American college football season
The 2023 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa as members of the West Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season . The Hawkeyes were led by Kirk Ferentz in his 25th year as head coach. The Hawkeyes played their home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa , and sold out all seven home contests for the second consecutive season.
With a victory over Illinois on Senior Day, Iowa secured the Big Ten West title for the third time. A win over rival Nebraska in the regular season finale completed a 10-win regular season. They competed in the Big Ten Championship Game against the East Division champion No. 2 Michigan , where they were shutout by the eventual national champions 26–0. The Hawkeyes ended the 2023 season with a 35-0 shutout loss to No. 21 Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl .
Senior punter Tory Taylor was named First-team All-Big Ten for the third time, Eddleman–Fields Punter of the Year for the second time, a Unanimous First-team All-American , and the 2023 Ray Guy Award winner as the nation's most outstanding punter. Despite missing the final four games due to a season-ending injury, junior cornerback Cooper DeJean was named First-team All-Big Ten for the second time, Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year , Rodgers–Dwight Return Specialist of the Year , and a Unanimous First-team All-American. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker won the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach in college football.
The team became infamous over the course of the season for their great defense being paired with a historically terrible offense, causing some to call them the "Best Worst Team Ever".[ 1] [ 2] The four lowest Over/Unders in college football history were set in games involving the 2023 Hawkeyes, the lowest being an O/U of 24.5 against Nebraska.[ 3] [ 4] In each of those four games the final combined score was below the line. On October 30, it was announced that offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz would not be retained in 2024, but would be allowed to finish the rest of the 2023 season. At the time of the announcement, the Hawkeyes' offense was averaging 19.5 points per game, ranking 120th out of 133 in the FBS.[ 5]
Iowa lost several players in the transfer portal , including top two wide receivers Keagan Johnson and Arland Bruce IV, backup quarterback Alex Padilla , and running back Gavin Williams. Two top defensive players, cornerback Terry Roberts and linebacker Jestin Jacobs, transferred to Miami and Oregon , respectively.
Iowa added players in the transfer portal before the 2023 season, including Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara , Michigan tight end Erick All , and Charleston Southern wide receiver Seth Anderson, son of NFL wide receiver Flipper Anderson . Saginaw Valley State offensive tackle Daijon Parker committed to Iowa after originally committing to Virginia .
Iowa was picked second in the West Division by Big Ten media, behind Wisconsin.[ 6]
Date
Player
Position
Destination
Notes
Ref
November 29, 2022
Alex Padilla
QB
SMU Mustangs
[ 15]
November 29, 2022
Josh Volk
OL
Northern Iowa Panthers
[ 16]
December 1, 2022
Keagan Johnson
WR
Kansas State Wildcats
[ 17]
December 2, 2022
Arland Bruce IV
WR
Oklahoma State Cowboys
[ 18]
December 2, 2022
Gavin Williams
RB
Northern Illinois Huskies
[ 19] [ 20]
December 5, 2022
Jestin Jacobs
LB
Oregon Ducks
2-year starter at LB (before injury)
[ 21]
January 6, 2023
Dallas Craddieth
S
Kent State Golden Flashes
[ 22]
January 8, 2023
Reggie Bracy
CB
Troy Trojans
[ 23]
April 30, 2023
Carter Erickson
S
Northwest Missouri State Bearcats
[ 24]
May 4, 2023
Carson May
QB
Wyoming Cowboys
Previously committed to CCC Red Ravens
[ 25]
May 13, 2023
Zach Brand
RB
Northern Iowa Panthers
[ 24]
June 8, 2023
Terry Roberts
CB
Michigan State Spartans
Previously committed to Miami
[ 26]
Date Time Opponent Rank Site TV Result Attendance Source September 2 11:00 a.m. Utah State * No. 25 FS1 W 24–1469,250 [ 27]
September 9 2:30 p.m. at Iowa State * FOX W 20–1361,500 [ 28]
September 16 2:30 p.m. Western Michigan * No. 25 Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA BTN W 41–1069,250 [ 29]
September 23 6:30 p.m. at No. 7 Penn State No. 24 CBS L 0–31110,830 [ 30]
September 30 6:30 p.m. Michigan State Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA NBC W 26–1669,250 [ 31]
