It’s a tradition steeped in football pride and gratitude. The Iowa vs. Nebraska rivalry, played on the Friday after Thanksgiving, is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of legacy and character. Known as the Heroes Game since 2011, when the two schools became Big Ten foes, this annual matchup honors the rich football traditions of the Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers.
But it doesn’t stop there. The game spotlights local heroes whose courage and service embody community values. It’s a rivalry that bridges competition with compassion, blending the spirit of football with a heartfelt tribute to those who make a difference off the field. On this day, gratitude meets grit, and the echoes of cheers carry more than just the roar of the game.
Nebraska vs. Iowa: What Is The Heroes Game?
It began with shared rails and shared passion—fans boarding exclusive trains between Iowa City and Lincoln to witness a rivalry that stretches back over a century. When Iowa and Nebraska met for the first time on Thanksgiving Day in Omaha, 1891, it marked Iowa’s first game outside state lines. The proximity between the two programs fueled an early bond and rivalry, one that history has enriched.
The 1979 matchup saw No. 7 Nebraska erase a two-touchdown deficit late in the third quarter to defeat unranked Iowa, earning a standing ovation from both fanbases. Two years later, in 1981, Iowa returned the favor. In Kinnick Stadium, under the guidance of legendary coach Hayden Fry, unranked Iowa stunned Nebraska in what Fry called “the biggest win since I’ve been here.”
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
The rivalry resumed its annual cadence in 2011 when Nebraska joined the Big Ten, taking its rightful place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Dubbed the Heroes Game, it became more than just football. The matchup now honors individuals from Iowa and Nebraska whose acts of heroism inspire their communities.
Victors take home the Heroes Trophy, a 30-inch symbol etched with corn stalks and team logos, capturing the spirit of both states.
Since 1903, the game has never been played anywhere but in Lincoln or Iowa City, alternating campuses yearly. The Big Ten briefly moved the game off Thanksgiving Friday in 2020 and 2021, sparking an outcry from fans. Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos ensured its return to its rightful date, where it remains locked through at least 2025.
This is more than a rivalry. It’s a testament to shared history, football pride, and the enduring spirit of heroes. Each Thanksgiving Friday, tradition and gratitude collide under the crisp Midwest skies.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.