The Iowa Hawkeyes gear up in anticipation of the 2025 college football season to reclaim long-lost glory within the Big Ten. With a formidable schedule of conference juggernauts and select key rivalry contests, the road to success surely won’t be simple for Iowa. Coach Kirk Ferentz will have to lead Iowa through a mixture of emerging talent and grizzled seniors to get the Hawkeyes in the title hunt again.
How Will Iowa Overcome the Big Ten Test to Reclaim Its Lost Glory?
Key Matchups To Define Iowa’s Season
Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series vs. Iowa State
One of the most highly anticipated contests of the schedule, the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series sees Iowa travel to Ames on Sept. 6 to face its in-state rival, Iowa State. This annual clash means a lot to both teams and their fan bases, as the Hawkeyes will try to maintain their grip on the Cy-Hawk Series.
Homecoming Clash Against Indiana
On Sept. 27, Iowa hosts the unpredictable Hoosiers of Indiana in a Big Ten home opener. With the added excitement of the Homecoming weekend festivities, the Hawkeyes would want to use this match as a springboard into more formidable conference opponents.
November Gauntlet
The last stretch of the Iowa schedule should prove quite challenging, with back-to-back contests away against new Big Ten members Oregon (Nov. 8) and USC (Nov. 15). The Black Friday showdown with Nebraska will represent another linchpin contest, potentially one that casts judgment on the postseason hopes of the Hawkeyes.
Full 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes Football Schedule
Aug. 30: vs. UAlbany
Sept. 6: at Iowa State (Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series)
Sept. 13: vs. UMass
Sept. 20: at Rutgers*
Sept. 27: vs. Indiana* (Homecoming)
Oct. 4: Open Date
Oct. 11: at Wisconsin*
Oct. 18: vs. Penn State*
Oct. 25: vs. Minnesota*
Nov. 1: Open Date
Nov. 8: vs. Oregon*
Nov. 15: at USC*
Nov. 22: vs. Michigan State*
Nov. 28 (Fri.): at Nebraska* (Black Friday)
(*Denotes Big Ten Conference game)
What’s at Stake for the Hawkeyes in 2025?
With two open dates during the season, Iowa will get hard-earned rest between difficult stretches of play. If they can grab early key wins in conference games, the Hawkeyes might be in contention for the Big Ten Championship. Still, this will depend on the development of the quarterback position, consistency on defense, and the response to challenges that will emerge in the late months.
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Iowa fans will hope for a glorious return for one of college football’s most steady programs; all eyes will be on the 2025 journey.
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