October 7 2:30 p.m. Purdue Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA Peacock W 20–1469,250 [ 32]
October 14 3:00 p.m. at Wisconsin FOX W 15–676,205 [ 33]
October 21 2:30 p.m. Minnesota No. 24 Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA (rivalry ) NBC L 10–1269,250 [ 34]
November 4 2:30 p.m. vs. Northwestern Peacock W 10–738,000 [ 35]
November 11 2:30 p.m. Rutgers No. 22 Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA BTN W 22–069,250 [ 36]
November 18 2:30 p.m. Illinois No. 16 Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA FS1 W 15–1369,250 [ 37]
11:00 a.m. at Nebraska No. 17 CBS W 13–1086,183 [ 38]
December 2 7:00 p.m. vs. No. 2 Michigan * No. 16 FOX L 0–2667,842 [ 39]
12:00 p.m. vs. No. 21 Tennessee * No. 17 ABC L 0–3543,861
Ranking movementsLegend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes Week Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Final AP 25 RV 25 24 — — RV 24 — — RV RV 20 18 20 24 Coaches RV RV 24 22 RV RV RV 23 RV RV RV 23 19 17 17 22 CFP Not released — 22 16 17 16 17 Not released
Utah State at No. 25 Iowa
1
2 3 4 Total
Aggies
0
3 3 8
14
• No. 25 Hawkeyes
14
3 0 7
24
Scoring summary 1 14:18 Iowa Seth Anderson 36-yard pass from Cade McNamara (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 7–0
7:44 Iowa Erick All 3-yard pass from Cade McNamara (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 14–0
2 11:03 USU William Testa 32-yard field goal Iowa 14–3
0:07 Iowa Drew Stevens 20-yard field goal Iowa 17–3
3 12:02 USU Elliott Nimrod 45-yard field goal Iowa 17–6
4 10:17 Iowa Kaleb Johnson 3-yard run (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 24–6
1:36 USU Terrell Vaughn 16-yard pass from Cooper Legas (Rahsul Faison pass from Cooper Legas) Iowa 24–14
The Hawkeyes' season opener was the first matchup in the series since a 48–7 win in 2002. It was also the first Iowa career start for Cade McNamara who threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns to start out the year 1–0.[ 41] [ 42]
Statistics
USU
IOWA
First downs
19
17
Total yards
329
284
Rushing yards
116
88
Passing yards
213
196
Turnovers
1
0
Time of possession
27:48
32:12
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Utah State
Passing
Cooper Legas
32/48, 213 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Rahsul Faison
7 carries, 59 yards
Receiving
Terrell Vaughn
12 receptions, 93 yards, TD
Iowa
Passing
Cade McNamara
17/30, 191 yards, 2 TD
Rushing
Kaleb Johnson
19 carries, 63 yards, TD
Receiving
Luke Lachey
7 receptions, 73 yards
Iowa at Iowa State Cy-Hawk Trophy
1
2 3 4 Total
• Hawkeyes
3
14 3 0
20
Cyclones
0
3 0 10
13
Scoring summary 1 5:56 Iowa Drew Stevens 28-yard field goal Iowa 3–0
2 13:39 Iowa Jaziun Patterson 4-yard run (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 10–0
4:29 Iowa Sebastian Castro 30-yard interception return (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 17–0
0:04 ISU Chase Contreraz 42-yard field goal Iowa 17–3
3 3:57 Iowa Drew Stevens 34-yard field goal Iowa 20–3
4 13:18 ISU Chase Contreraz 46-yard field goal Iowa 20–6
2:53 ISU Jayden Higgins 16-yard pass from Rocco Becht (C. Contreraz kick) Iowa 20–13
The Hawks avenged last season's 10–7 defeat by collecting their sixth straight victory at Jack Trice Stadium , earning Kirk Ferentz his 200th collegiate career win.[ 43] [ 44] [ 45]
Statistics
IOWA
IOWA ST
First downs
9
19
Total yards
235
290
Rushing yards
112
87
Passing yards
123
203
Turnovers
1
1
Time of possession
26:30
33:30
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Iowa
Passing
Cade McNamara
12/21, 123 yards, INT
Rushing
Jaziun Patterson
10 carries, 86 yards, TD
Receiving
Luke Lachey
3 receptions, 58 yards
Iowa State
Passing
Rocco Becht
23/44, 203 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Cartevious Norton
21 carries, 59 yards
Receiving
Jayden Higgins
8 receptions, 95 yards, TD
Western Michigan at No. 25 Iowa
1
2 3 4 Total
Broncos
7
3 0 0
10
• No. 25 Hawkeyes
0
14 17 10
41
Date: September 16Location: Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA Game start: 2:40 p.m. CDT Elapsed time: 3:51Game attendance: 69,250Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C), Cloudy, Wind NW 6 mph (9.7 km/h)Referee: Gregory BlumTV announcers (BTN ): Lisa Byington (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (analyst), and Shane Sparks (sidelines)
