Iowa 38–28 Rutgers at SHI Stadium; Mark Gronowski’s 3 rushing TDs flip the fourth quarter in a record 55,942 crowd
Final score and context
Iowa beat Rutgers 38-28 at SHI Stadium on Sep 19, 2025, sealing the result with back-to-back fourth-quarter touchdowns after RU had edged ahead earlier in the period. The announced attendance of 55,942 set a program home record and marked Rutgers’ 10th home sellout since 2022.
Key performances
Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski ran for three touchdowns, powering the Hawkeyes’ late surge and closing out the Big Ten road win. Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for a career-high 330 yards and added two rushing scores in a standout effort despite the loss. Rutgers wideout Ian Strong posted a career-best 151 receiving yards, repeatedly hurting Iowa on deep and intermediate routes.
Game flow
Rutgers answered an early Iowa kickoff-return score and built a 21-14 lead before the Hawkeyes tied it 21-21 with a Gronowski TD run before halftime. A scoreless third quarter set up a tense finish that swung Iowa’s way after a field goal and a late touchdown run sealed the 38-28 result. Rutgers had briefly moved ahead in the fourth before Iowa’s decisive late-game sequence flipped momentum for good.
Coaching and storylines
The defeat extends Rutgers’ search for a signature Big Ten win under head coach Greg Schiano despite clear progress and a record home atmosphere. Iowa entered the night buoyed by recent momentum, including Kirk Ferentz’s milestone as Big Ten’s all-time wins leader noted in coverage leading up to the game. Iowa’s special teams and return game have featured playmaker Kaden Wetjen this season, adding a dynamic element referenced in pregame context.
Where to watch (broadcast and replays)
The game aired on FOX in primetime, with streaming access via FOX platforms and partner services carrying FOX’s linear feed. Broadcasters and TV details were listed by multiple outlets ahead of kickoff, confirming national coverage on FOX for this matchup. Highlights were carried by network partners and are available via FOX College Football’s postgame packages.
Pregame predictions vs. result
- Several outlets had Iowa as a slight road favorite, commonly at -2.5 with a total around 46–46.5.
- A model-based pick on FOX Sports leaned Rutgers to cover and win narrowly in a projected high-leverage finish.
- The actual result favored Iowa by 10, comfortably clearing the spread and topping the projected total.
| Item | Pregame view | Actual outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Iowa -2.5 (consensus) | Iowa by 10, 38-28 |
| Total (O/U) | 46–46.5 points | 66 points (Over) |
| Model pick | Rutgers 28-25 (FOX Sports Data Skrive) | Iowa 38-28 |
What’s next (schedules)
Rutgers visits Minnesota on Saturday, Sep 27, followed by road trips to Washington and a home date with Oregon in October per team schedule listings. Iowa hosts Indiana on Sep 27 before a road trip to Wisconsin and a home date with Penn State in October per the Hawkeyes’ official slate.
Quick player notes
Athan Kaliakmanis continues a strong senior campaign as Rutgers QB, pairing efficiency with mobility as shown by two rushing TDs against Iowa. Mark Gronowski’s short-yardage and red-zone rushing were decisive, reflecting Iowa’s comfort leaning on QB power in key situations. Ian Strong’s 151-yard breakout underscores his growing role as a vertical and possession threat in Rutgers’ passing game.
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