John Steppe

Iowa clearly has held the upper hand in its annual rivalry against Nebraska, but the Huskers have showed steady improvement in recent seasons.

Here’s what to watch in Week 13 as the Hawkeyes seek a better outcome against the Aidan Chiles-led Spartans than in 2024.

USC does not have the same level of preseason hype after disappointing 2023 and 2024 seasons. The Trojans have a passing attack, though, that could be a big test for Phil Parker’s secondary in 2025.

The reigning Big Ten champions will come to Kinnick Stadium in 2025 with a relatively young group. Here’s what that could mean for Iowa in its Week 10 matchup.

One of Tim Lester’s past colleagues said the Iowa offensive coordinator is “one of the smartest coaches I’ve ever coached with.” The Hawkeyes are beginning to see that for themselves after an impressive first season in his Shanahan-style offensive system.

Iowa’s Big Ten neighbor to the north will be relying on a young quarterback and a reconfigured offensive line in 2025.

Penn State has extremely high preseason expectations after a 13-win season in 2024 that ended in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Here is what the Hawkeyes need to do to be more competitive than in their last matchup against Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions.

Last year’s Heartland Trophy game was Iowa’s biggest win over Wisconsin since 1968. When the Hawkeyes return to Camp Randall in 2025, they will se a different-looking Badger offense.

Iowa nearly doubled its opponents’ scoring in the third quarter during the 2024 season. Offensive coordinator Tim Lester explained one reason for the Hawkeyes’ third-quarter success.

Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers shocked the Big Ten in 2024 as they won 11 games and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff. Here is why they could pose a significant threat again in 2025 as they head to Kinnick Stadium in Week 5.

The Gazette’s John Steppe is leaving after four years on the Hawkeye football beat (and more time before that as an intern, freelancer and news reporter).

Final episode for John Steppe as the Hawk Off the Press Podcast host

Some Iowa students will be much closer to the action at Carver-Hawkeye Arena home games in 2025-26, thanks to the installation of a courtside seating riser.

Iowa has won all four games against Rutgers in program history, and three of the wins were by at least 17 points. The Scarlet Knights could be more formidable in 2025 if they can replace Kyle Monangai’s production, though.

Iowa’s longtime director of football operations is retiring after 21 years with the Hawkeyes, where he made an “incredibly challenging” role look “effortless” while mentoring the next generation.