Scoring summary 1 5:40 WMU Anthony Sambucci 64-yard pass from Treyson Bourguet (Palmer Domschke kick) WMU 7–0
2 8:26 Iowa Diante Vines 3-yard pass from Cade McNamara (Drew Stevens kick) Tied 7–7
4:45 WMU Palmer Domschke 27-yard field goal WMU 10–7
1:29 Iowa Leshon Williams 25-yard pass from Cade McNamara (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 14–10
3 7:30 Iowa Safety, blocked punt through the end zone Iowa 16–10
4:02 Iowa Kamari Moulton 3-yard run (Erick All pass from Cade McNamara) Iowa 24–10
2:10 Iowa Kamari Moulton 1-yard run (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 31–10
4 5:20 Iowa Drew Stevens 31-yard field goal Iowa 34–10
0:30 Iowa Max White 2-yard run (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 41–10
The Hawkeyes evened the all-time series (2–2), building on the 59–3 victory in 2013. A blocked punt in the third quarter that resulted in a safety proved to be the turning point in cementing Iowa's upper hand. After trailing 10–7 in the second quarter, the Hawks scored the final 34 points of the game.[ 46] [ 47]
Statistics
WMU
IOWA
First downs
8
19
Total yards
239
387
Rushing yards
117
254
Passing yards
122
133
Turnovers
1
2
Time of possession
26:07
33:53
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Western Michigan
Passing
Treyson Bourguet
5/16, 124 yards, TD
Rushing
Treyson Bourguet
8 carries, 32 yards
Receiving
Kenneth Womack
2 receptions, 11 yards
Iowa
Passing
Cade McNamara
9/19, 103 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Leshon Williams
12 carries, 145 yards
Receiving
Steven Stilianos
2 receptions, 29 yards
at No. 7 Penn State [ edit ]
No. 24 Iowa at No. 7 Penn State
1
2 3 4 Total
No. 24 Hawkeyes
0
0 0 0
0
• No. 7 Nittany Lions
3
7 14 7
31
Scoring summary 1 1:35 PSU Alex Felkins 46-yard field goal PSU 3–0
2 9:17 PSU Khalil Dinkins 9-yard pass from Drew Allar (A. Felkins kick) PSU 10–0
3 8:20 PSU Tyler Warren 2-yard pass from Drew Allar (Alex Felkins kick) PSU 17–0
1:01 PSU Tyler Warren 7-yard pass from Drew Allar (Alex Felkins kick) PSU 24–0
4 12:19 PSU KeAndre Lambert-Smith 3-yard pass from Drew Allar (Alex Felkins kick)PSU 31–0
In a game played under the lights in Happy Valley between two unbeaten top 25 teams, Iowa was humbled by the Nittany Lions. The Hawkeyes, wearing alternate uniforms, were dominated in every phase of the game.[ 48] [ 49]
Statistics
IOWA
PSU
First downs
4
28
Total yards
76
397
Rushing yards
20
215
Passing yards
56
182
Turnovers
4
0
Time of possession
14:33
45:27
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Iowa
Passing
Cade McNamara
5/14, 42 yards
Rushing
Kamari Moulton
6 carries, 18 yards
Receiving
Erick All
3 receptions, 35 yards
Penn State
Passing
Drew Allar
25/37, 166 yards, 4 TD
Rushing
Kaytron Allen
21 carries, 72 yards
Receiving
KeAndre Lambert-Smith
8 receptions, 66 yards, TD
Michigan State at Iowa
1
2 3 4 Total
Spartans
3
6 7 0
16
• Hawkeyes
3
7 3 13
26
Scoring summary 1 11:25 Iowa Drew Stevens 40-yard field goal Iowa 3–0
3:48 MSU Jonathan Kim 31-yard field goal Tied 3–3
2 11:04 MSU Jonathan Kim 32-yard field goal MSU 6–3
3:48 Iowa Erick All 13-yard pass from Deacon Hill (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 10–6
0:00 MSU Jonathan Kim 58-yard field goal Iowa 10–9
3 13:08 MSU Cal Haladay 42-yard fumble return (Jonathan Kim kick) MSU 16–10
7:38 Iowa Drew Stevens 53-yard field goal MSU 16–13
4 5:19 Iowa Drew Stevens 36-yard field goal Tied 16–16
3:45 Iowa Cooper DeJean 70-yard punt return (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 23–16
0:59 Iowa Drew Stevens 34-yard field goal Iowa 26–16
Iowa recorded back-to-back victories in series for first time since 2009–2010. The Spartans were looking to avenge a humbling loss from their last visit – 49–7 in 2020 – during a week where there head coach Mel Tucker was fired. With Cade McNamara suffering a season-ending knee injury in the first quarter the offense continued to struggle. Cooper DeJean returned a punt 70 yards to give Iowa the lead for good with under four minutes left. This game marked Kirk Ferentz 's 200th Big Ten Conference regular season game as Iowa's head coach (116–84).[ 50] [ 51] [ 52]
Statistics
MSU
IOWA
First downs
20
15
Total yards
349
222
Rushing yards
156
61
Passing yards
193
161
Turnovers
3
2
Time of possession
33:48
26:12
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Michigan State
Passing
Noah Kim
25/44, 193 yards, 3 INT
Rushing
Nate Carter
20 carries, 108 yards
Receiving
Montorie Foster Jr.
