Iowa to face three 2024 college football playoff teams

IOWA CITY — The 2025 college football season is upon us.

Iowa will kickoff its season a week from tomorrow with a home matchup against UAlbany.

The Hawkeyes’ 2025 regular season slate includes three teams which appeared in the 2025 College Football Playoff and a three-game home stand during Big Ten play.

Here’s a preview of Iowa’s full 2025 schedule:

Former Glens Falls standout Griffin Woodell, a redshirt freshman on the University at Albany football team, celebrates a touchdown during a game against Villanova earlier this season.

University of Albany Athletics

UAlbany at RV/RV Iowa

In 2023, UAlbany won its first Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) football championship and advanced to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs. The Great Danes climbed as high as No. 9 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and earned the No. 5 seed in the playoffs. UAlbany ultimately lost 59-0 to eventual champions South Dakota State — led by new Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski.

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The Danes failed to match their 11-4 campaign, going 4-8 last year. Head coach Greg Gattuso departed in February after 11 seasons with the program for an analyst role at Penn State. Former offensive coordinator Jared Ambrose leads the program in to 2025 as the interim head coach.

UAlbany was picked to finish 12th in the 14-team CAA entering the season. Safety Thomas Joe-Kamara earned preseason all-conference honorable mention status.

What: FryFest, Hall of Fame, Educator Appreciation

When: Saturday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. (Central)

Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

Last year: UAlbany went 4-8

Series: This is the first meeting between the two programs.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht looks on during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Arizona State and Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. Arizona State won 45-19. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Julio Cortez

Iowa at No. 22/No. 21 Iowa State

Iowa State capped off a record-breaking 11-3 season with a 42-41 win over Miami in the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl. Head coach Matt Campbell also became the all-time winningest coach in program history during the campaign.

The Cyclones return quarterback Rocco Becht, a stable of experienced running backs and a strong tight end group on offense. Defensively, Kooper Ebel, Jeremiah Cooper and Jontez Williams return from a defense which ranked top five in the Big 12 in scoring (22.9 points per game).

Iowa State will need to find new faces to step up at wide receiver after losing Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, who both ended up with the Houston Texans in the 2025 NFL Draft.

What: Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series

When: Saturday, Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. (Central)

Where: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames

Last year: Iowa State went 11-3

Series: Iowa leads 47-24.

Last Meeting: Iowa State won 20-19 in Iowa City last year.

Massachusetts’ Jacquon Gibson plays during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Ypsilanti, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)

Al Goldis

UMass at Iowa

2024 did not represent a banner year for the UMass football program as the Minutemen managed just two wins — both over FCS opponents. After opening the season 2-8, Don Brown was fired from his role as head coach.

Joe Harasymiak takes over the program after three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Rutgers. Like Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, Harasymiak got his first head coaching job as the head coach at Maine, going 20-15 over three seasons with the Black Bears.

After nine years as an independent, UMass returns to the Mid-American Conference for the first time since 2015. The Minutemen were picked 11th in the 2025 MAC Football Coaches Preseason Poll.

What: Gold Game, Spirit Squad Day

When: Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. (Central)

Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

Last year: UMass went 2-10.

Series: This is the first meeting between the two programs.

Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis attempts a pass against Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

Rich Schultz

Iowa at Rutgers

Greg Schiano enters his sixth season back at the helm of Rutgers following back-to-back bowl appearances in 2023 and 2024.

Former Minnesota transfer Athan Kliakmanis returns under center with No. 2 and No. 3 pass catchers Ian Strong and KJ Duff back from 2024. The Scarlet Knights will need to replace leading rusher Kyle Monangai, who rushed for 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.

Defensively, Rutgers will look to improve on its 95th overall finish in total defense (393.8 yards allowed per game) and 70th overall finish in scoring defense (25.4 points per game). The Scarlet Knights were voted 13th in the Big Ten (tying with Michigan State) in the preseason media poll.

When: Friday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. (Central)

Where: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey

Last year: Rutgers went 7-6.

Last Meeting: Iowa won 22-0 in Iowa City in 2023.

Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) runs during an NCAA football game against UCLA on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Kyusung Gong

No. 20/No. 19 Indiana at Iowa

Last year represented the highwater mark for Indiana under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. After being picked to finish near the bottom of the conference, Indiana went 11-2 and advanced to the 2024 College Football Playoff. The Hoosiers ultimately lost to eventual runner-up Notre Dame, 27-17, in the first round.

Indiana lost quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who is now with the San Francisco 49ers as a seventh-round rookie, and leading rushers Justic Ellison and Ty Son Lawton, but return leading receiver Elijah Sarratt. Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza, who threw for 3,004 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, looks to take over under center.

When: Saturday, Sept. 27 at TBA

Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

Last year: Indiana went 11-2 and made the College Football Playoff.

Series: Iowa leads 46-28-4.

Last Meeting: Iowa won 34-6 in Iowa City in 2021.

Wisconsin’s Preston Zachman reacts during overtime of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Aaron Gash

Iowa at Wisconsin

The Badgers enter a pivotal season for head coach Luke Fickell, who’s struggled to replicate his success since leaving Cincinnati for Madison. Wisconsin is 13-13 under the fourth-year head coach and missed a bowl game for the first time since the 2001 season last year.

Fickell retooled his coaching staff, moving on from offensive coordinator Phil Longo in favor of former Kansas offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. The Badgers also added Maryland transfer quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and return leading receiver Vinny Anthony II, who managed 672 receiving yards in 2024.

Defensively, returners Christian Alliegro and Preston Zachman headline a defense which ranked 46th in scoring defense (23.1 points per game) and 41st in total defense (342.7 yards per game) nationally last year.

What: Battle for the Heartland Trophy

When: Saturday, Oct. 11 at TBA

Where: Camp Randell Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin

Last year: Wisconsin went 5-7.

Series: Wisconsin leads 49-47-2.

Last Meeting: Iowa won 42-10 in Iowa City last year.

Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton (10) warms up prior to the Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff game against Boise State, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Ross D. Franklin

No. 2/No. 3 Penn State at Iowa

The second of three 2024 College Football Playoff teams to come to Kinnick Stadium this season, Penn State roles into town with big-time expectations.

Picked to finish first in the Big Ten in the Big Ten preseason media poll, the Nittany Lions bring nine starters on offense including quarterback Drew Allar, running back Nicholas Singleton and offensive linemen Drew Shelton, Olaivavega Ioane, Nick Dawkins, Anthony Donkoh and Nolan Rucci.

Penn State also brings back five starters on defense — defensive linemen Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Sutton, linebacker Tony Rojas and defensive backs A.J. Harris and Zakee Wheatley.

The continuity will be big for another strong season, but the Lions know it takes more than just talent and continuity to win in Kinnick in October.

What: ANF Black & Gold Spirit Game

When: Saturday, Oct. 18 at TBA

Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

Last year: Penn State went 13-3 and made the College Football Playoff.

Series: Penn State leads 18-14.

Last Meeting: Penn State won 31-0 in State College, Pennsylvania in 2023.

FILE – Minnesota defensive back Koi Perich runs during an NCAA football game against Iowa on Sept. 21, 2024 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King, file)

Andy Clayton-King

NR/RV Minnesota at Iowa

Iowa put the 2023 Cooper DeJean fair catch debacle behind it with a 31-14 beatdown of Minnesota last season in Minneapolis.

The Golden Gophers bring back five starters on offense including the always-productive Darius Taylor, who racked up 1,785 yards and 15 touchdowns over his first two seasons.

Budding two-way star Koi Perich returns for his sophomore season after earning Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-America honors in 2024. He was also an All-Big Ten First Team defensive back a year ago.

Minnesota was picked 11th in the Big Ten preseason poll.

What: Blackout, Family Weekend, Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale

When: Saturday, Oct. 25 at TBA

Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

Last year: Minnesota went 8-5.

Series: Minnesota leads 63-53-2.

Last Meeting: Iowa won 31-14 in Minneapolis last year.

Oregon linebacker Teitum Tuioti (44) plays during an NCAA football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. Oregon won 42-6. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)

Amanda Loman

No. 7/No. 7 Oregon at Iowa

Oregon earned the honor of being the third of three 2024 College Football Playoff participants to take on the Hawkeyes at home in 2025.

