Iowa vs. Rutgers is one of the first matchups of Week 4 of the 2025 college football season. The game will kick off on Friday at 8 p.m. ET in a matchup between two Big Ten teams. Both of them are entering their first conference matchup of the season and will be looking to get off to strong starts.
The Iowa Hawkeyes have won two of their first three games this season, losing in Week 2 to No. 12-ranked Iowa State. Conversely, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are undefeated, starting the year with three straight wins. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming matchup.
Iowa vs. Rutgers: Key Players to Watch
Looking ahead to the Iowa vs. Rutgers matchup, the quarterbacks will play a key role. While that is the case in all football games, it is more relevant in this matchup. For Iowa, the Hawkeyes have been able to overcome some middling quarterback play from Mark Gronowski early in the season. He struggled in the first two games before having a strong performance in Week 3. If he can continue his upward trajectory, it will be a good sign for the Hawkeyes’ season outlook.
For the Scarlet Knights, QB Athan Kaliakmanis has been the engine of their offense. Through three games, he has completed 62 of 85 passing attempts for 820 yards and seven TDs. He will need to continue his strong play for Rutgers to come out on top against Iowa.
Analysts suggest Iowa’s offense might exploit Rutgers’ defensive vulnerabilities. With Gronowski gaining momentum, big plays could be on the horizon. Expect Ferentz to heavily influence the game’s outcome. #IowaHawkeyes #CollegeFootball pic.twitter.com/So7RZjNZVu
— Bob Sinnott (@bobbyjsinnott) September 19, 2025
Odds and Betting Lines for Iowa vs. Rutgers
Odds via FanDuel.
- Moneyline: Iowa (-134), Rutgers (+112)
- Spread: Iowa -2.5 points (-110), Rutgers +2.5 points (-110)
- Total: Over 45.5 points (-114), Under 45.5 points (-106)
Iowa vs. Rutgers Predictions
Iowa is a slight betting favorite in this matchup, and we agree with that assessment. While Rutgers is undefeated, Iowa has had a tougher schedule. The Hawkeyes’ only loss came to No. 12-ranked Iowa State in a close 16-13 matchup. Iowa showed in that game that they could compete with top competition.
As a result, we believe that Iowa will come out on top against Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights will likely keep the game competitive, but ultimately, Iowa will get the win.
Read More:
- Too High or Right on Target? Iowa Hawkeyes’ Top-30 Power Ranking Hinges on QB Mark Gronowski
- Who Should Be on the EA Sports College Football 26 Cover? Top Picks for Every Big Ten School
- Iowa Football Season Preview: Predicting Win-Loss Record, Impact Players, Biggest Matchups and More
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