Iowa football re-enters ESPN Power Rankings after strong finish

Despite a bit of a midseason lull and dropping some close games, the Iowa Hawkeyes did what they always do under head coach Kirk Ferentz, and rallied to finish the year the right way.

That way saw Iowa win its final two games of the year and close out the 2025 regular season with a strong mark of 8-4 and plenty of reason to believe that the Hawkeyes can compete in today's Big Ten. The success is also gaining attention from other outlets.

In the latest USA TODAY NCAA College Football 1-136 Re-Rank, the Hawkeyes made a return to the top 25. The newest ESPN Power Rankings are following suit, as Iowa has re-entered the rankings at No. 25.

25. Iowa Hawkeyes

Perhaps it should be no surprise that Iowa's offense improved again in 2025 after offensive coordinator Tim Lester lifted the Hawkeyes from No. 132 to No. 72 in scoring offense a season ago. But considering the offenses Iowa fans were subjected to in 2022 and 2023, any and every improvement must be celebrated. The Hawkeyes close the regular season with the nation's 60th-ranked scoring offense -- up to 28.9 points from 27.7 a year ago -- marking the program's best finish in the category since 2020.

The addition of transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski provided Iowa with a fresh red zone rushing presence and made the Hawkeyes' passing attack ever so slightly more explosive. Lester also deserves credit for maintaining one of the Big Ten's top rushing attacks despite losing 2024 rushing leader Kaleb Johnson. Simply back in the middle of the pack offensively within the conference, Kirk Ferentz and Iowa proved just how competitive it can be in 2025 on its way to eight-plus wins for the 10th time since 2015. -- Lederman

The Hawkeyes' offense was improved again. In 12 games, Iowa scored 40 or more points three times and surpassed 30 points in half of its games. As expected entering the season, the Iowa rushing attack carried the offense, churning out 2,133 yards and 26 carries. Behind an extremely talented offensive line, Iowa averaged 178 rushing yards per game. Iowa was slightly above average, scoring 28.9 points per game, No. 60 in college football.

While expected, the defense put together another exquisite season under Phil Parker. Iowa ended the year allowing just 158 passing yards per game and 112 rushing yards per game, which is highlighted further by allowing on 3.5 yards per carry. The unit, pending conference championship games and the College Football Playoff, is No. 9 in America with 15.2 points allowed per game.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football re-enters ESPN Power Rankings after strong finish