The Ducks bring just five returning starters (two offense, three defense) back from their Big Ten title team last year, but signed the No. 5 high school recruiting class in the country per 247Sports and the No. 4 transfer portal class in the nation according to On3.

Former five-star quarterback prospect Dante Moore is expected to lead Oregon’s offense after sitting behind Dillon Gabriel last season. Makhi Hughes joins the Ducks after rushing for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns in two seasons at Tulane to further steady the offense.

What: Military Appreciation

When: Saturday, Nov. 8 at TBA

Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

Last year: Oregon went 13-1, won the Big Ten championship and mad the College Football Playoff.

Series: Oregon leads 2-1.

Last Meeting: Oregon won 40-18 in Eugene, Oregon in 1994.

Southern California wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Ryan Sun

Iowa at RV/RV USC

The first year of the post-Caleb Williams era did not go as hoped for Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans, who struggled to a 7-6 record and a ninth-place finish in its first year in the Big Ten.

Quarterback Jordan Maiava returns after supplanting Miller Moss under center midway through the season. Wide receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon and tight end Lake McRee, who combined for 1,534 yards and 15 touchdowns last season also return.

On defense, USC returns just three starters — defensive linemen Devan Thompkins and Anthony Lucas and defensive back Kamari Ramsey — from a unit which ranked 77th in total defense (377.1 yards allowed per game) and 56th in scoring defense (24.1 points allowed per game).

When: Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2/2:30 p.m. (Central)

Where: LA Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles

Last Meeting: Iowa won 49-24 in the 2019 Holiday Bowl.

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles runs with the ball against Illinois during the second half in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Matt Marton

Michigan State at Iowa

Michigan State struggled in its first season under new head coach Jonathan Smith, who went 34-35 in six seasons at Oregon State. The Spartans went 5-7 and finished 12th in the Big Ten standings.

The Spartans return nine starters (five offense, four defense) and brought in the No. 21 transfer portal class in the nation per On3.

Aidan Chiles will be called on to take a step in his second year at quarterback to spark an offense which ranked 110th in yards (334.4 per game) and 123rd in scoring (19.3 points per game) last year.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22 at TBA

Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

Last year: Michigan State went 5-7.

Series: Iowa leads 25-23-2.

Last Meeting: Michigan State won 32-20 in East Lansing, Michigan in 2024.

Nebraska defensive back Marques Buford Jr. (1) reacts after a play against Georgia Southern during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

Rebecca S. Gratz

Iowa at RV/RV Nebraska

It’s year three for Matt Rhule in Lincoln and the second year for former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who threw for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns in his true freshman season. The Huskers also appeared in a bowl game for the first time since 2016 last season, defeating Boston College 20-15 in the 2024 Pinstripe Bowl.

An experienced secondary also returns for the Big Red as cornerbacks Marques Buford Jr. and Ceyair Wright are back along with safeties Malcolm Hartzog and DeShon Singleton. Nebraska’s defense ranked 18th in the country in total defense (317.5 yards allowed per game) and 17th in scoring defense (19.5 points allowed per game).

Dana Holgorsen enters his first full season as the offensive coordinator for the program after replacing Marcus Satterfield for the final three regular season games and the bowl game. The Davenport native and St. Ambrose alum helped the Huskers average 370 yards and 23.5 points per game, which marked an marginal 16-yard and 4.4-point per game improvement.

When: Friday, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m.

Where: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

Last year: Nebraska went 7-6.

Series: Nebraska leads 30-22-3

Last Meeting: Iowa won 13-10 in Iowa City.

Less than four weeks away from the season opener, Quad-City Times Iowa beater reporter Ethan Petrik makes three bold predictions for the Hawkeyes 2025 season.

The Iowa football program hosted its annual Kids’ Day open practice on Saturday, offering fans a first glimpse at the Hawkeyes ahead of the 2025 college football season.

The name of the field will not change according to the Iowa athletic department which announced the relocation of the Duke Slater Field emblem on Monday.

Photos: 2025 Iowa Football Media Day

Kinnick Stadium at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.