Iowa Hawkeyes 2025 Football Schedule: A Season of High Stakes and Historic Matchups

May 7

The Iowa Hawkeyes' 2025 football schedule is set, and it's shaping up to be a season filled with high-stakes games, historic matchups, and the potential for significant milestones. With seven home games at Kinnick Stadium, including visits from perennial powerhouses, this season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.

Full 2025 Iowa Football Schedule

Aug 30: vs. UAlbany (Home opener)
Sept 6: at Iowa State (Cy-Hawk Series)
Sept 13: vs. UMass
Sept 20: at Rutgers
Sept 27: vs. Indiana (Homecoming)
Oct 4: BYE
Oct 11: at Wisconsin
Oct 18: vs. Penn State
Oct 25: vs. Minnesota
Nov 1: BYE
Nov 8: vs. Oregon
Nov 15: at USC
Nov 22: vs. Michigan State (Senior Day)
Nov 28: at Nebraska

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Historic Home Opener

The season kicks off on August 30 with a home game against UAlbany. A victory would mark a significant milestone for head coach Kirk Ferentz, tying him with legendary coach Woody Hayes for the second most wins by a Big Ten coach.

2. Homecoming Clash with Indiana

On September 27, the Hawkeyes host Indiana for Homecoming. Iowa has dominated this series, winning nine of the last ten matchups. However, the Hoosiers are coming off a historic season having made the college football playoff, making this game one to watch.

3. First Meeting with Oregon in Over 30 Years

November 8 brings a historic matchup as the Oregon Ducks visit Kinnick Stadium for the first time in over three decades. This Military Appreciation Day game is expected to be a high-energy affair, with both teams bringing hardnosed defenses to the field.

4. Senior Day Showdown Against Michigan State

The regular season concludes on November 22 with Senior Day festivities and a matchup against Michigan State. Iowa will look to send its seniors off with a victory, continuing its strong home-field advantage against the Spartans.

5. Challenging Road Slate

The Hawkeyes face tough road tests at Iowa State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, USC, and Nebraska. Particularly notable is the game at USC on November 15, marking the first meeting between these two programs since 2019.

Fan Experience and Promotions

Iowa Athletics has announced several promotions to enhance the fan experience:

FryFest, Hall of Fame, and Educator Appreciation: The season opener against UAlbany on August 30 will feature these special events.
Gold Game and Spirit Squad Day: The UMass game on September 13 will celebrate these traditions.
Military Appreciation Day: The Oregon game on November 8 will honor active duty and veteran military personnel.
Senior Day: The final home game against Michigan State on November 22 will celebrate the senior class.

Strength of Schedule

The Hawkeyes' 2025 schedule is considered one of the more challenging in the Big Ten. With home games against Penn State and Oregon, along with road contests at USC and Wisconsin, Iowa's consistency and depth will be tested. Analysts have noted that while Iowa traditionally performs well, this season's slate presents significant hurdles.

As the season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a memorable year for Iowa football. With a blend of historic matchups, challenging opponents, and exciting promotions, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one for the books.