The 2025 Iowa football schedule has been released, and it features a number of intriguing matchups. The Hawkeyes will open the season at home against Northern Illinois before traveling to Ames to face Iowa State. They will then host Kent State and Nevada before heading to Madison to take on Wisconsin. The following week, Iowa will host Michigan State in a battle of two of the Big Ten’s top programs. The Hawkeyes will then travel to Evanston to face Northwestern before hosting Purdue and Minnesota. They will close out the regular season at Nebraska.
The Hawkeyes’ 2025 schedule is a challenging one, but it is also one that is full of opportunities. Iowa has a chance to make a statement in the Big Ten and compete for a berth in the College Football Playoff. The Hawkeyes will need to be at their best in order to achieve their goals, but they have the talent and experience to do so. Head coach Kirk Ferentz is one of the most successful coaches in college football, and he has led Iowa to numerous bowl games and conference championships. The Hawkeyes will be looking to build on their success in 2025 and make a run at a national title.
The 2025 Iowa football schedule is one that is sure to excite Hawkeye fans. The Hawkeyes will have the opportunity to face some of the best teams in the country, and they will need to be at their best in order to achieve their goals. With a talented team and an experienced coaching staff, Iowa has the potential to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. The Hawkeyes will be looking to make a statement in 2025, and they have the talent and experience to do so.
Hawkeye Grid Iron Challenge: Iowa’s 2025 Non-Conference Slate
Iowa’s Road to a Big Ten Title Could Go Through the SEC West
Iowa football will host No. 1 Alabama in 2025 in what will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The game is part of a two-year home-and-home series between the Hawkeyes and Crimson Tide, with Iowa traveling to Tuscaloosa in 2026. Alabama has won 18 national championships, including two in the last four years, while Iowa has never won a national title. The Hawkeyes came close in 1958 and 2004, losing in the Rose Bowl both times. Iowa is 3-5 against current members of the SEC, with a recent home win over Mississippi in 2022. The Hawkeyes lost to LSU in the Citrus Bowl in 2020.
Iowa also has a road game against Missouri in 2025. The Hawkeyes are 5-0 against the Tigers, but the two teams have not met since 2010.
Iowa’s non-conference schedule in 2025 is as follows:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 13 | Alabama | Kinnick Stadium |
| TBD | Missouri | Faurot Field |
Big Ten Battleground: Iowa’s Intra-Conference Opponents in 2025
The Hawkeyes will face a challenging slate of Big Ten opponents in 2025, including a home game against defending national champion Michigan and a road trip to Ohio State. Iowa will also host Purdue, Minnesota, Illinois, and Northwestern, while traveling to Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Penn State.
Key Matchups
Iowa’s most anticipated matchup in 2025 will be their home game against Michigan on October 11th. The Wolverines won the 2023 Big Ten Championship and finished the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll. Iowa will also have a tough road test on October 4th when they travel to Ohio State, who finished 11-1 in 2023.
Breaking Down the Matchup: Iowa vs. Michigan
Iowa and Michigan have a long and storied rivalry, with the Wolverines holding a 44-37-4 advantage in the all-time series. The two teams met in Ann Arbor in 2023, with Michigan winning 42-3. Iowa will be looking to avenge that loss and protect their home turf in 2025.
| Team | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Iowa City, IA | October 11th |
| Ohio State | Columbus, OH | October 4th |
| Purdue | Iowa City, IA | October 18th |
| Minnesota | Iowa City, IA | November 8th |
| Illinois | Iowa City, IA | November 15th |
| Northwestern | Iowa City, IA | November 22nd |
| Wisconsin | Madison, WI | September 20th |
| Nebraska | Lincoln, NE | September 27th |
| Penn State | State College, PA | October 25th |
Road Warriors: Iowa’s Away Games in the 2025 Season
Ohio State: The Horseshoe’s Hostility
Iowa’s toughest road test in 2025 will undoubtedly be in Columbus against the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes. The Horseshoe, known for its deafening crowd and electric atmosphere, will be a hostile environment for the Hawkeyes. With a talented roster featuring Heisman candidate C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes will pose a formidable challenge.
Penn State: White Out at Beaver Stadium
Another formidable road trip for Iowa will be to Happy Valley to face the Penn State Nittany Lions. Beaver Stadium’s “White Out” game, where fans don white attire, creates an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams. The Nittany Lions have a strong defense and a potent offense led by quarterback Drew Allar, making them a dangerous foe on their home turf.
Purdue: A Boilermaker Challenge
Iowa’s trip to West Lafayette to face the Purdue Boilermakers promises to be an exciting contest. Purdue’s Ross-Ade Stadium, known for its unique “Cradle of Quarterbacks,” will provide Iowa with a challenge. With a balanced offense and a solid defense, the Boilermakers could be a surprise team in 2025.
Wisconsin: A Battle in Madison
No Iowa football season would be complete without a trip to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers. Camp Randall Stadium, with its passionate and vocal crowd, will be a tough environment for the Hawkeyes. The Badgers are known for their physical play and tenacious defense, making them a formidable opponent in their own backyard.
Nebraska: A Rivalry Renewed
Iowa’s final road game of the 2025 season will be a trip to Lincoln to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The rivalry between these two schools has been dormant for several years, but its renewal in 2025 will provide plenty of excitement. Memorial Stadium, with its massive capacity, will be packed with fans eager to witness the battle for the Big Ten West.
