Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Iowa Hawkeyes Game Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers travel to face the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET on CBS.
Both teams come in at 5-2 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play, making this matchup critical for conference positioning. Iowa continues to ride the dual-threat brilliance of quarterback Mark Gronowski, while Minnesota’s defense looks to build on last week’s dominant performance against Nebraska.
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Line Movement and Betting Odds
Minnesota Moneyline: +266
Iowa Moneyline: -337
Minnesota Spread: +8.5 (-109)
Iowa Spread: -8.5 (-111)
Total Over/Under: 39.5 (-110)
Iowa opened as a clear home favorite, backed by its defensive consistency and strong record at Kinnick Stadium. The total remains one of the lowest of the week, signaling a hard-nosed defensive game.
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Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota enters off a commanding 24-6 win over Nebraska, a performance fueled by a relentless defense that posted a program-record nine sacks. Quarterback Drake Lindsey managed the offense efficiently with 153 passing yards and no turnovers, while running back Darius Taylor added physicality with 86 rushing yards.
The Gophers’ defense has been their identity all season, ranking top-10 nationally in sacks, takeaways, and interceptions. Their front seven generates consistent pressure, allowing Minnesota to control tempo even in low-scoring games. Offensively, Lindsey has thrown for 1,437 yards and 10 touchdowns through seven games, and wideout Le’Meke Brockington provides an explosive option downfield.
Injury Report
- Jeff Roberson (LB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Mo Omonode (DL) – Out (Undisclosed)
- Cristian Driver (WR) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- A.J. Turner (RB) – Out (Undisclosed)
- John Nestor (DB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Theorin Randle (DL) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Garrison Monroe (DB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Drew Wilson (LB) – Out (Undisclosed)
- Mike Gerald (DB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Sam Henson (K) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Daniel Shipp (OL) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Tre Berry (RB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Full injury report for Minnesota Golden Gophers
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes edged Penn State 25-24 last week behind a powerful rushing attack that piled up 245 yards. Quarterback Mark Gronowski has quickly become one of the Big Ten’s most dynamic playmakers, contributing 289 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in addition to his 811 passing yards on the season.
Running backs Kamari Moulton and Xavier Williams form a steady one-two punch that helps Iowa control possession and wear down defenses. The Hawkeyes’ defense has been equally impactful, ranking among the top 20 nationally in sacks and interceptions. Iowa thrives in grind-it-out games, and home-field advantage at Kinnick Stadium remains a major factor.
Injury Report
- Shahid Barros (DB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Luke Gaffney (DL) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Addison Ostrenga (TE) – Out (Undisclosed)
- Jaziun Patterson (RB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Jarriett Buie (WR) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Full injury report for Iowa Hawkeyes
Key Storylines
• Iowa has won three straight meetings against Minnesota, including last year’s 31-14 victory in Minneapolis.
• Minnesota’s defense set a school record with nine sacks in its last game.
• Iowa’s Mark Gronowski has 10 rushing touchdowns and leads the team in total scores.
• Both head coaches, Kirk Ferentz and P.J. Fleck, are the two longest-tenured in the Big Ten.
• Each team enters 3-1 in conference play, fighting for position in the Big Ten West race.
Prediction
Minnesota’s defensive front can challenge Iowa early, but the Hawkeyes’ disciplined run game and home-field advantage give them the edge. Expect a physical, defensive battle decided by turnovers and field position.
Projected Score: Iowa 27, Minnesota 17
Best Bet: Iowa -8.5 (-111)
Secondary Lean: Over 39.5 (-110)
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