When discussing complementary football and playing a complete game, there can often be discrepancies about what that means, down to the definition and what it entails in terms of expectations. The Iowa Hawkeyes displayed both definitions in their 41-3 rout of Minnesota to keep the Floyd of Rosedale trophy at home.
Iowa had absolutely everything working against Minnesota, from offense to defense to special teams to everything the coaches called working perfectly. It was the Hawkeyes’ most complete performance of the year by far, and one of the best performances they have put on in recent memory.
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While Iowa enters another bye week at 6-2 with a 4-1 mark in the Big Ten and a massive home game inside Kinnick Stadium against the Oregon Ducks in two weeks, the Hawkeyes are sitting atop the class with their most recent report card.
Offense
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (15) catches a touchdown pass as Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back John Nestor (17) defends Oct. 25, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Offense Grade: A-
If there is a tough unit to grade, it is this one. Iowa had this game wrapped up by the first quarter and could put this unit on cruise control to simply not turn the ball over or let Minnesota back in the game. That said, Iowa’s first drive was masterful. The Hawkeyes took the ball and went right down the field for 75 yards in nine plays, capped off by a Mark Gronowski touchdown run, which was an omen for how this matchup was going to go.
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On the ground, Iowa only mustered up 133 yards on 3.7 yards per carry, which isn’t up to their standards, but they did see Mark Gronowski and Jeremy Hecklinski plunge in for touchdowns.
In the passing game, Gronowski was 12-19 for 135, but the stat sheet doesn’t tell the story. Tim Lester was dialing up play-action shots to stretch the defense, which is something Iowa needs more of. One of those shots connected on a 29-yard touchdown pass to Reece Vander Zee, which, if he can come alive in the passing game, could open an entirely new part of Iowa’s playbook.
Defense
Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Aaron Graves (95) reacts with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Defense Grade: A+
This was something else. Iowa was utterly dominant on defense, anyway you cut it. Minnesota looked lost offensively, and the Hawkeyes pounced early to stun the Gophers.
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The Iowa defense held Minnesota to 109 passing yards and brought in three interceptions courtesy of Zach Lutmer returning one for a touchdown, TJ Hall starting the second half strong, and Cam Buffington slamming the door shut on any miracle comebacks.
On the ground, the Iowa front seven held Minnesota to an absolutely abysmal 24 yards on 25 carries. The Hawkeyes’ front got home for four sacks, which saw Aaron Graves get home twice, along with Ethan Hurkett and Max Llewellyn each tally one as well, to show the Iowa veteran defensive line’s strength.
Special Teams
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) reacts after returning a punt for a touchdown against the Minnesota Golden Gophers Oct. 25, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Special Teams Grade: A+
Kaden Wetjen stands alone as the best kick and punt returner in the country. It is simply a fact. He electrifies any time he touches the ball, and you can hear it inside the stadium when he has any green grass. His 50-yard punt return touchdown broke things wide open in this game and sent Iowa fans into a frenzy. It was his third return touchdown of the year and the fifth of his career.
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Elsewhere, Drew Stevens connected on both of his field goal attempts, which included a long of 46 yards that should provide him and the Hawkeyes some confidence in the kicking game. Rhys Dakin fortunately did not need to play a huge part in this game as Iowa’s punts were already when this game was long over.
Coaching
Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz watches his team against the Minnesota Golden Gophers Oct. 25, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Coaching Grade: A+
From top to bottom, this game plan was excellent. The coaching staff had Iowa ready to go from the jump. This type of start doesn’t happen by chance; it happens from preparation, and Iowa was fully prepared. Kudos to this staff for having everything tight and ready to roll.
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Tim Lester called a simply outstanding first drive of the game to get Iowa on the board with a quick score. From there on out, he simply could pound the rock, call easy completions, and manage the game as the other units blew this wide open.
On defense, Phil Parker showed why he is a wizard once again. He constantly had guys in the right spot and ready to make plays. His scheme and coaching are so beyond many defensive coordinators and are a large part of Iowa’s success.
On special teams, LeVar Woods proved why he is the best special teams coordinator in America. He had the punt return schemed up and blocked to perfection. That is set up on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the week for it to show up on Saturday.
Overall
The Iowa Hawkeyes swarm to the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers Oct. 25, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Overall Grade: A+
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This was complete. This was domination. This is what it looks like when all three units and a coaching staff have their best stuff. This game was over before the first quarter had even finished and it was a statement game for Iowa.
This win and this showing are the type of game that gets national attention and creates some buzz around Iowa. And get ready. That buzz is only going to grow into a loud roar as Kinnick Stadium gets ready to set the stage for one of the biggest matchups that the Iowa Hawkeyes have had at home in years.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa Football: Hawkeyes top of class with Minnesota report card
