Iowa’s 2025 regular season concluded with a performance that made a lasting impression. The Hawkeyes finished an 8–4 season (6–3 Big Ten) with confidence, rhythm, and a hint of swagger in a decisive 40–16 victory over Nebraska in a rivalry match that has generated a lot of drama over the years. Iowa won the game for the tenth time in the previous eleven meetings, and there was never any doubt in this one.
Graduate quarterback Mark Gronowski, who appeared to be settling into his stride like an experienced player, contributed significantly to that comfort. With his 230 total yards, touchdown pass, and two additional runs, he provided Iowa with the kind of controlled, balanced offensive presence it has been looking for all season. Beyond the stats, Gronowski created some Hawkeye history, which seemed appropriate considering how composed and effective he appeared all afternoon.
He wasn’t the only young actor to gain notoriety. DJ Vonnahme, a redshirt freshman tight end, demonstrated the athleticism and potential that have been subtly developing behind the scenes with a 35-yard touchdown. With two rushing touchdowns from redshirt sophomore running back Kamari Moulton, Iowa gained the physical advantage that has long characterized the program under Kirk Ferentz. Every time the Hawkeyes needed a spark, a fresh talent emerged. Ferentz, who is now Iowa football’s seasoned voice and still its emotional core, spoke after the game with the pride that comes from seeing months of hard work come to fruition.
He grinned and remarked, “Just obviously really pleased with the win.” “Above all, I’m just glad for our players. They’ve been excellent. I am incredibly proud of our entire team, both now and in January. We’ve been doing this for 11 months, and they’ve always been fantastic. Ferentz was quick to remind everyone that a 12-game season requires a lot of work. The team lives everything else—conditioning, film rooms, cold practices, reset after losses, and pressure after victories—while fans only see the Saturdays.
”Getting just 12 guaranteed chances to compete is a long road,” he remarked. It requires a great deal of work. Working with these guys has been simple. I’m proud of the way they’ve fought and competed. Regardless of what occurs, including during games, they have responded. Perhaps this is the reason why this performance seemed to perfectly capture Iowa’s identity in 2025. This season, the Hawkeyes played tough football despite not playing flawless football. Together, they played. They continued to rely on the culture Ferentz has created over the course of more than 20 years, absorbing setbacks and dismissing outside noise.
Ferentz went on, “I think today’s game really represents the kind of guys we have on this football team.” “They know what it means to fight and compete for the entire sixty minutes, which is the essence of the game.” Ferentz acknowledged that he is ready for a break now that the regular season is over, and he thinks his players are as well.
”We have a long weekend, which is the best part of all this,” he remarked. “Everyone is able to take a break, and the players most definitely need that.” The best part is that they can take pleasure in it and feel great about what they’ve accomplished, not just today but all season long. When the players return home feeling satisfied with their work, it’s a positive feeling. Without a doubt, these guys deserve that. Iowa now focuses on its next bowl destination, which will be revealed on December 7. With this kind of momentum, the Hawkeyes have every reason to be optimistic because there is still football to be played.
A week of Iowa-Nebraska storylines, including injury updates, bowl predictions, rivalry history notes, and even commentary from Hawkeye legend George Kittle, who weighed in following Nebraska’s pregame banter, concluded with the triumph. With a decisive victory, a hearty dose of confidence, and another feather in its rivalry cap, Iowa finished the week precisely how it wanted to. It was a classic rivalry week in every way. The Hawkeyes may relax, savor the moment, and get ready for whatever lies next for the time being. They deserve to feel good going into December, and after their performance on Saturday, they most definitely do.
