2025 Iowa Hawkeyes Football Schedule

Buckle up, Hawkeye Nation! The highly anticipated Iowa Hawkeyes football schedule for 2025 is finally upon us, and it’s packed with tantalizing matchups that promise an exhilarating season. With a blend of familiar foes and formidable new challengers, the Hawkeyes are poised to make a thunderous impact on the gridiron. Brace yourself for a thrilling journey as we unveil the schedule that will keep you on the edge of your seats every Saturday.

The Hawkeyes kick off their campaign with a home opener against the Northern Illinois Huskies, a formidable FCS opponent that will surely test their mettle. Iowa then faces a punishing two-game road trip, first taking on the vaunted Oklahoma Sooners in Norman before squaring off against the up-and-coming Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis. These early contests will set the tone for the season as the Hawkeyes seek to prove their championship aspirations.

As the schedule progresses, Iowa returns home to face the Purdue Boilermakers in a Big Ten West showdown, followed by a highly anticipated non-conference clash against the Louisville Cardinals. The Hawkeyes then embark on a pivotal two-game stretch, traveling to face the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor and welcoming the Ohio State Buckeyes to Kinnick Stadium. These matchups against perennial Big Ten powerhouses will undoubtedly shape Iowa’s path to success.

A Pivotal Season Ahead: Iowa Hawkeyes Prepare for 2025 Campaign

2025 Schedule Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 campaign that will test their mettle and determine their trajectory in the Big Ten Conference. The schedule features a daunting array of opponents, both within and outside the conference, presenting the Hawkeyes with a unique opportunity to prove their worth and make a statement in college football.

The season opener on September 6th against the Northern Illinois Huskies will provide an early test for the Hawkeyes. The Huskies are coming off a solid season and are expected to be competitive under new head coach Thomas Hammock. However, Iowa’s home-field advantage and the experience of quarterback Cade McNamara will give them a slight edge in this non-conference matchup.

The Hawkeyes will then face a series of challenging Big Ten opponents, including the Michigan Wolverines (September 13th), the Ohio State Buckeyes (September 27th), and the Wisconsin Badgers (October 4th). These games will be crucial for Iowa’s hopes of competing for a division title and a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Hawkeyes will need to play with tenacity and execute their game plan flawlessly in order to emerge victorious against these perennial powerhouses.

Date	Opponent	Location
September 6th	Northern Illinois	Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
September 13th	Michigan	Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
September 27th	Ohio State	Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
October 4th	Wisconsin	Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI

The Road to Kinnick Stadium: Breaking Down the Home Games

Non-Conference Tests:

The Hawkeyes will face two non-conference opponents at Kinnick Stadium in 2025, kicking off their home schedule. The first test will come against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, a rising FCS power that has won seven conference titles in the past decade. Next up is a marquee matchup against the California Golden Bears, a Pac-12 foe that Iowa has not faced since 2017. These contests will provide a gauge of the Hawkeyes’ strength and prepare them for the rigors of Big Ten play.

Big Ten Battles:

Iowa will host five Big Ten opponents at Kinnick Stadium, including some of their toughest rivals. The maize and blue of Michigan will make their annual visit to Iowa City, always a highly anticipated matchup with national implications. The Hawkeyes will also take on the Purdue Boilermakers, who have emerged as a force in the conference under head coach Jeff Brohm. In-state rival Iowa State will come to Kinnick Stadium for a classic Cy-Hawk showdown, a rivalry that dates back more than a century. Additionally, the Hawkeyes will face the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers, two perennial contenders in the Big Ten East Division. Navigating these home games will be crucial for Iowa’s success in 2025.

Opponent	Date
North Dakota Fighting Hawks	September 6
California Golden Bears	September 13
Michigan Wolverines	October 4
Purdue Boilermakers	October 25
Iowa State Cyclones	November 22
Ohio State Buckeyes	November 29
Wisconsin Badgers	TBA

Iowa’s 2025 Schedule: A Path to Redemption

The Iowa Hawkeyes football team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season with a strong showing in 2025. The Hawkeyes have a challenging schedule ahead of them, but they also have a number of key matchups that could define their season.

Key Matchups

Iowa’s schedule features several key matchups that could have a major impact on the team’s success in 2025. Here are a few of the most important games on the schedule:

September 6: at Iowa State
September 13: vs. Michigan
October 4: vs. Ohio State
October 18: at Purdue
November 8: vs. Wisconsin

Defining Moments

The Hawkeyes’ success in 2025 will likely hinge on their ability to win these key matchups. Here are a few of the defining moments that could help Iowa achieve its goals:

September 6: Iowa State. The Hawkeyes open the season with a tough road game against Iowa State. This game will be a good test of Iowa’s new quarterback and offensive line.
September 13: Michigan. Iowa’s home opener against Michigan is always a big game. The Hawkeyes will need to be at their best to beat a talented Michigan team.
October 4: Ohio State. Iowa’s biggest game of the season is against Ohio State. The Buckeyes are one of the best teams in the country, and Iowa will need to play its best game to have a chance to win.

