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Iowa's expected tumble in the rankings is more than enough motivation this week

If the Hawkeyes weren't already motivated, this should do it
ByJordan Underwood
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Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers running back TJ Thomas (23) during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers running back TJ Thomas (23) during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Iowa had won nine of the last 10 meetings against Minnesota on the gridiron, but that streak came to a crashing halt in week eight.

The Hawkeyes easily had one of their sloppiest offensive games of the season, coughing the ball up four times in the 13-10 loss. Iowa was riding high after a victory over Washington and a rankings boost to No. 15 overall during the week seven bye, but that all came crashing down. After suffering a tough loss, Iowa dropped significantly in the rankings, setting up an even bigger rivalry game against Wisconsin in week nine.

Iowa was one of the biggest fallers in the AP Top 25, dropping 11 spots

Iowa had a golden opportunity to knock off Minnesota at home, bring Floyd back to Iowa City, and likely earn a rankings boost, but a loss eliminated all of those possibilities. Big Ten road games are never easy, but after Minnesota lost to Purdue before a bye week, Iowa had no excuse for the loss. What's done is done, and Iowa is reeling after the biggest rankings drop this week.

The AP released its Top 25 for week nine, and the Hawkeyes aren't in it. Iowa was expected to drop, but after a terrible performance, a loss to unranked Minnesota knocked them out. Iowa still got 72 votes, placing them at No. 26 overall, which is just outside the top 25. Iowa must bounce back quickly after the loss, with another rivalry game on deck in week nine. Wisconsin heads to Kinnick after a huge upset win over USC and will look to recapture the Heartland Trophy. Iowa has won five of the last six meetings, narrowing Wisconsin's lead to 49-48-2, and now has a golden opportunity to tie the all-time series.

Wisconsin jumped to No. 25, and an Iowa win could help its College Football Playoff resume. It will be difficult for a 10-2 Iowa team to get in, but if Iowa beats ranked Wisconsin and Northwestern, it could drastically improve its odds. Iowa isn't looking too far ahead, but back-to-back matchups against ranked opponents give it a unique opportunity. Adding two more ranked wins can only help, but the Hawkeyes still have to win out to keep their CFP dreams alive. There is no room for more slip-ups, and it starts with a win over Wisconsin for the giant brass bull.

The Hawkeyes have dominated the last four meetings, including a 37-0 drubbing of the Badgers in Wisconsin last season. Luke Fickell and the Badgers likely haven't forgotten that loss and will look to avenge it at Kinnick next weekend. Iowa is down right now, but not out just yet. Iowa can't let a chance to even the all-time series and earn another ranked win slip away. Iowa traditionally doesn't need much motivation against Wisconsin, but its removal from the rankings is more motivation than they needed.

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