Hawkeye greats, including this year’s ANF Wall of Honoree, Brandon Scherff. Fans can also visit the ANF Plaza located on the northwest corner of the stadium to see displays honoring all previous ANF Wall of Honorees. Additionally, ANF merchandise is sold year-round, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Iowa Food Bank Association. For more information, visit AmericaNeedsFarmers.org.