Iowa Football AP Ranking: Hawkeyes Finish Strong, Earn Respect in Final Top 25 Poll
The final polls are in, and the Iowa football AP ranking tells a story that goes deeper than numbers. After a gritty season filled with close calls, physical battles, and one of the toughest schedules in the country, the Iowa Hawkeyes have closed the year ranked No. 17 in the final AP Top 25 Poll a fitting reward for a team that proved it belongs among college football’s elite.
Iowa football AP ranking reflects a season of grit and near greatness. After a 9–4 campaign that demonstrated perseverance, discipline, and the capacity to compete with the best, Iowa was ultimately ranked No. 17. Even though the Hawkeyes didn’t always achieve their desired outcome, voters were undoubtedly impressed by the way they played, particularly when facing opponents of championship caliber.
The game against Indiana, the eventual College Football Playoff National Champion, perfectly encapsulated Iowa’s season. The Hawkeyes held the Hoosiers to a thrilling 20–15 victory by pushing them harder than any other team this season. Even though it still hurts, Iowa’s late opportunity to take the lead with a field goal shows how close this team was to pulling off a program-defining upset.
Iowa’s performance stands out as the champions’ closest encounter with defeat during a season in which Indiana finished a perfect 16-0. That is important. Voters took notice of the poll.
Iowa’s ranking is strengthened by the Big Ten’s dominance. Officially, college football is now dominated by the Big Ten. The conference has made a clear statement about the true power of the sport, as Michigan, Ohio State, and now Indiana have won the last three national titles.
Being ranked and competitive in that environment carries a great deal of credibility. Indiana is ranked first at the end of the season, followed by Oregon at number four, Ohio State at number five, USC at number twenty, and Michigan at number twenty-one. The fact that Iowa is firmly positioned in the center of that elite group serves to further emphasize how frequently the Hawkeyes are discussed.
Iowa’s national resume is strengthened by winning the bowl. Postseason play was one of the key data points that helped Iowa’s final ranking. In the ReliaQuest Bowl, the Hawkeyes defeated Vanderbilt 34–27, a victory that was especially important considering the final standings.
Vanderbilt’s victory in the bowl was evident as they finished No. 15, two spots ahead of Iowa. Iowa defeated ranked teams when it mattered most, rather than merely competing with them. Instead of just hovering outside the Top 25, Iowa’s performance in the bowl capped off the season on a high note.
A ranking that is earned rather than given Iowa’s No. 17 ranking resonates because it doesn’t seem exaggerated or symbolic. This team was not supported by its reputation. It was earned through timely offense, physical defense, and the capacity to maintain competitiveness at every crucial juncture. Indeed, knowing how close Iowa was to even greater victories can be frustrating. But going forward, there’s also confidence. Teams that routinely “play champions close” are frequently just one tweak away from success.
What this implies for the upcoming season Ranking in the Top 20 at the end of the season creates momentum for recruiting, national perception, and locker room belief. The Hawkeyes have demonstrated their ability to contend with any team in the nation, even the one that won the national championship.
Iowa is still exactly where it wants to be relevant, respected, and dangerous as college football continues to change. Not only does the final poll mark the end of 2025, but it also establishes the direction for future developments.