8 receptions, 79 yards
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
11/27, 115 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Leshon Williams
12 carries, 38 yards
Receiving
Erick All
4 receptions, 67 yards, TD
Purdue at Iowa Homecoming
1
2 3 4 Total
Boilermakers
0
7 0 7
14
• Hawkeyes
7
3 3 7
20
Scoring summary 1 10:15 Iowa Kaleb Johnson 67-yard run (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 7–0
2 14:57 Iowa Drew Stevens 27-yard field goal Iowa 10–0
0:32 Purdue TJ Sheffield 43-yard pass from Hudson Card (Julio Macias kick) Iowa 10–7
3 7:58 Iowa Drew Stevens 23-yard field goal Iowa 13–7
4 14:24 Iowa Erick All 22-yard pass from Deacon Hill (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 20–7
2:54 Purdue Devin Mockobee 2-yard run (Julio Macias kick) Iowa 20–14
Purdue had won two of the last three at Kinnick Stadium , the latter of which spoiled the Hawkeyes' homecoming, unbeaten record, and No. 2 AP ranking. They had a chance to win again but were held on a fourth down. This was the first start for QB Deacon Hill in the 1,300th game in Iowa program history. He struggled in the first half but settled down in the second.[ 53] [ 54] [ 55]
Statistics
PUR
IOWA
First downs
21
13
Total yards
343
291
Rushing yards
96
181
Passing yards
247
110
Turnovers
2
1
Time of possession
35:28
24:32
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Purdue
Passing
Hudson Card
25/40, 247 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Devin Mockobee
20 carries, 89 yards, TD
Receiving
TJ Sheffield
6 receptions, 93 yards, TD
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
6/21, 110 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Kaleb Johnson
17 carries, 134 yards, TD
Receiving
Erick All
5 receptions, 97 yards, TD
Iowa at Wisconsin Rivalry
1
2 3 4 Total
• Hawkeyes
0
7 0 8
15
Badgers
0
0 6 0
6
Scoring summary 2 11:49 Iowa Leshon Williams 82-yard run (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 7–0
3 9:55 Wisc Nathanial Vakos 36-yard field goal Iowa 7–3
3:58 Wisc Nathanial Vakos 52-yard field goal Iowa 7–6
4 13:08 Iowa Drew Stevens 48-yard field goal Iowa 10–6
12:15 Iowa Team Safety Iowa 12–6
1:55 Iowa Drew Stevens 40-yard field goal Iowa 15–6
Iowa won at Wisconsin for the first time since 2015 and recorded back-to-back wins in rivalry series for the first time since 2008–2009. This was a defensive struggle with both teams trading punt after punt. The Hawkeyes never trailed in the game and grabbed ahold of the Big Ten West lead.[ 56] [ 57] [ 58]
Statistics
IOWA
WIS
First downs
9
18
Total yards
237
332
Rushing yards
200
104
Passing yards
37
228
Turnovers
0
2
Time of possession
30:33
29:27
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
6/14, 37 yards
Rushing
Leshon Williams
25 carries, 174 yards, TD
Receiving
Erick All
2 receptions, 19 yards
Wisconsin
Passing
Braedyn Locke
15/30, 122 yards, INT
Rushing
Braelon Allen
18 carries, 87 yards
Receiving
Bryson Green
5 receptions, 86 yards
Minnesota at No. 24 Iowa Floyd of Rosedale
1
2 3 4 Total
• Golden Gophers
3
0 6 3
12
No. 24 Hawkeyes
3
7 0 0
10
Date: October 21Location: Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA Game start: 2:33 pm CDT Elapsed time: 3:38Game attendance: 69,250Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C), Sunny, Wind NW 22 mph (35 km/h)Referee: Tim O'DeyTV announcers (NBC): Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (analyst), Zora Stephenson (sideline)
Scoring summary 1 10:35 Iowa Drew Stevens 23-yard field goal Iowa 3–0
0:17 Minn Dragan Kesich 43-yard field goalTied 3–3
2 0:49 Iowa Deacon Hill 1-yard run (Drew Stevens kick)Iowa 10–3
3 8:59 Minn Dragan Kesich 44-yard field goal Iowa 10–6
2:25 Minn Dragan Kesich 28-yard field goal Iowa 10–9
4 8:33 Minn Dragan Kesich 31-yard field goal Minn 12–10
The Hawkeyes, ranked in the top 25 again after a 3-week absence, had won eight straight and 9 of 10 in the series entering the game. Minnesota won at Kinnick Stadium for the first time since 1999. A controversial penalty upset Iowa fans at the end of the game, negating a potential game-winning touchdown by Cooper DeJean .[ 59] [ 60]
Statistics
MIN
IOWA
First downs
12
9
Total yards
239
127
Rushing yards
113
11
Passing yards
126
116
Turnovers
0
3
Time of possession
35:25
24:35
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Minnesota
Passing
Athan Kaliakmanis
10/25, 126 yards
Rushing
Darius Taylor
