Picks and Predictions for the Hawkeyes

Our team of handicappers love betting on college football, and the Hawkeyes are gearing up for a good season. Here are some of the picks and predictions:

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Iowa Hawkeyes History

The Iowa Hawkeyes football program, representing the University of Iowa, has a storied tradition dating back to its inception in 1889. Over the decades, the team has become a powerhouse in college football, known for its passionate fan base and competitive spirit. The Hawkeyes have claimed multiple Big Ten Conference titles and have made numerous bowl game appearances, solidifying their reputation in the collegiate football landscape.

Under the leadership of notable coaches like Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz, Iowa has developed a culture of resilience and excellence. Coach Fry’s tenure from 1979 to 1998 revitalized the program, leading to three Big Ten titles and three Rose Bowl appearances. His successor, Kirk Ferentz, has continued this legacy since 1999, becoming the longest-tenured head coach in FBS football as of 2025.

The team’s home games are held at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere. The “Kinnick Wave,” a tradition where fans, players, and coaches wave to the children watching from the nearby Stead Family Children’s Hospital, exemplifies the strong community bond and spirit that define Hawkeye football.

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Iowa Hawkeyes Timeline

1889: The University of Iowa fields its first football team.
1921: Iowa joins the Big Ten Conference.
1956: The Hawkeyes win their first Rose Bowl, defeating Oregon State 35-19.
1981: Under Coach Hayden Fry, Iowa clinches its first Big Ten title in two decades and earns a Rose Bowl berth.
1990: Iowa shares the Big Ten title and makes another Rose Bowl appearance.
1999: Kirk Ferentz is appointed as head coach, ushering in a new era for Hawkeye football.
2002: Iowa achieves an 11-2 record, sharing the Big Ten title and earning a spot in the Orange Bowl.
2009: The Hawkeyes secure a victory in the Orange Bowl, finishing the season with an 11-2 record.
2015: Iowa completes an undefeated regular season (12-0) and competes in the Big Ten Championship Game and the Rose Bowl.
2021: The team wins the Big Ten West Division and participates in the Big Ten Championship Game.
2024: Iowa finishes the season with an 8-5 record, including a narrow loss to Missouri in the Music City Bowl.
2025: Kirk Ferentz marks his 27th year as head coach, continuing his legacy as the longest-tenured coach in FBS.

Iowa Hawkeyes Stats

In the 2024 season, the Iowa Hawkeyes concluded with an 8-5 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big Ten play. Offensively, the team averaged 328.8 total yards per game, with 197.2 yards coming from rushing and 131.6 yards from passing. While the ground game showed consistency, the passing attack lagged, highlighting an area needing improvement.

Defensively, the Hawkeyes were formidable, ranking 17th nationally in total defense and 10th in points allowed. Their strong defensive performance was a key factor in several close victories. However, to enhance competitiveness, bolstering the passing offense will be crucial in future seasons.

Iowa Hawkeyes Roster for 2025

As the Hawkeyes gear up for the 2025 season, the roster features a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Senior safety Xavier Nwankpa is expected to anchor the secondary with his leadership and playmaking abilities. On the offensive side, junior quarterback Brendan Sullivan, who transferred from Northwestern, brings experience and a strong arm to the position.

The running back corps is bolstered by sophomore Kaleb Johnson, who had an impressive 2024 season with 1,537 rushing yards. Additionally, the wide receiver group sees the addition of redshirt sophomore Alex Mota, who is anticipated to make significant contributions.

Iowa Hawkeyes Injury Report

The 2024 season saw the Hawkeyes contend with several injuries that impacted their performance. Notably, quarterbacks Cade McNamara and Brendan Sullivan faced health challenges, with McNamara entering the transfer portal after the season. These injuries necessitated adjustments in the offensive lineup, influencing game outcomes.

Before you place a bet on the Hawkeyes this season, be sure to check out the injury report:

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Outlook and Trends

Defensive Strength Impacting Totals

The Hawkeyes’ defense has consistently been a formidable force, allowing an average of 19.3 points per game in the 2024 season, ranking them 15th nationally. This robust defensive performance often leads to lower-scoring games, making the ‘under’ a frequent outcome in betting totals. Bettors should monitor matchups against high-scoring opponents; if Iowa’s defense can effectively limit these teams, betting the under could be advantageous.

