Before the battle for one of college football's coolest rivalry trophies gets underway, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck made an interesting revelation the Golden Gophers' fans won't want to hear.
Even when Iowa and Minnesota aren't playing, the Hawkeyes live rent-free in Golden Gophers fans' heads, to the point where it's gotten a little comical. The Iowa-Minnesota rivalry is one of the oldest in college football, and Fleck and Kirk Ferentz have been at the center for the last decade. Iowa has been Fleck's kryptonite, but he gave Ferentz the ultimate respect before the two programs meet for the 120th time on the gridiron this weekend.
Fleck called Ferentz 'one of the greatest coaches of all time'
Ferentz and the Hawkeyes manhandled the Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium last season, controlling every phase of the game. Iowa won 41-3, and the game was never close. The rivalry renews every college football season, and while fans trade vitriol, Fleck took the high road and gave Ferentz the ultimate compliment.
Coach Fleck is 1-8 all-time against the #Hawkeyes as the #Gophers head coach.
— Will Hall (@WillHallKARE11) October 19, 2026
PJ on Kirk Ferentz:
"He is one of the greatest coaches of all time, because he's done it with such consistency." pic.twitter.com/7B2ehgGODX
Fleck is 1-8 against Ferentz in his career, but he took the time to praise Ferentz during his weekly press conference. Fleck praised Ferentz's consistency and his ability to adapt to the ever-changing college football landscape. He also said that whenever he is asked about whether it's harder to build a program or maintain it, he always says both, and that's exactly what Ferentz has done. Fleck also said he has "a ton" of respect for Ferentz and what he's been able to do, and he acknowledged it's a rivalry game, but wanted to give credit where credit is due.
That's extremely high praise from Fleck, and although it is a little surprising that he said it before a rivalry matchup, respect to him.
Iowa and Minnesota have mirrored each other for decades, and it is always interesting to see how this heated rivalry plays out. If not for a bad fair-catch call against Cooper DeJean in 2023, the Hawkeyes would be 10-0 in the last ten games of the series, and they are looking to build on that advantage this weekend. Ferentz has been as consistent as they come, and the Hawkeyes wouldn't be where they are without him.
Some fans want him gone, but Ferentz is one of the most consistent coaches in the game
Several Hawkeye fans point to Iowa's lack of offense or a College Football Playoff appearance as reasons Ferentz shouldn't be held in high regard, but the grass isn't always greener on the other side. The Iowa program has been a model of consistency with Ferentz at the helm, and he has adjusted to every change the game has thrown at him over the last 28 years. Iowa not only sends multiple players to the NFL every year, but also does more with less, evidenced by its NIL spending.
Iowa prides itself on solid development, and the program's success every season reflects that. Every year, a new Hawkeye who no one has heard of is out there making plays, and that is a testament to what Ferentz has built. Fans can be fickle; opposing teams and coaches know how unique Ferentz's consistency is, and we need to appreciate him while he's here.
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