On New Year’s Eve, Kirk Ferentz led Iowa football to a 34-27 victory over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl, setting a new Big Ten record and adding another historic milestone to his already impressive resume. With the victory, Ferentz broke a long-standing conference record held by Penn State legend Joe Paterno and earned his 11th career bowl victory as Iowa’s head coach. After 27 seasons on the Iowa sidelines, Ferentz’s accomplishment solidifies his legacy and puts him alone atop the Big Ten’s all-time bowl wins list.
Vanderbilt ended the 2025 season at 10-3, while the Hawkeyes finished with a 9-4 record, including a 6-3 record in Big Ten play. The program’s first victory over a ranked opponent since 2021, ending a frustrating run of 13 straight losses to ranked teams, made the bowl victory even more significant for Iowa. It was more than just records for Ferentz. It was about the team, the setting, and the importance of bowl games.
After the game, Ferentz stated, “I’ll start out by saying this is exactly why bowl games are significant and important.” “Our team had a truly memorable day today, and what a fantastic setting for a game.” outstanding rival to contend with.
Ferentz emphasized the respect his team had for the Commodores both before and after the game, praising Vanderbilt’s tenacity and competitiveness.
”We witnessed two extremely competitive and resilient football teams today,” he remarked. “A great deal of respect for Vanderbilt’s arrival. Now even more so. I simply can’t say enough about them.
Additionally, the ReliaQuest Bowl triumph coincides with a critical juncture for the Iowa program. Ferentz recently declared that he would take over as head coach again for the 2026 campaign, which would allow him to add even more victories to his already unbeatable conference record.
Ferentz continues to build on a career characterized by longevity, consistency, and quiet excellence as the Big Ten’s all-time leader in overall victories. For Iowa’s seniors, who Ferentz frequently emphasized in his postgame comments, Saturday’s victory held particular significance. Ferentz attributed the Hawkeyes’ strong finish to their leadership and perseverance despite a season full of obstacles and close defeats.
Ferentz remarked, “I’m really proud of our guys and the effort they put out there and the way they competed and played it right up until the end.”
Obviously, both teams put a lot of effort into the game. It’s a wonderful sensation. Fantastic way to wrap up the season. Ferentz pointed out that Iowa had 27 seniors on the team and explained how, even before the season began, that group set the tone.
He remarked, “Those guys really took it over starting in January.” “They’ve shown up and competed every single time, even though we’ve had some difficult losses this year.”
Additionally, he singled out Mark as an example of a player who, despite not having been with the program as long, embraced its culture and made significant contributions.
Ferentz remarked, “Mark has only been with us a little bit shorter than the other guys, but he just fit right in.” “I’m simply overjoyed for every single guy. I’m happy for our whole team, our employees, our supporters, and everyone else down there, especially these seniors. Despite some setbacks, Iowa’s season ends on a positive note with the bowl victory.
The Hawkeyes gained momentum going into the offseason and served as a reminder of the program’s capacity to rise in crucial situations after defeating a ranked SEC opponent on a national platform.
With stability at the top and a head coach who continues to surpass expectations almost thirty years into his tenure, Iowa looks forward to Ferentz’s return in 2026. For Ferentz, the real reward seemed to be witnessing his players leave the field together one final time as winners, resilient, and unified. Records may define the headlines.
