How long can the Iowa Hawkeyes run the table in 2025? Can they string some wins to make noise and keep their record blemish-free late into the year?
That is much easier said than done, especially when playing in the Big Ten and facing a weekly challenge that requires focus each week. For the Hawkeyes, that test starts even earlier in the season.
Iowa makes a Week 2 road trip to Ames to take on the rival Iowa State Cyclones in a game that is an early season test for both programs. It also happens to be the game CBS Sports predicts will be the Hawkeyes’ first loss of the 2025 season.
Iowa Hawkeyes
First loss: at Iowa State on Sept. 6The Cyclones have a team capable of reaching — and winning — the Big 12 Championship, while the Hawkeyes enter in prove-it mode as a road underdog. The road team has won the last four meetings in this rivalry, all of which were decided in the final quarter. Iowa hopes South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski fits immediately in the passing game. – Brad Crawford, CBS Sports
The Hawkeyes dropped the game to the Cyclones last year despite leading 13-0. That advantage evaporated in the second half. Iowa turned the ball over and watched the Cyclones take the lead with a late field goal to stun a packed Kinnick Stadium.
This year’s contest is at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, which will be just as rowdy. The Cyclones, fresh off an historic 11-win season in 2024, are looking to build upon their success with Rocco Becht at quarterback.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: CBS Sports predicts Iowa football’s first loss on 2025 schedule
Reporting by Riley Donald, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