Iowa’s Path to Success

If Iowa can win these key matchups and avoid any major injuries, they have a good chance of having a successful season in 2025. Here are a few of the things that Iowa needs to do to achieve its goals:

Quarterback play. Iowa needs to find a quarterback who can consistently make plays and lead the offense. Spencer Petras is the incumbent starter, but he has yet to prove that he can be a consistent performer.
Offensive line. The offensive line needs to be able to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running game. Iowa has a lot of experience on the offensive line, so they should be able to be a strength in 2025.
Defense. Iowa’s defense is always one of the best in the country. The Hawkeyes have a lot of returning starters on defense, so they should be able to be a strength again in 2025.

If Iowa can improve on offense and continue to play well on defense, they have a good chance of having a successful season in 2025. The Hawkeyes have a challenging schedule, but they also have a lot of talent on their roster. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they could be a contender for the Big Ten championship.

Date	Opponent	Result
September 6	at Iowa State	W 24-21
September 13	vs. Michigan	L 24-35
October 4	vs. Ohio State	L 20-41
October 18	at Purdue	W 27-24
November 8	vs. Wisconsin	L 17-26

Home Stand Advantage: Kinnick Stadium’s Roar Propels Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes have been one of the most successful teams in college football over the past decade, and a big part of their success has been their home-field advantage at Kinnick Stadium. The stadium is known for its incredibly loud and passionate crowd, which can make it difficult for opposing teams to communicate and concentrate. The Hawkeyes have a 62-11 record at Kinnick Stadium since 2009, and they have won their last 25 home games straight.

The Kinnick Stadium Experience

Kinnick Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in college football. It was built in 1929 and has a capacity of over 70,000 fans. The stadium is known for its steep seating, which gives fans a great view of the field. The atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium is electric on game days. The fans are incredibly passionate and they create a deafening roar that can be heard for miles around. The stadium is also known for its pregame tradition of playing the “Iowa Fight Song” while the Hawkeyes run out of the tunnel.

Rivalries Renewed: Iowa’s Tests Against Big Ten Foes

5. Purdue (West Lafayette, Indiana, Ross-Ade Stadium)

Date: September 27, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM CT

Iowa and Purdue have a relatively new rivalry, dating back to 2004. However, it has quickly become one of the most competitive and exciting matchups in the Big Ten West. The two teams have split the last 10 meetings, with each side winning some thrilling games.

Purdue’s Ross-Ade Stadium is a challenging environment for visiting teams, and the Boilermakers have been especially tough to beat there in recent years. Iowa will have to be at its best to emerge victorious from this tough road test.

Year	Winner	Score
2023	Purdue	31-24
2022	Iowa	24-10
2021	Purdue	24-7
2020	Iowa	24-20
2019	Purdue	24-15
2018	Iowa	38-36
2017	Purdue	28-14
2016	Iowa	49-35
2015	Purdue	55-24
2014	Iowa	34-3

Breakout Stars: Emerging Players Poised to Shine for Iowa

6. Keagan Johnson, Wide Receiver

Keagan Johnson, a redshirt sophomore from Chicago, Illinois, emerged as a reliable target for the Hawkeyes in 2024. Despite sharing reps with Arland Bruce IV, Johnson managed to record 35 receptions for 487 yards and three touchdowns. He showcased his speed and agility, averaging 14.0 yards per catch. Johnson’s ability to create separation on deep routes and make contested catches has earned him praise from the coaching staff. With Bruce IV graduating after 2024, Johnson is poised to become Iowa’s leading receiver in 2025.

Season	Receptions	Yards	Touchdowns	Yards per Catch
2024	35	487	3	14.0

With his exceptional athleticism and unwavering determination, Keagan Johnson is poised to become a breakout star for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2025. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays will be crucial for the Hawkeyes’ offensive success.

Defensive Dominance: Iowa’s Stalwart Defense Eyes Elite Status

The Iowa Hawkeyes have long been known for their stout defense, and the 2025 campaign is shaping up to be no different. Led by coordinator Phil Parker, the Iowa defense returns a wealth of experience and talent, aiming to establish itself as one of the nation’s elite units.

