Game Preview: Green Bay Blizzard at Iowa Barnstormers | July 11, 2026
Long-standing foes fight it out for the thirty-sixth time. The final matchup of the 2026 season between the Iowa Barnstormers and Green Bay Blizzard will be held on July 11 in Des Moines, Iowa. Each team has a winning record when facing the other at home, so despite Iowa's struggles this season, it could help to create unrest in the Eastern Conference standings, as Green Bay has a chance to secure the top seed in the East with a win.
Last week, the Blizzard came away with a nail-biting victory over the Orlando Pirates. They were aided, in part, by the efforts of recently awarded IFL Special Teams Player of the Week Andrew Mevis, who scored 16 points by way of six extra points, two field goals, and two Deuces. Over the last four games, Mevis has scored 55 points. Green Bay's last win was also aided by a fumble recovery. Defensive back Marcus Hillman dove onto the ball during the last moments of the game, creating a turnover and all but securing the win for Green Bay. The Blizzard lead the league in fumble recoveries. Last time Green Bay faced Iowa, Blizzard DL Allen Henry recovered a fumble in the end zone, scoring a touchdown. To top it all off, QB Liam Thompson and RB Kairee Robinson combine for five IFL Offensive Player of the Week awards while each ranking in the top ten in rushing yards and top 11 in rushing touchdowns. This Blizzard team plays opportunistic football that can score in bunches from any side of the ball! The Iowa Barnstormers will have to play safely and efficiently; they rank third in time of possession, so they may plan to play keep-away with the Green Bay Blizzard, limiting any potential extra opportunities.
Iowa will come into this game after a loss to the Tulsa Oilers. That game, although not the result they wanted, had some silver linings. As a team, the Barnstormers had three interceptions, one returned for 21 yards by former Blizzard DB Trenton McGhee. The Iowa offense took advantage of the opportunities, putting up 48 points, well above its season average. The Barnstormers were just two points away from upsetting the Tulsa Oilers, who came in on a five-game winning streak. Now, ahead of the upcoming match, Iowa signed Aaron Aiken, an IFL veteran QB who has spent time with the Green Bay Blizzard, Quad City Steamwheelers, and San Diego Strike Force. It is yet to be seen if he is expected to start the game, or if he will be a mentor and calming presence for the two relatively inexperienced rookie Barnstormers quarterbacks. Green Bay may have to expect the unexpected against this Barnstormer team, which can rally behind its home crowd on fan-favorite Corgi Night at the Casey's Center.
The latest installment of Blizzard v Barnstormers is coming up next in the IFL. Will Green Bay continue to handle its "blizzness" on the road, or will Iowa play spoiler to their plans? Find out on July 11; kickoff is scheduled for 5 PM (CST) in Iowa. Fans can catch the game streaming live on Yahoo Sports or by joining Blizzard fans, staff, and even some special guests at the official Blizzard Watch Party at The Bar on Holmgren Way in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Planning to travel to the game? Consider using Fan Cave Tickets!
Go Blizz!