The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to host the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Week 9 of the 2025 College Football Regular Season. This Big Ten matchup is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA, with a kickoff time of 3:30 PM. Fans can catch the action on CBS.
Both teams enter the contest with identical records of 5-2, creating a pivotal game for conference standings. While Iowa boasts a 3-1 home record, Minnesota has struggled on the road, going 0-2 this season. Each team holds a 3-1 conference record, intensifying the importance of this matchup.
Minnesota comes off a dominant 24-6 victory over Nebraska, showcasing their strong defensive play. Meanwhile, Iowa managed to edge out Penn State with a narrow 25-24 win, displaying their ability to compete in tightly contested games. The betting odds favor Iowa, with the Hawkeyes having a moneyline of -335 compared to Minnesota’s +266.
Iowa vs Minnesota At a Glance
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
- Location: Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA
- TV Channel: CBS
- Minnesota Record: 5-2 overall, 0-2 on the road
- Iowa Record: 5-2 overall, 3-1 at home
- Game Odds: Iowa favored with -335 moneyline; Minnesota +266 moneyline
The Iowa Hawkeyes Prepare for the Minnesota Golden Gophers
Team Overview
The Iowa Hawkeyes have shown consistent performance this season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They have allowed only 102 points against them, ranking them 50th in points allowed nationally. This defensive tenacity has been a key factor in their recent success.
Offensively, the Hawkeyes have managed to score 209 points, placing them 41st in the country. While their passing game ranks 126th with 920 yards, their rushing attack is more robust, sitting at 34th with 1355 yards.
Recent Performance
Iowa’s recent games have been a mix of impressive victories and narrow escapes. Their most recent win was a close 25-24 against Penn State, highlighting their ability to pull through in tight situations. Previously, they dominated Wisconsin in a 37-0 victory, showcasing their defensive prowess.
However, the Hawkeyes did face a setback against Indiana, losing 20-15 at home. Despite this loss, their overall record remains strong as they prepare for their upcoming game against Minnesota.
Key Players
Quarterback Mark Gronowski has been a pivotal figure for the Hawkeyes, leading with 811 passing yards and 3 touchdowns this season. Although his passing stats are not the highest, his leadership is crucial for the team’s performance.
Running back Kamari Moulton has been a standout performer, amassing 360 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. His contributions on the ground have been instrumental in balancing Iowa’s offensive strategy.
Injury Report
The Hawkeyes have a few players with uncertain status due to injuries. Shahid Barros (DB), Luke Gaffney (DL), and Jaziun Patterson (RB) are all questionable with undisclosed injuries. Addison Ostrenga (TE) is confirmed out for the remainder of the season.
These injuries could impact Iowa’s depth, but their strong overall squad depth has allowed them to manage such challenges effectively in past games.
Betting Trends
- After a loss: 11-0 in their last 11 games (2022–2025).
- As a favorite: 25-5 in their last 30 games (2022–2025).
- Totals ≤ 42: 6-0 in their last 6 games (2024–2025).
- Home games: 8-1 in their last 9 games (2024–2025).
These trends highlight Iowa’s ability to perform under specific conditions, providing valuable insights for bettors.
Minnesota Golden Gophers: A Season of Tactical Football and Strategy
Current Performance Overview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have scored a total of 188 points this season, ranking them 52nd. Their passing game has seen a total of 1524 yards, placing them at 77th, while their rushing game has accumulated 863 yards, landing them in the 98th spot.
In their recent performance against Nebraska, Minnesota managed a decisive 24-6 win. They displayed a balanced offensive approach, with 153 passing yards and 186 rushing yards.
Defensive Prowess
Defensively, Minnesota has allowed 133 points against them, which places them 68th in the rankings. They have been particularly effective with 23 sacks, ranking 6th, and have intercepted the ball 6 times, which also ranks them 7th.
They have shown a strong presence on the field with 4 fumble recoveries, which ties them for 6th in the rankings. This defensive solidity has been crucial in keeping opponents at bay.
Quarterback Insights
Drake Lindsey has been leading the charge at quarterback with 1437 passing yards over 7 games. He has thrown 10 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, showcasing his capability to manage games effectively.
Lindsey’s performance has contributed to Minnesota’s offensive strategies, providing a strong foundation for their passing game.
Rushing and Receiving Dynamics
Darius Taylor leads the rushing attack with 353 yards over 5 games, supplemented by his 16 receptions. Fame Ijeboi and Cam Davis also provide depth, with 259 and 90 rushing yards respectively.
In the receiving department, Le’Meke Brockington stands out with 25 receptions and 285 yards, scoring 3 touchdowns. His contributions are pivotal in stretching defenses and creating opportunities.
Betting Trends
- SU – Home Games: Last 5 Games (2025) → 5-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 30 Games (2021–2025) → 22-8 (73.3%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – After Win: Last 30 Games (2021–2025) → 20-10 (66.7%)
- SU – All Games: Last 14 Games (2024–2025) → 10-4 (71.4%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 24 Games (2020–2025) → 15-9 (62.5%)
- ATS – Totals ≤ 42: Last 12 Games (2022–2025) → 8-4 (66.7%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 5-2 (71.4%)
- ATS – All Games: Last 18 Games (2024–2025) → 11-7 (61.1%)
Iowa vs Minnesota Prediction: Iowa -8.5
In this week 9 matchup, the Iowa Hawkeyes are set as 8.5-point favorites against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Iowa’s strong home record of 3-1 gives them an advantage, especially against a Minnesota team that has struggled on the road with a 0-2 record. The Hawkeyes’ consistent performance at Kinnick Stadium, coupled with their solid offensive ranks, suggests they can cover the spread.
On the defensive side, Iowa is ranked 50th in points against, compared to Minnesota’s 68th rank. This defensive edge, alongside Iowa’s superior rushing game, ranked 34th, could be pivotal. Given Iowa’s recent success in covering the spread after a loss, their betting trends strongly favor taking Iowa -8.5.
Minnesota’s offense has been inconsistent, particularly on the road, where they have yet to secure a win. Their inability to generate substantial rushing yards (ranked 98th) may limit their scoring opportunities against Iowa’s defense. With these factors, Iowa is well-positioned to win comfortably.
Considering Iowa’s home field advantage and Minnesota’s road struggles, the projected final score leans towards Iowa securing a decisive victory. Expect Iowa to dictate the pace, with a projected score of Iowa 28 – Minnesota 13.
- Iowa vs Minnesota Prediction: Iowa -8.5
- Iowa vs Minnesota Score: Iowa 28 – Minnesota 13
