After a gritty win over Rutgers last Friday night, the Hawkeyes face their toughest test of the season as they welcome No. 11 Indiana to Kinnick Stadium this Saturday.
Iowa's offense put up another solid performance in the Hawkeyes' 38-28 win over Rutgers, using a balanced attack to keep the Rutgers defense guessing.
The special teams also had a great showing as return specialist Kaden Wetjen took the opening kickoff to the house for a touchdown, and veteran defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett blocked a field goal late in the game.
The defense left a lot to be desired after the Rutgers offense torched them for 21 points in the first half, but the unit showed its resilience in the second half.
After surrendering 21 first-half points, the defense allowed only seven second-half points, showing they can respond to adversity.
The Iowa defense must play a perfect game on Saturday if the Hawkeyes expect to upset Indiana. The Hoosiers are coming off a 63-10 domination of No. 9 Illinois, as quarterback Fernando Mendoza continues to put up ridiculous numbers.
After Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer broke his hand, Mendoza has leaped into the top spot for Heisman favorite.
Indiana has a high-powered offense, but also a suffocating defense, and here is who Iowa will have on the field to battle the Hoosiers on Saturday.
Week 5 Depth Chart \\ vs. Indiana#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/XsmmJhlOm6
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) September 22, 2025
Iowa's Week Five depth chart is nearly identical to the Week Four depth chart, with one change being made after it was released a few days ago.
During Head Coach Kirk Ferentz's weekly press conference, he announced that running back Jaziun Patterson will miss Saturday's game as he deals with an ankle injury that he suffered during the win over Rutgers.
Ferentz also announced that they will use a combination of Kamari Moulton, Terrell Washington Jr., and Nathan McNeil with Patterson on the sideline.
The rest of the offense and the defense remain the same, as Iowa will attempt to slow down Indiana's offense and hit on some big plays this weekend.