Hawkeye Football is coming off a much-needed bye week after struggling to a 3-2 (1-1 Big Ten) record to begin the season.
Iowa had high expectations coming into the season, with a revamped quarterback room and a veteran-led defense, but it has not materialized for the squad so far this season.
The Iowa offense struggled out of the gate with new starting quarterback Mark Gronowski, and even with the new QB hitting his stride since week three, the offense has struggled to stay healthy.
Starting wide receivers Reece Vander Zee (foot), and Seth Anderson (undisclosed) have spent time sidelined with injuries, with Vander Zee unable to make it back thus far.
The running back room has also struggled to stay healthy, as the Hawkeyes have started a different running back in the backfield every week.
Starting running back Kamari Moulton, along with Xavier Williams, Jaziun Patterson, and now Terrell Washington Jr., have all spent time on the sidelines, and the inconsistency has hurt the Iowa offense.
The Iowa defense has been solid, but has struggled in pass defense and tackling. During the Indiana game, Iowa missed 14 tackles in the 20-15 loss.
At the near-midway point of the season, Iowa is now projected to finish in the middle of the conference when the season is finished.
Big Ten (almost) Mid-Season Record Predictions in 2025, per @jrs_rankings pic.twitter.com/97B6i9uhUe
— The Big Ten Huddle 🎙️ (@TheBigTenHuddle) October 3, 2025
"The Big Ten Huddle" projects Iowa to finish with a 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten) record, placing them at No. 9 in the conference.
Iowa is off to a 1-1 start in the Big Ten Conference with challenging games against Penn State (October 18), Oregon (November 8), USC (November 15), and Nebraska (November 28) to close out the season.
Penn State is struggling right now, but they are always tough. Iowa and Nebraska always have close games, and those are the two potential games Iowa can win.