The Iowa Hawkeyes have had a rollercoaster of a season so far in 2025. Recent victories have reignited their hopes of making it to the College Football Playoff.
Sitting at 3-2 just a few weeks ago, the Hawkeyes’ future looked pretty uncertain. But back-to-back wins over Wisconsin and Penn State have changed the conversation.
Now at 5-2, Iowa controls much of its own destiny as they head into the latter part of the season. With five more Big Ten games remaining—including some against ranked opponents—the Hawkeyes have a tough road ahead.
Still, their recent performances have turned some heads at ESPN, putting them right back in the College Football Playoff mix.
The Road to Redemption
After a shaky start, the Iowa Hawkeyes have managed to turn things around. Their wins over Wisconsin and Penn State have been huge for keeping playoff dreams alive.
Despite a narrow loss to Indiana, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, Iowa has shown they can hang with top-tier teams. That’s not nothing.
Key Wins and Close Calls
In their recent games, the Hawkeyes have shown real resilience. Their win over Wisconsin was a statement, showing they can perform under pressure.
The victory against Penn State highlighted their defensive strength and offensive spark. And that loss to Indiana? It was only by five points, which suggests the gap between Iowa and the very best isn’t as wide as people might think.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the recent wins, the Hawkeyes have a brutal schedule coming up. Five more Big Ten games are left, including back-to-back battles with Oregon and USC.
ESPN Analytics gives Iowa less than a 50% chance of winning these crucial matchups. Plus, Nebraska is looming on the calendar, and they’re no pushover.
ESPN’s Take
ESPN currently lists Iowa in the “work to do” category. That feels about right, honestly.
The Hawkeyes would need to win out to make the 12-team field—a tall order, but not out of the question. As of now, only three Big Ten teams—Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon—are projected to make the College Football Playoff.
But if Iowa can pull off an upset against Oregon, who knows? The whole playoff picture could shift.
The Path Forward
For Iowa to make it to the College Football Playoff, here’s what needs to happen:
- Win Out: The Hawkeyes need to take their remaining five games, including tough ones against Oregon, USC, and Nebraska.
- Stay Healthy: Key players—especially quarterback Mark Gronowski—have to stay on the field and play well.
- Defensive Prowess: Iowa’s defense needs to keep up the intensity and keep opponents’ scoring chances low.
- Offensive Efficiency: The offense has to cash in on opportunities and keep turnovers to a minimum.
Fan Support and Team Morale
The fans’ energy and the team’s morale will matter, too. There’s something about a loud, electric stadium that can give players that extra push.
And inside the locker room, keeping spirits up and focus sharp is going to be essential for getting through the grind ahead.
Conclusion
The Iowa Hawkeyes have shown real grit this season. With a 5-2 record, they’re right in the thick of the College Football Playoff talk.
The road ahead? It’s not going to be easy. They’ve got some tough games lined up against ranked teams.
If Iowa wants to keep the playoff dream alive, they’ll need to win out and stay healthy. Honestly, that’s a tall order for any team.
Team spirit and fan support could make all the difference. Sometimes, it’s those little things that tip the scales.
Curious about the full story? Check out more details on Iowa’s run and their playoff hopes at HawkeyesWire.
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