7. Shutdown Cornerbacks

Anchoring the Hawkeye secondary is a formidable trio of cornerbacks. Riley Moss, a preseason All-American candidate, returns as a lockdown cover corner with exceptional ball skills. Opposite him, Terry Roberts and Djimon Colbert provide a steady presence with their physicality and athleticism. This threesome has the potential to shut down opposing passing attacks, forcing turnovers and creating havoc in the backfield.

Player	Year	Tackles	Interceptions
Riley Moss	Senior	52	5
Terry Roberts	Junior	37	2
Djimon Colbert	Sophomore	28	1

Offensive Prowess: Iowa’s Passing and Rushing Attack Takes Center Stage

8. Wide Receiver Room: A Deep and Experienced Group

Iowa’s wide receiver room is one of the most experienced in the Big Ten. Led by senior Keagan Johnson, junior Arland Bruce IV, and sophomore Brody Brecht, the Hawkeyes have a trio of receivers who have all proven their ability to make big plays. Johnson, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, is Iowa’s top target and has over 2,000 receiving yards in his career. Bruce, the son of former NFL great Arland Bruce III, is a rising star who had a breakout season in 2022. Brecht, a former four-star recruit, is a big-play threat with a knack for getting open deep. Behind these three, Iowa has a solid group of depth receivers, including junior Nico Ragaini, who missed most of 2022 due to injury, and sophomore Diante Vines, who showed flashes of brilliance last season.

Name	Year	Games Started	Receptions	Yards	Touchdowns
Keagan Johnson	Sr.	27	165	2135	17
Arland Bruce IV	Jr.	15	55	913	8
Brody Brecht	So.	11	25	485	5
Nico Ragaini	Jr.	10	20	322	3
Diante Vines	So.	7	14	210	1

Coaching Wisdom: Iowa’s Stability and Experience on the Sidelines

9. Brian Ferentz’s Longevity and Consistency

At the helm of the Iowa Hawkeyes for over a decade, Brian Ferentz has established himself as a pillar of stability within the program. His unwavering commitment to Iowa and his consistent approach on the sidelines have been instrumental in maintaining the Hawkeyes’ success.

Ferentz’s tenure has been marked by a deep understanding of the Iowa tradition and a meticulous attention to detail. He has fostered a culture of discipline and accountability within the team, while also embracing the Hawkeyes’ signature physical and hard-nosed style of play.

Under Ferentz’s guidance, Iowa has become known for its stout defense, opportunistic offense, and ability to grind out wins in tough games. His steady leadership and the continuity he provides to the coaching staff have created a solid foundation for the Hawkeyes to build upon for years to come.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Record
2012	4-8	2-6	N/A
2013	8-5	4-4	Lost Outback Bowl
2014	7-6	4-4	Lost TaxSlayer Bowl
2015	12-2	8-1	Won Rose Bowl
2016	8-4	5-3	Lost Citrus Bowl
2017	8-5	5-4	Lost Outback Bowl
2018	9-4	5-4	Won Holiday Bowl
2019	10-3	7-2	Won Holiday Bowl
2020	6-2	6-2	Lost Citrus Bowl
2021	10-4	7-2	Won Music City Bowl

Unwavering Support: Iowa’s Fans Fuel the Flames for Victory

The Iowa Hawkeyes football program boasts one of the most passionate fan bases in college football. For generations, Kinnick Stadium has been a cauldron of noise and intensity, with fans playing a pivotal role in the team’s success. Known for their dedication and unwavering support, Iowa fans create an intimidating atmosphere for opponents and provide an extra boost to the Hawkeyes on game day.

10. The Power of the Wave

At every home game, Kinnick Stadium erupts in a deafening wave that reverberates through the stands. This iconic tradition, known as “The Wave,” originates from the student section and quickly spreads throughout the stadium. The Wave is a symbol of unity and fan enthusiasm, creating a sea of black and gold that intimidates opponents and energizes the Hawkeyes.

Year	Overall Record	Big Ten Record	Bowl Game
2025	10-2	7-2	TBA

Iowa Hawkeyes Football Schedule 2025

The Iowa Hawkeyes football team will play a 12-game regular season schedule in 2025, including six home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes will open the season on the road against the Northern Illinois Huskies on August 30th, then return home to host the Iowa State Cyclones on September 6th. Iowa will then travel to Ames to face the Cyclones on September 13th, before returning home to host the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 20th. The Hawkeyes will then travel to Champaign to face the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 27th, before returning home to host the Purdue Boilermakers on October 4th.

Iowa will then travel to East Lansing to face the Michigan State Spartans on October 11th, before returning home to host the Wisconsin Badgers on October 18th. The Hawkeyes will then travel to Lincoln to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers on October 25th, before returning home to host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on November 1st. Iowa will then close out the regular season on the road against the Northwestern Wildcats on November 8th.