The Hawkeyes concluded their non-conference slate with a victory over UMass last Saturday at Kinnick Stadium.
Iowa jumped out to an early 20-0 lead, and they never looked back. The offense finally made an appearance as the Hawkeyes emphasized the passing game.
Quarterback Mark Gronowski came out slinging the ball early and often, and tossed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Seth Anaderson two minutes into the first quarter. He would add another touchdown pass at the end of the quarter, also to Anderson.
The Iowa offense finished the game against UMass with 435 total yards, 234 of them coming through the air as both Gronowski (179 passing yards, two touchdowns) and backup Hank Brown (55 passing yards, one touchdown) found success in the passing game.
The problem for the Hawkeyes through the first three weeks has been the inconsistencies from the offense and the special teams units.
The offense has shown steady improvement, and Kaden Wetjen provided a spark last weekend in the return game, but the competition takes a massive leap as the Big Ten schedule begins.
Before Iowa's first Big Ten matchup against Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey, on Friday night, the Hawkeyes released their Week Four depth chart.
Week 4 Depth Chart \\ Big Ten opener at Rutgers#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/W13b2rYQbc
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) September 15, 2025
The depth chart is the same as it was for Week Three, with starting running back Kamari Moulton (shoulder), Reece Vander Zee (foot), and Addison Ostrenga (Achilles) remain out with injuries.
The biggest question mark for the Hawkeyes going forward will be the consistency of Gronowski and the Iowa offense as they battle through a tough Big Ten schedule.
If they continue to improve and get some of their injured players back on the field, the offense has the potential to open some eyes later in the season.