Home Field Advantage at Kinnick Stadium

Kinnick Stadium is renowned for its challenging atmosphere, often giving the Hawkeyes a competitive edge at home. The stadium consistently ranks among the top 25 in home attendance, reflecting the strong support from the fan base. This advantage has historically translated into strong home performances. Bettors should consider Iowa’s home field advantage when evaluating point spreads and moneyline bets for home games, as the team often exceeds expectations in this environment.

Performance Against Non-Conference Opponents

Iowa’s effectiveness against non-conference teams can vary, making it essential for bettors to analyze their performance in these matchups. In the 2024 season, the Hawkeyes faced several non-conference opponents, and their outcomes in these games can provide insights into potential betting value. For instance, understanding how Iowa’s defense matches up against unfamiliar offensive schemes can inform decisions on point spreads and totals. Bettors should pay close attention to Iowa’s historical performance against non-conference teams to identify patterns that may influence betting strategies.

Betting Trends from Last Season

Analyzing the 2024 season reveals several key betting trends:

• Strong Performance in December: Iowa demonstrated reliability in December games, achieving a 5-2 ATS record in their last seven December matchups.
• Consistent ‘Over’ Outcomes: The total points scored in Iowa’s games went over the set line in nine of their last twelve games, indicating a trend toward higher-scoring contests.
• Underdog ‘Under’ Trend: When playing as underdogs, the total has gone under in eight of Iowa’s last eight games, suggesting a pattern of lower-scoring games in these scenarios.

Key Players for Betting on the Iowa Hawkeyes

Mark Gronowski – Quarterback

Mark Gronowski, a senior transfer from South Dakota State, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the Hawkeyes’ offense. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 230 pounds, Gronowski led the Jackrabbits to consecutive FCS national championships in 2022 and 2023, earning MVP honors in both title games. His dual-threat capability, highlighted by his Walter Payton Award win in 2023, adds a dynamic element to Iowa’s offensive scheme. Bettors might find value in wagering on Gronowski’s total passing yards and rushing touchdowns, given his versatility and leadership.

Kaleb Johnson – Running Back

Kaleb Johnson returns as a junior running back after a stellar 2024 season, where he amassed 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, setting single-season records for Iowa. At 6’1″ and 224 pounds, Johnson’s combination of power and agility makes him a formidable force in the backfield. Recognized as a consensus All-American and the Big Ten Running Back of the Year, his consistent performance makes him a prime candidate for bets on rushing yards and touchdown totals.

Xavier Nwankpa – Safety

Junior safety Xavier Nwankpa has been a cornerstone of Iowa’s defense since his freshman year. At 6’2″ and 215 pounds, Nwankpa’s athleticism and field awareness have led to key plays, including an interception returned for a touchdown in the 2022 Music City Bowl. As a starter, his impact on pass defense and potential for interceptions make him a player to watch for defensive prop bets, such as total tackles and interceptions.

Jay Higgins – Linebacker

Senior linebacker Jay Higgins has demonstrated exceptional tackling ability and defensive leadership. In the 2024 season, he recorded 118 total tackles, earning him the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award and unanimous All-American honors. Higgins’ presence in the middle of the defense is crucial for Iowa’s success. Bettors might consider wagers on his total tackles and impact plays, reflecting his consistent involvement in defensive stops.

Iose Epenesa – Defensive End

Freshman defensive end Iose Epenesa, a five-star recruit from Edwardsville High School, joins the Hawkeyes with high expectations. At 6’4″ and 270 pounds, Epenesa’s size and athleticism have drawn comparisons to his older brother, A.J. Epenesa, who also played for Iowa and currently plays in the NFL. As a Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year, his potential to disrupt opposing offenses could translate into valuable prop betting opportunities, particularly in sacks and tackles for loss.

Iowa Hawkeyes Summary

Betting on the Iowa Hawkeyes requires a sharp eye and an appreciation for gritty, defensive football. From their strong performance in Big Ten matchups to key players like Kaleb Johnson and Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa offers several angles for bettors—from totals and spreads to player props. As we’ve seen, home-field advantage at Kinnick Stadium, under trends in dog roles, and emerging talent on both sides of the ball all contribute to a team that’s worth watching week to week.

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