Iowa Football Shocks the Nation with Stunning Debut in ESPN Power Rankings – What’s Behind the Surge?

You know, there’s something undeniably electric about a team that suddenly grabs the reins of its own fate, and the Iowa Hawkeyes? Well, they’re right in that sweet spot. After rattling off three straight Big Ten victories, sitting pretty at 6-2, they’re no longer just playing out the schedule—they’re shaping what comes next. And the looming showdown with the Oregon Ducks, beamed live on CBS, is more than just another game; it’s a spotlight moment for Kirk Ferentz’s team as they find their rhythm on every side of the ball. ESPN’s just turned heads, slotting Iowa at No. 25 in their power rankings for the first time this season—a nod to the strides they’ve made, but also a reminder that to upset the Ducks and potentially USC, the Hawkeyes’ passing game needs some serious juice. Mark Gronowski’s legs have been electric, sure, but those deep throws to Reece Vander Zee? That’s the kind of spark you need under the Kinnick Stadium lights, packed wall-to-wall with fans hungry for a Big Ten title dance. This weekend, it’s game on, and anything can happen. LEARN MORE

Try as hard you might, the Iowa Hawkeyes are going to force hands at some point. After stringing together three wins in Big Ten play, the Hawkeyes sit at 6-2, and believe it or not, have a lot, not all, but a lot of control over their own destiny.

Iowa gets a matchup with the Oregon Ducks, televised nationally on CBS, that will serve as a proving ground for Kirk Ferentz’s squad, which is gelling on offense, defense, and special teams.

With the massive game against the Ducks approaching, ESPN provided its weekly power rankings, and this week sees the Hawkeyes make their first appearance in the rankings, coming in at No. 25.

25. Iowa Hawkeyes

Previous ranking: NR

The Hawkeyes are 68th in offensive EPA (expected points added), a considerable jump from last season, when they ranked 88th. If only Iowa could generate a few more big plays in the passing game. The Hawkeyes rank last among Power 4 offenses with just 5.64 yards per passing attempt. Iowa has completed only 14 passes for more than 20 yards and none for over 50 yards. The Hawkeyes did get two big completions (29 and 28 yards) in their resounding 41-3 victory over Minnesota last weekend. They’ll need to find a way to get a lot more of those over these next two weeks if they’re going to knock off Oregon and USC to hang on in the Big Ten title game picture. — Trotter

Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski has proven he is willing to tuck it and run when needed, but his arm has flashed more and more each week. The Hawkeyes’ win over Minnesota saw Gronowski connect on a deep touchdown pass to Reece Vander Zee, who is back from injury.

If Iowa can stretch Oregon just enough this weekend, anything can happen inside a sold-out, raucous Kinnick Stadium.

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