Emerging Threats: Iowa’s Underrated Opponents in 2025
7. Missouri
Missouri has quietly assembled a talented squad under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz. Quarterback Brady Cook is a rising star, and he has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, including wide receivers Luther Burden and Dominic Lovett. The Tigers also boast a strong defense, led by All-SEC linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper. Iowa has not played Missouri since 2019, but the Tigers are poised to be a formidable opponent in 2025.
Key Players to Watch:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Brady Cook |
| WR | Luther Burden |
| WR | Dominic Lovett |
| LB | Ty’Ron Hopper |
Playoff Implications: Iowa’s Key Games in 2025
### Nebraska
Iowa’s annual rivalry with Nebraska is always a big game, but it could have even bigger implications in 2025. Both teams are coming off disappointing seasons in 2022, but they both have a lot of talent returning. If Iowa and Nebraska can both win their first two games, their matchup in Week 3 could be a key game in the Big Ten West race. The winner of that game will be in a good position to make a run at the Big Ten Championship Game.
### Purdue
Purdue is another team that could be a contender in the Big Ten West in 2025. The Boilermakers have a lot of experienced players returning, including quarterback Aidan O’Connell. Purdue also has a favorable schedule in 2025, so they could be a dark horse to win the division.
### Wisconsin
Wisconsin is always a tough opponent, and that will be the case again in 2025. The Badgers have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and they are always well-coached. Iowa will need to be at its best to beat Wisconsin in 2025.
### Ohio State
Ohio State is the class of the Big Ten, and they will be a heavy favorite to win the conference again in 2025. The Buckeyes have a lot of talent, and they are always well-coached. Iowa will need to play a perfect game to beat Ohio State in 2025.
### Michigan
Michigan is another team that could be a contender in the Big Ten in 2025. The Wolverines have a lot of talent, and they are always well-coached. Iowa will need to play its best game to beat Michigan in 2025.
### Minnesota
Minnesota is a team that is on the rise. The Golden Gophers have a lot of young talent, and they are starting to develop into a contender in the Big Ten West. Iowa will need to be careful when they play Minnesota in 2025.
### Northwestern
Northwestern is a team that is rebuilding. The Wildcats have a lot of young players, and they will need time to develop. Iowa should be favored to beat Northwestern in 2025.
### Maryland
Maryland is a team that is improving. The Terrapins have a lot of talent, and they are starting to develop into a contender in the Big Ten East. Iowa will need to be careful when they play Maryland in 2025.
### Illinois
Illinois is a team that is rebuilding. The Fighting Illini have a lot of young players, and they will need time to develop. Iowa should be favored to beat Illinois in 2025.
Hawkeye Hospitality: Iowa Opens Kinnick Stadium to Diverse Opponents
In 2025, Kinnick Stadium will welcome a diverse slate of opponents from across the country. This reflects Iowa’s commitment to providing Hawkeye fans with an unparalleled game-day experience and showcasing the team’s competitive spirit against a wide range of adversaries.
10. Southern Illinois Salukis (FCS)
The Salukis, led by head coach Nick Hill, will travel to Iowa City for their first-ever meeting against the Hawkeyes. Southern Illinois won the FCS National Championship in 2009 and has made multiple appearances in the FCS playoffs in recent years. The game will be a unique opportunity for Iowa to test its mettle against a highly-regarded FCS foe.
| Southern Illinois Salukis |
|---|
| Head Coach: Nick Hill |
| FCS National Championship: 2009 |
| All-Time Record vs. FBS Opponents: 8-17 |
Iowa Football 2025 Opponents
The Iowa Hawkeyes football team will face a challenging schedule in 2025, with games against several ranked opponents. The Hawkeyes will open the season at home against the Northern Illinois Huskies. Iowa will then travel to face the Iowa State Cyclones in the Cy-Hawk Series. The Hawkeyes will also face the Wisconsin Badgers, Michigan Wolverines, and Ohio State Buckeyes in Big Ten conference play.
The Hawkeyes will be looking to improve on their 8-5 record from the 2024 season. Iowa has a talented team returning, led by quarterback Spencer Petras and running back Gavin Williams. The Hawkeyes will need to be at their best to compete in the Big Ten West Division.
People Also Ask About Iowa Football 2025 Opponents
Who is Iowa’s toughest opponent in 2025?
Ohio State
The Ohio State Buckeyes are Iowa’s toughest opponent in 2025. The Buckeyes are a perennial College Football Playoff contender, and they have won the Big Ten Championship Game the last two years. Iowa has not beaten Ohio State since 2017.
Who is Iowa’s biggest rival?
Iowa State
The Iowa State Cyclones are Iowa’s biggest rival. The two schools are located just 30 miles apart, and they have played each other 118 times. Iowa holds a 46-64-6 record against Iowa State, but the Cyclones have won the last two meetings.
What is Iowa’s home field advantage like?
Kinnick Stadium
Kinnick Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college football. The stadium is known for its loud and passionate crowd, and it has been a major factor in Iowa’s success over the years. Kinnick Stadium is also one of the oldest stadiums in the country, and it has been renovated several times over the years. The latest renovation was completed in 2019, and it included the addition of a new press box and club seats.
