After a career day, Iowa Hawkeyes' safety Xavier Nwankpa has earned recognition as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) celebrates after quarterback Mark Gronowski (11) scored a touchdown during a game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)

UMN coach likes to correct Iowa fans wearing T-shirts that read, ‘It wasn’t a fair catch,’ a reference to the U’s 2023 victory in Iowa City.

The win sees Iowa also jump to 3-1 in Big Ten play and suddenly within striking distance of some of the top teams in America. The win also sees Iowa climb up the rankings in the latest USA TODAY College Football Re-Rank and into position for a late-season stretch run, something that has become a sort of staple under head coach Kirk Ferentz.

SportsLine's model has revealed its Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions picks in the first game since PSU fired James Franklin

The Penn State Nittany Lions play their first game after coach James Franklin was fired when they visit Iowa City to face the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday.

Despite the departures of stars, Phil Parker has Iowa football's defense elite once again. That unit helped the Hawkeyes to a victory over Penn State.

Iowa football will host Minnesota in the battle for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy on Oct. 25 at Kinnick Stadium. Here's when the game is scheduled to kick off.