16 carries, 59 yards
Receiving
Daniel Jackson
7 receptions, 101 yards
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
10/28, 116 yards, INT
Rushing
Kaleb Johnson
6 carries, 18 yards
Receiving
Nico Ragaini
4 receptions, 28 yards
Iowa at Northwestern
1
2 3 4 Total
• Hawkeyes
0
0 7 3
10
Wildcats
0
0 0 7
7
Scoring summary 3 9:04 Iowa Addison Ostrenga 2-yard pass from Deacon Hill (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 7–0
4 1:50 NW Cam Johnson 5-yard pass from Brendan Sullivan (J. Olsen kick) Tied 7–7
0:14 Iowa Drew Stevens 52-yard field goal Iowa 10–7
Iowa has won four of five in this series. The game at Wrigley Field was the first time the Hawkeyes have played on a baseball field since the 2017 Pinstripe Bowl . The game was yet another defensive struggle with neither team even scoring in the first half. Hawkeye kicker Drew Stevens nailed a 52-yard field goal with seconds left to defeat the Wildcats.[ 61] [ 62] [ 63] [ 64]
Statistics
IOWA
NW
First downs
14
12
Total yards
169
170
Rushing yards
104
89
Passing yards
65
81
Turnovers
1
0
Time of possession
30:18
29:42
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
10/15, 65 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Leshon Williams
24 carries, 79 yards
Receiving
Addison Ostrenga
3 receptions, 15 yards, TD
Northwestern
Passing
Brendan Sullivan
12/19, 81 yards, TD
Rushing
Anthony Tyus III
10 carries, 40 yards
Receiving
A. J. Henning
4 receptions, 13 yards
Rutgers at No. 22 Iowa
1
2 3 4 Total
Scarlet Knights
0
0 0 0
0
• No. 22 Hawkeyes
0
3 3 16
22
Scoring summary 2 2:50 Iowa Drew Stevens 32-yard field goal Iowa 3–0
3 4:18 Iowa Drew Stevens 43-yard field goal Iowa 6–0
4 13:38 Iowa Jaz Patterson 4-yard run (pass failed) Iowa 12–0
5:43 Iowa Drew Stevens 24-yard field goal Iowa 15–0
4:39 Iowa Kaleb Brown 10-yard pass from Deacon Hill (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 22–0
Kirk Ferentz has yet to lose to Rutgers, and this victory tied him with Bo Schembechler in career wins (194) as a Big Ten coach. After struggling to score in the first half, the Hawkeyes found their rhythm in the second. Iowa is now 4–0 against the Scarlet Knights all-time, shutting them out for a second time.[ 65] [ 66]
Statistics
RUT
IOWA
First downs
7
21
Total yards
127
402
Rushing yards
34
179
Passing yards
93
223
Turnovers
1
1
Time of possession
21:38
38:22
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Rutgers
Passing
Gavin Wimsatt
7/18, 93 yards, INT
Rushing
Kyle Monangai
13 carries, 39 yards
Receiving
Ian Strong
3 receptions, 47 yards
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
20/31, 223 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Leshon Williams
13 carries, 63 yards
Receiving
Addison Ostrenga
8 receptions, 47 yards
Illinois at No. 16 Iowa
1
2 3 4 Total
Fighting Illini
3
7 0 3
13
• No. 16 Hawkeyes
2
7 0 6
15
Scoring summary 1 11:24 Iowa Safety, John Paddock sacked in end zone by Joe Evans Iowa 2–0
3:19 ILL Caleb Griffin 52-yard field goal Illinois 3–2
2 10:20 Iowa Addison Ostrenga 4-yard pass from Deacon Hill (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 9–3
6:53 ILL Reggie Love III 1-yard run (Caleb Griffin kick) Illinois 10–9
4 14:56 ILL Caleb Griffin 29-yard field goal Illinois 13–9
4:43 Iowa Kaleb Johnson 30-yard run (Drew Stevens kick blocked) Iowa 15–13
Illinois broke a long losing streak in the series in previous year, but has not won at Kinnick Stadium since 1999. A victory on Senior Day gave the Hawkeyes the Big Ten West outright, and Kirk Ferentz moved all alone into third place in career wins as a Big Ten head coach.[ 67] [ 68] [ 69]
Statistics
ILL
IOWA
First downs
18
18
Total yards
280
281
Rushing yards
65
114
Passing yards
215
167
Turnovers
0
0
Time of possession
26:02
33:58
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Illinois
Passing
John Paddock
22/47, 215 yards
Rushing
Reggie Love III
18 carries, 64 yards, TD
Receiving
Isaiah Williams
8 receptions, 105 yards
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
19/29, 167 yards, TD
Rushing
Leshon Williams
16 carries, 54 yards
Receiving
Kaleb Brown
7 receptions, 71 yards
No. 17 Iowa at Nebraska Rivalry
1
2 3 4 Total
• No. 17 Hawkeyes
0
10 0 3
13
Cornhuskers
0
7 3 0
10
Scoring summary 2 13:22 Iowa Deacon Hill 1-yard run (Drew Stevens kick) Iowa 7–0
5:12 Iowa Drew Stevens 28-yard field goal Iowa 10–0
3:43 Neb Jaylen Lloyd 66-yard pass from Chubba Purdy (Tristan Alvano kick) Iowa 10–7
