Top Storylines Entering the Season
The Iowa Hawkeyes enter the 2025 season under long-time head coach Kirk Ferentz, aiming to build on an 8-5 record from 2024 that included a Music City Bowl loss to Missouri. With a revamped offense and a reliable defense, Iowa looks to contend in the Big Ten. Key storylines include:
- Quarterback Upgrade with Mark Gronowski: The transfer from South Dakota State, a two-time FCS national champion and Walter Payton Award winner, brings dual-threat ability (10,309 passing yards, 93 TDs; 1,767 rushing yards, 37 TDs in his career). Recovering from shoulder surgery, Gronowski is expected to elevate an offense that averaged just 131.6 passing yards per game in 2024 under new coordinator Tim Lester’s second year.
- Replacing Kaleb Johnson’s Production: The departure of the Big Ten’s leading rusher (1,537 yards, 21 TDs) leaves a void. Kamari Moulton and Jaziun Patterson are poised to lead a committee approach, emphasizing Iowa’s traditional ground-and-pound style.
- Defensive Rebuild Under Phil Parker: Losing stars like linebacker Jay Higgins and cornerback Jermari Harris, the unit must replace production while maintaining its elite status (top-20 scoring defense for 10 straight years). The Hawkeyes return a ton of experience, however. The entire proposed starting defense is full of redshirt seniors and juniors–players with 4+ years of experience.
- Tough Home-Heavy Schedule: Hosting powerhouses like Penn State, Oregon, and Indiana offers opportunities for upsets in Kinnick Stadium, but road tests at Iowa State, USC, and Nebraska could define the season.
- Special Teams Excellence: Returning kicker Drew Stevens (20/23 FGs), punter Rhys Dakin (44.1 yards per punt), and returner Kaden Wetjen (two return TDs) could provide an edge in close games.
Key Players
- Mark Gronowski, QB (Sr., Transfer from South Dakota State): A proven winner with championship pedigree, his mobility and accuracy could transform Iowa’s offense.
- Kamari Moulton, RB (Soph.): Stepping into the lead role after 473 yards and three TDs in 2024, his speed and vision are vital.
- Jacob Gill, WR: Led Iowa with 411 receiving yards last season; a reliable target for Gronowski.
- Logan Jones, C (Sr.): All-Big Ten anchor of an experienced offensive line returning three starters.
- Aaron Graves, DT (Sr.): Key interior disruptor with eight TFLs and six sacks in 2024.
- Ethan Hurkett, EDGE (Sr.): Led the team with seven sacks; anchors a strong defensive front.
- Xavier Nwankpa, S (Sr.): Former five-star recruit shifting to free safety; brings athleticism to the secondary.
- Jaden Harrell, LB (Sr.): Emerging leader at linebacker after limited snaps; must fill the void left by Higgins.
Key Games Preview
- vs Penn State (Oct. 18)
- Why It Matters: Hosting the Nittany Lions in Kinnick Stadium could be a defining Big Ten clash, testing Iowa’s revamped offense against a top-tier defense. A win would boost Iowa’s playoff aspirations and reclaim “Kinnick at Night” magic.
- Key Matchup: Gronowski vs. Penn State’s secondary. Iowa’s new QB must avoid turnovers to exploit mismatches.
- vs Oregon (Nov. 8)
- Why It Matters: Facing the high-flying Ducks at home offers a chance to make a statement against a conference newcomer and potential playoff contender.
- Key Matchup: Iowa’s defensive line (Graves, Hurkett) vs. Oregon’s offensive front. Containing the run is crucial to force passing situations.
- at Nebraska (Nov. 28)
- Why It Matters: The Black Friday rivalry finale could decide bowl eligibility or a strong finish, with implications for recruiting and momentum.
- Key Matchup: Running backs (Moulton, Patterson) vs. Nebraska’s front seven. Iowa’s ground game must dominate to control the clock.
Final Prediction
EasySportz projects to finish with an 8-4 record (5-4 Big Ten), leveraging a strong home schedule and defensive prowess while navigating quarterback integration and a challenging slate. This positions them for a solid bowl game, potentially a New Year’s Six if upsets materialize.
- Wins (8): vs Albany (Aug. 30), vs UMass (Sept. 13), at Rutgers (Sept. 19), vs Indiana (Sept. 27), at Wisconsin (Oct. 11), vs Minnesota (Oct. 25), vs Michigan State (Nov. 22), at Nebraska (Nov. 28).
- Losses (4): at Iowa State (Sept. 6), vs Penn State (Oct. 18), vs Oregon (Nov. 8), at USC (Nov. 15).
Want more Big 10 coverage? Here is a preview of the Big 10 season based on Vegas’ projected win totals. More Big 10 previews: Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Northwestern and Wisconsin.
