Iowa eyes first ranked win after four-year drought
Overdue Breakthrough: Iowa Seeks First Ranked Win in Four Years
Iowa eyes first ranked win after four-year drought
For a program defined by discipline, defense, and an unyielding belief in process, Iowa’s wait for a marquee victory has felt unusually long. Four seasons have passed since the Hawkeyes last defeated a ranked opponent, a drought that has lingered over the program like a stubborn cloud. Now, with another high-profile opportunity looming, Iowa finds itself at a familiar crossroads—close enough to contend, yet still searching for the win that would validate its progress. The gap isn’t a reflection of irrelevance. Iowa has remained competitive throughout the stretch, regularly hovering near bowl eligibility and often entering games with a clear path to victory. The problem has been finishing. Ranked opponents have exposed narrow margins—one missed assignment, one turnover, one stalled drive—that separate a “good effort” from a signature win. Over time, those near-misses have added up, shaping an identity that is resilient but hungry for more. This season feels different, at least within the…
