It’s been a milestone year for Iowa athletics, and if you’ve been paying attention, you know the Hawkeyes have had no shortage of moments worth remembering. From emotional jersey retirements to clutch performances across multiple sports, 2025 has been a banner year in Iowa City.
Caitlin Clark’s Legacy Immortalized
Let’s start with the moment that had Carver-Hawkeye Arena buzzing with emotion - Caitlin Clark’s jersey rising to the rafters. On February 2, 2025, Iowa retired Clark’s number in a ceremony that brought together past and present Hawkeye greats.
It wasn’t just a nod to her record-shattering stats or highlight-reel shots - it was a celebration of a generational player who changed the way we talk about women’s college basketball. The crowd, the energy, the legacy - it was all there, hanging in the air with that jersey.
Women’s Hoops: More Than Just a Tribute
The same day Clark’s jersey went up, the current Iowa women’s team made sure the night ended on a high note, knocking off USC 76-69 in a gritty Big Ten battle. Guards Kylie Feuerbach and Sydney Affolter were fired up, and rightfully so - it was a win that showed the Hawkeyes aren’t just living in the shadow of past greatness. They’re building something of their own.
Fast forward to February 23, and the drama was dialed up again. Lucy Olsen stepped to the line and drained three clutch free throws to tie the game with seven seconds left against UCLA.
The poise, the pressure - that’s the kind of moment that defines a season. Feuerbach was right there again, feeding off the energy, as Iowa continued to show they’re a team built for big moments.
Halftime Highlight: Cooper DeJean Returns
At halftime of that UCLA game, Carver welcomed home a Super Bowl champion. Cooper DeJean, fresh off a title in Super Bowl LIX, was back in Iowa City, this time on the hardwood - not to play, but to soak in the love from Hawkeye Nation. The former Iowa football star was interviewed on court, adding another layer to a night already full of storylines.
Wrestling Dominance Continues
Iowa’s wrestling program has wasted no time making history. Just two years into existence, the women’s wrestling team claimed its second straight team title at the NCWWC tournament in Coralville on March 8. The Hawkeyes are proving they’re not just participating - they’re setting the standard.
And on the men’s side, the tradition of toughness is alive and well. Whether it was Massoma Endene’s fired-up reaction after a win over Pitt’s Mac Stout or Angelo Ferrari’s takedown of Iowa State’s Isaac Dean in the Cy-Hawk Series, Iowa continues to show why it’s one of the premier wrestling programs in the country.
Men’s Hoops: A New Era Begins
March also marked the beginning of a new chapter for Iowa men’s basketball. Ben McCollum was introduced as the new head coach on March 25, bringing fresh energy and high expectations.
With players like Pryce and Payton Sandfort already making noise on the court, the foundation is there. Now it’s about building something sustainable - and McCollum seems ready for the challenge.
Selection Sunday Emotions
Selection Sunday brought another wave of emotion for the women’s basketball team. As the Hawkeyes learned they’d earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the reaction was pure joy. Sydney Affolter and Lucy Olsen embraced, and though Kylie Feuerbach wasn’t in the frame, the moment captured the unity and belief that’s been driving this team all season long.
Spring and Summer Success
Iowa’s spring sports added their own flair to the year’s highlight reel. On the diamond, infielder Avery Jackson launched a home run against Penn State on April 21, and her teammates mobbed her at home plate in celebration. Just a few weeks later, Caleb Wulf stepped into the batter’s box against Oregon, continuing the grind of Big Ten baseball.
Football’s Trophy Tour
Fall brought a trophy parade for the Iowa football team. It started with Kaden Wetjen’s electric opening kickoff return for a touchdown against Rutgers on September 19 - a tone-setter for a season full of statement wins.
By October, the Hawkeyes were collecting hardware. After a hard-fought win over Wisconsin, they hoisted the Heartland Trophy. The following week, quarterback Mark Gronowski led a dramatic 25-24 win over Penn State at Kinnick Stadium - one of those games that sticks in your memory.
Then came Floyd. Defensive linemen Jonah Pace and Aaron Graves carried the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy off the field after Iowa’s victory over Minnesota on October 25. That’s the kind of rivalry win that makes a season.
And they weren’t done. On November 28, Iowa capped off the regular season by reclaiming the Heroes Trophy with a win over Nebraska in Lincoln. It was the exclamation point on a season full of grit and resilience.
Clutch Moments and Rising Stars
The football season also delivered one of the year’s most dramatic finishes. On November 22, kicker Drew Stevens drilled the game-winning field goal against Michigan State, just moments after Jacob Gill hauled in a game-tying touchdown. That kind of late-game execution speaks volumes about the team’s poise under pressure.
Cy-Hawk Series: A Rivalry That Delivers
The Cy-Hawk Series brought its usual fire. On the women’s basketball side, Ava Heiden battled through the paint against Iowa State’s Addy Brown in a tough fourth quarter. Meanwhile, on the men’s side, Bennett Stirtz showed flashes of playmaking ability in a matchup against Maryland on December 6.
And on the wrestling mat, Angelo Ferrari’s performance against Iowa State was another reminder that this rivalry isn’t just about bragging rights - it’s about pride, passion, and proving who owns the state.
Closing the Year with a Bang
The year wrapped up with a marquee matchup in Brooklyn. On December 20, Iowa’s Hannah Stuelke battled UConn’s Blanca Quiñonez for a rebound in a game that felt like a preview of March intensity. It was physical, fast, and full of the kind of effort that defines championship-caliber teams.
From the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye to the turf at Kinnick, from wrestling mats to baseball diamonds, 2025 was a year to remember for Iowa athletics. The Hawkeyes didn’t just compete - they made statements, built legacies, and gave their fans memories that won’t fade anytime soon.