What to Expect from the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2025

Graphic Made by Robert Black

This offseason has brought a lot of hype for the Iowa Hawkeyes, thanks to the addition of new quarterback Mark Gronowski, who transferred from South Dakota State. Hopefully, this is the step forward we’ve all been waiting for after a few seasons of lackluster quarterback play and an offense that has leaned too heavily on the run game. With a strong offensive line, good weapons at wide receiver, and a tight end room that has reloaded—as it always seems to do—the potential is there for a more dynamic attack.

Defensively, the Hawkeyes should once again be strong, embracing their familiar bend-don’t-break attitude that forces opposing offenses into costly mistakes. The key this year will be whether Iowa can truly open up the offense. I want to see a more spread-out attack, one that isn’t afraid to stretch the field further than 10 yards on crossing routes from a tight end or slot receiver. The stat speaks for itself: Iowa is 30-2 since 2020 when scoring more than 21 points.

The schedule is no cakewalk, but the Hawks get the benefit of hosting major games against Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. If the offense is as improved as we think it will be, this could be a 10-win team. Here’s how I see the season shaping up:

Game-by-Game Predictions

• Albany @ Iowa – Iowa should have no issues with Albany in the opener.Prediction: Iowa 34, Albany 6

• Iowa @ Iowa State – The Cy-Hawk game is always intense, but I don’t believe Iowa State is as good as the hype.Prediction: Iowa 27, Iowa State 17

• UMass @ Iowa – Another non-conference matchup the Hawks should control easily.Prediction: Iowa 28, UMass 10

• Rutgers @ Iowa – Rutgers is scrappy, but Iowa has too much firepower this year.Prediction: Iowa 35, Rutgers 21

• Indiana @ Iowa – Indiana had an easy schedule last year that inflated their record. At Kinnick, I see the Hawks pulling this out.Prediction: Iowa 34, Indiana 28

• Iowa @ Wisconsin – This is always a battle. I see the Hawks edging out a defensive struggle.Prediction: Iowa 17, Wisconsin 13

• Penn State @ Iowa – These are the types of games Iowa always seems to show up for at home.Prediction: Iowa 27, Penn State 24

• Iowa @ Minnesota – The Hawkeyes’ defense should clamp down here.Prediction: Iowa 24, Minnesota 10

• Oregon @ Iowa – Oregon is legit, and this will be tough to win, even at home.Prediction: Oregon 35, Iowa 28

• Iowa @ USC – A close one, but I see Iowa winning with defense.Prediction: Iowa 21, USC 14

• Michigan State @ Iowa – The Spartans are still rebuilding.Prediction: Iowa 28, Michigan State 7

• Nebraska @ Iowa – Rivalry week always gets crazy, but I can’t pick Nebraska over Iowa.Prediction: Iowa 21, Nebraska 20

Final Thoughts

If things shake out this way, Iowa would finish the regular season 11-1 with the only loss coming against Oregon. That kind of record would have them firmly in the Big Ten title hunt—and potentially in the College Football Playoff conversation.

This season feels different. If the offense takes the step forward everyone hopes it will, the Hawks could be a real contender.