3 6:18 Neb Tristan Alvano 44-yard field goal Tied 10–10
4 0:00 Iowa Marshall Meeder 38-yard field goal Iowa 13–10
In this rivalry matchup, No. 17 Iowa racked up its 10th win of the season, its sixth straight win in Lincoln, and kept Nebraska from reaching bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016 as they recaptured the Heroes Trophy. After having two field goals blocked earlier in the game, Iowa kicked a game-winner as time expired to escape with the victory.[ 70] [ 71] [ 72]
Statistics
IOWA
NEB
First downs
14
10
Total yards
257
264
Rushing yards
163
75
Passing yards
94
189
Turnovers
1
3
Time of possession
31:45
28:15
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
11/28, 94 yards, INT
Rushing
Leshon Williams
16 carries, 111 yards
Receiving
Kaleb Brown
3 receptions, 21 yards
Nebraska
Passing
Chubba Purdy
15/28, 189 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Chubba Purdy
12 carries, 42 yards
Receiving
Billy Kemp
4 receptions, 21 yards
vs. No. 2 Michigan (Big Ten Championship game)[ edit ]
Fox's Big Noon Kickoff was on hand for this top 20 match-up. Iowa was attempting to defeat Michigan for the first time since 2016 and earn the program’s first outright Big Ten title since 1985, but it wasn't to be. Two years after being humbled by the Wolverines in the Big The Championship Game, the Hawkeyes were unable to pose a scoring threat in this one and were blanked 26–0.[ 73] [ 74]
Statistics
MICH
IOWA
First downs
13
7
Total yards
213
155
Rushing yards
66
35
Passing yards
147
120
Turnovers
0
3
Time of possession
36:32
23:28
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Michigan
Passing
J. J. McCarthy
22/30, 147 yards
Rushing
Blake Corum
16 carries, 52 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
Cornelius Johnson
9 receptions, 64 yards
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
18/32, 120 yards
Rushing
Leshon Williams
9 carries, 25 yards
Receiving
Addison Ostrenga
7 receptions, 50 yards
vs. No. 21 Tennessee (Citrus Bowl)[ edit ]
No. 21 Tennessee vs. No. 17 Iowa Citrus Bowl
1
2 3 4 Total
No. 17 Hawkeyes
0
0 0 0
0
• No. 21 Volunteers
0
14 7 14
35
Scoring summary 2 14:54 Tenn Nico Iamaleava 19-yard run (Charles Campbell kick)Tennessee 7–0
8:12 Tenn Nico Iamaleava 3-yard run (Charles Campbell kick) Tennessee 14–0
3 1:43 Tenn Nico Iamaleava 2-yard run (Charles Campbell kick) Tennessee 21–0
4 14:15 Tenn James Pearce Jr. 52-yard interception return (Charles Campbell kick)Tennessee 28–0
4:48 Tenn McCallan Castles 18-yard pass from Nico Iamaleava (Charles Campbell kick)Tennessee 35–0
Iowa made its second Citrus Bowl appearance in three years and third overall. The Hawkeyes, looking to redeem themselves in three phases - being shut out in previous game, a narrow loss in last Citrus Bowl appearance, and being blown out by Tennessee in a bowl game nine years prior, were dominated from start to finish in Brian Ferentz 's last game as offensive coordinator.[ 75] [ 76] [ 77] [ 78]
Statistics
IOWA
TENN
First downs
11
25
Total yards
173
383
Rushing yards
113
232
Passing yards
60
151
Turnovers
3
0
Time of possession
29:48
30:12
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Iowa
Passing
Deacon Hill
7/18, 56 yards, 2 INT
Rushing
Marco Lainez
6 carries, 51 yards
Receiving
Kaleb Brown
3 receptions, 39 yards
Tennessee
Passing
Nico Iamaleava
12/19, 151 yards, TD
Rushing
Dylan Sampson
20 carries, 133 yards
Receiving
Ramel Keyton
3 receptions, 51 yards
Players drafted into the NFL [ edit ]
^ Forde, Pat (December 1, 2023). "Iowa Is a Deliciously Awful Football Miracle" . Sports Illustrated . Retrieved January 22, 2024 .
^ Dochterman, Scott. "Dochterman: Winning ugly is the enemy of progress for Iowa football" . The Athletic . Retrieved January 22, 2024 .
^ Pensabene, Vincent (November 24, 2023). "Top five lowest over/under point totals in college football history" . www.sportskeeda.com . Retrieved January 22, 2024 .
^ Rasmussen, Karl (November 24, 2023). "Iowa-Nebraska Features Lowest Over/Under Betting Total in College Football History" . Sports Illustrated . Retrieved January 22, 2024 .
^ "Ferentz's son won't return as Iowa's OC in 2024" . ESPN.com . October 30, 2023.
^ Nathan Baird, cleveland com (July 25, 2023). "Michigan clear favorite over Ohio State in 13th annual cleveland.com Preseason Big Ten Football Poll" . cleveland . Retrieved August 11, 2023 .
