The Iowa football program was rated 19th all-time in ESPN’s “real BCS” rankings released on Monday. The rankings were determined by a number of factors in three categories: on-field success, off-field success (i.e. academic achievement and NCAA compliance), and traditions of success (NFL draft picks and football-related revenue among other things).

The ranking of 20 teams used data beginning with the 1998 season, the first year of the BCS.

Iowa’s highest factor was its “continuity” — Kirk Ferentz has been the head coach for the Hawkeyes since the Bowl Championship Series began. Iowa also received high marks in its NFL players (18 in the past three seasons alone) and its home-field advantage, with the Hawkeyes having won 80 percent of games in Kinnick Stadium since the year 2002.

The No. 1 ranked team was Oklahoma, coached by Iowa graduate Bob Stoops. Five Big Ten teams made the list, with Ohio State (2) the highest team. Michigan (9), Wisconsin (13), and Nebraska (15) were also recognized.

— by Ian Martin