Iowa Caps Regular Season with Statement Win, Gronowski Rewrites the Record Books
Iowa closed out its 2025 regular season with a resounding 40-16 road win over Nebraska, and it wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. The Hawkeyes (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten) looked every bit the part of a postseason-ready team, and at the center of it all was graduate quarterback Mark Gronowski, who continues to etch his name into the program’s history books.
Gronowski, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound dual-threat out of Naperville, Illinois, delivered another signature performance. He piled up 230 total yards and accounted for three touchdowns, powering an Iowa offense that looked as confident and physical as it has all season.
But beyond the box score, Gronowski made history-again. With his performance in Lincoln, he set a new single-season rushing record for an Iowa quarterback, adding to the single-season rushing touchdown record he had already claimed earlier this year.
That’s not just production-it’s legacy-building.
This wasn’t just a rivalry win or a momentum-builder. It was a punctuation mark on a season that’s seen Iowa steadily climb back into the national conversation.
With the regular season wrapped, the Hawkeyes now turn their attention to bowl season, with their destination set to be revealed on December 7. And given the way they’ve finished the year, they’re going to be a team no one wants to see on the other sideline.
Poll Watch: Iowa Just Outside the Top 25
The Hawkeyes’ dominant win didn’t go unnoticed. In the latest US LBM Coaches Poll, Iowa sits just outside the top 25, earning the most votes of any unranked team with 85 points. That puts them squarely on the radar heading into conference championship weekend.
The Big Ten, as expected, remains a powerhouse in the rankings. Ohio State holds firm at No. 1, while Indiana continues its unbeaten campaign at No.
- Oregon comes in at No. 4, with USC and Michigan also representing the conference at No. 17 and No. 18, respectively.
Washington, Illinois, and Penn State are also receiving votes, underscoring the league’s depth from top to bottom.
Looking Ahead
For Iowa, the path forward is clear: rest up, regroup, and get ready for one more opportunity to put a stamp on the 2025 season. With Gronowski leading the way and the team peaking at the right time, the Hawkeyes are poised to make some noise wherever they land.
They may not be in the top 25 just yet, but if recent performances are any indication, that could change in a hurry.