^ "Iowa lands ex-Michigan QB McNamara as transfer" . ESPN.com . December 2, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022 .
^ "Former Michigan TE Erick All Jr. commits to Iowa" . www.thegazette.com . Retrieved December 19, 2022 .
^ "Iowa adds wide receiver Seth Anderson from transfer portal" . www.thegazette.com . Retrieved January 1, 2023 .
^ "Former Wisconsin quarterback Deacon Hill commits to Iowa" . Hawk Central . Retrieved January 8, 2023 .
^ "Iowa football flips transfer portal offensive lineman Daijon Parker from Virginia" . Hawk Central . Retrieved January 8, 2023 .
^ "Iowa football gets Virginia LB Nick Jackson from the transfer portal. Here's the impact" . Hawk Central . Retrieved July 19, 2023 .
^ Dochterman, Scott. "Former Ohio State WR Kaleb Brown commits to Iowa" . The Athletic . Retrieved July 19, 2023 .
^ "Feth embraces 'great opportunity' on Iowa's offensive line" . www.thegazette.com . Retrieved July 19, 2023 .
^ Howe, Rob. "Alex Padilla Enters Transfer Portal" . Sports Illustrated Iowa Hawkeyes News, Analysis and More . Retrieved December 19, 2022 .
^ Clough, Eliot. "Former Hawkeye Turns Panther via Transfer Portal" . KCRR 97.7 . Retrieved January 8, 2023 .
^ "Kansas State football picks up wide Iowa receiver Keagan Johnson from transfer portal" . The Topeka Capital-Journal . Retrieved December 19, 2022 .
^ "Iowa wide receiver Arland Bruce IV announces decision to enter NCAA transfer portal" . The Des Moines Register . Retrieved December 19, 2022 .
^ "Iowa running back Gavin Williams announces decision to enter NCAA transfer portal" . The Des Moines Register . Retrieved December 19, 2022 .
^ Werner, Chris. "Former Iowa football running back Gavin Williams announces transfer to Northern Illinois" . The Daily Iowan . Retrieved January 3, 2023 .
^ "Big Shock: Iowa linebacker Jestin Jacobs enters the transfer portal" . Hawkeyes Wire . December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022 .
^ Helmer, Josh (December 14, 2022). "Iowa Football: Hawkeyes DB Dallas Craddieth enter transfer portal as grad transfer" . www.thegazette.com . Retrieved July 31, 2023 .
^ Steppe, John (December 5, 2022). "Iowa defensive back Reggie Bracy enters transfer portal" . www.thegazette.com . Retrieved July 31, 2023 .
^ a b Steppe, John (May 5, 2023). "Iowa football finds what it needs in second transfer portal window" . www.thegazette.com . Retrieved July 31, 2023 .
^ "Iowa quarterback Carson May enters transfer portal" . www.thegazette.com . Retrieved January 8, 2023 .
^ Howe, Rob. "Terry Roberts Latest Iowa Player in Portal" . Sports Illustrated Iowa Hawkeyes News, Analysis and More . Retrieved December 19, 2022 .
^ "FB vs. Utah State (09/02/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 3, 2023 .
^ "FB at Iowa State (09/09/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023 .
^ "FB vs Western Michigan (09/16/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . September 16, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023 .
^ "FB at Penn State (09/23/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . September 23, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023 .
^ "FB vs Michigan State (09/30/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023 .
^ "FB vs Purdue (10/07/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . October 7, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023 .
^ "FB at Wisconsin (10/14/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . October 14, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023 .
^ "FB vs Minnesota (10/21/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . October 21, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023 .
^ "FB at Northwestern (11/04/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2023 .
^ "FB vs Rutgers (11/11/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023 .
^ "FB vs Illinois (11/18/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023 .
^ "FB at Nebraska (11/24/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023 .
^ "2023 Big Ten Football Championship (12/02/2023)" . University of Iowa Athletics . December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023 .
^ "2023-24 Football Schedule" . University of Iowa Hawkeye Sports. Retrieved December 19, 2022 .
^ "No. 25 Hawkeyes will try to ramp up their offense against Utah State; QB Cade McNamara is day-to-day" . AP News . August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023 .
^ "Cade McNamara throws for two touchdowns in his debut as No. 25 Iowa defeats Utah State 24-14" . AP News . September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023 .
^ "CyHawk Trophy at stake when Hawkeyes and Cyclones meet in annual rivalry game" . AP News . September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023 .
^ "Hawkeyes reclaim Cy-Hawk Trophy after holding off Iowa St. late in 20-13 win with Trump on hand" . AP News . September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023 .
^ "Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota and Rutgers Earn Weekly Football Honors" . Big Ten Conference . September 11, 2023. Archived from the original on September 17, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023 .
^ "No. 25 Hawkeyes are big favorites in their home game against Western Michigan" . AP News . September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023 .
^ "No. 25 Iowa pulls away in second half for 41-10 win over Western Michigan" . AP News . September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023 .
^ "No. 7 Penn State ready for tough test with possibly defense leading the way against No. 24 Iowa" . AP News . September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023 .
^ "Allar, defense lead No. 7 Penn State past No. 24 Iowa 31-0" . AP News . September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023 .
^ "Hawkeyes will test Michigan State acting coach's claim that his team is on verge of a breakthrough" . AP News . September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 .
^ "DeJean's fourth-quarter punt-return TD lifts Iowa over Michigan State 26-16" . AP News . September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023 .
^ "Iowa, Maryland, Michigan and Minnesota Earn Weekly Football Honors" . Big Ten Conference . October 2, 2023. Archived from the original on October 8, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023 .
^ "Purdue visits Iowa for key Big Ten West game. QB Deacon Hill to make his first start for Hawkeyes" . AP News . October 6, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023 .
^ "Kaleb Johnson returns from injury to rush for 134 yards in Hawkeyes' 20-14 win over Purdue" . AP News . October 7, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023 .
^ "Iowa, Ohio State and Purdue Earn Weekly Football Honors" . Big Ten Conference . October 9, 2023. Archived from the original on October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023 .
^ "Iowa-Wisconsin matchup could go a long way toward determining the Big Ten West Division race" . AP News . October 12, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023 .
^ "Williams' 82-yard TD sparks Iowa to 15-6 win over Wisconsin. Badgers lose QB Mordecai to hand injury" . AP News . October 13, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023 .
^ "Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Penn State Earn Weekly Football Honors" . Big Ten Conference . October 16, 2023. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023 .
^ "Minnesota heads to Iowa City looking to break No. 24 Hawkeyes' stranglehold on Floyd of Rosedale" . AP News . October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023 .
^ "Minnesota wins at Iowa for 1st time since 1999, beating No. 24 Hawkeyes 12-10 for Floyd of Rosedale" . AP News . October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023 .
^ "Brian Ferentz will be out as Iowa's offensive coordinator at end of the season, interim AD says" . AP News . October 30, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023 .
^ "Iowa looks to maintain share of Big Ten West lead when it meets surprising Northwestern" . AP News . November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2023 .
^ "Stevens nails 53-yard field goal in closing seconds as Iowa beats Northwestern 10-7 at Wrigley" . AP News . November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2023 .
^ "Illinois, Indiana and Iowa Earn Weekly Football Honors" . Big Ten Conference . November 6, 2023. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023 .
^ "Hawkeyes looking to protect their lead in the Big Ten West when Rutgers comes to Kinnick" . AP News . November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023 .
^ "Stevens kicks three field goals, and Iowa's defense quiets Rutgers in 22-0 win" . AP News . November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023 .
^ "Hawkeyes host Illini needing to win one of their last two games to clinch spot in Big Ten title game" . AP News . November 16, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023 .
^ "Iowa rallies in fourth quarter to defeat Illinois, 15-13, and clinch Big Ten West title" . AP News . November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023 .
^ "Iowa, Michigan and Michigan State Earn Weekly Football Honors" . Big Ten Conference . November 20, 2023. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023 .
^ "No. 20 Iowa, with division clinched, is motivated to get 10th win. Huskers need a 6th to go to bowl" . AP News . November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023 .
^ "Backup kicker Meeder's field goal as time runs out gives No. 20 Iowa 13-10 win over Nebraska" . AP News . November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023 .
^ "Ferentz revisits fair catch call, says Iowa got 'screwed' out of 11 wins" . AP News . November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023 .
^ "No. 16 Iowa embraces underdog role as it takes on No. 2 Michigan in Big Ten title game" . AP News . November 30, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023 .
^ "No. 2 Michigan beats No. 18 Iowa 26-0 for Big Ten title, likely to claim top playoff seed" . AP News . December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023 .
^ "No. 20 Iowa and No. 25 Tennessee will meet in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day" . Associated Press . December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023 .
^ "No. 20 Iowa's defense braces for challenge of facing No. 25 Tennessee's tempo offense in Citrus Bowl" . Associated Press . December 31, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2024 .
^ "Defensive-minded No. 20 Iowa, offensive-driven No. 25 Tennessee offer clash of styles in Citrus Bowl" . Associated Press . December 31, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2024 .
^ "Nico Iamaleava leads No. 25 Tennessee to 35-0 rout of No. 20 Iowa in the Citrus Bowl" . Associated Press . January 1, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024 .
^ a b "Big Ten Conference Announces Football All-Conference Teams for Defense, Special Teams and Select Individual Honors" . Big Ten Conference . November 28, 2023. Archived from the original on November 28, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023 .
^ a b "2023 Associated Press All-America Team" . Associated Press . December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023 .
^ "Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker wins Broyles Award as college football's top assistant coach" . Associated Press . December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023 .
Venues Bowls & rivalries Culture & lore People Seasons National championship seasons in bold