Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is finally over.
No more depth chart debates, over-analyzed Kid’s Day practices, or endless speculation about whether Mark Gronowski’s game will hold up at the Power 5 level. Months of anticipation have built to this moment. And what better way to kick things off than with some late-night Kinnick magic, as Iowa opens its season at home against FCS underdog UAlbany.
After a frustrating 8–5 campaign last year—defined by quarterback inconsistency and an uncharacteristic dip in Phil Parker’s defense—the Hawkeyes enter 2025 with fresh optimism. They’ll debut two-time FCS national champion quarterback Mark Gronowski, a wide receiver group eager to prove itself, and a young, hungry defense.
On paper, this looks like a comfortable win. But in college football, nothing is guaranteed. Upsets happen every weekend, and Iowa knows better than to take any opponent lightly. With that in mind, here are the key storylines to watch as the Hawks begin their march through one of the nation’s toughest schedules.
The Offense
Our first glimpse at a new era.
The offense has undergone a complete overhaul, and while coordinator Tim Lester has expressed confidence, this group remains untested. Saturday is about more than just putting up points—it’s about answering big questions.
1. Does Gronowski’s game translate?
At South Dakota State, Gronowski was dynamic and productive, but he never beat an FBS opponent. Now, he’ll be asked to prove his arm and decision-making against Power 5 defenses. Just as important, he needs to build real chemistry with his receivers. Seth Anderson and Jacob Gill return, but transfers like Sam Phillips and redshirt freshman KJ Parker could make a push for major roles. This debut is about timing, rhythm, and proving the passing game can finally be a strength in Iowa City.
2. Can the backfield rebound without Kaleb Johnson?
Losing Kaleb Johnson—last year’s offensive heartbeat—was a major blow. The torch now passes to sophomore Kamari Moulton and junior Jaziun Patterson, who are expected to share carries. With Gronowski adding mobility and balance to the offense, the run game doesn’t need to carry the entire load the way it did in 2024, but it does need to set a tone. Establishing the ground attack early is crucial.
The Defense
A unit in transition.
The departures of Jay Higgins, Nick Jackson, Sebastian Castro, and Yahya Black left major shoes to fill. Veterans like Ethan Hurkett and Logan Jones stabilize the defensive line, but the real test lies in how quickly a young linebacker corps—led by Jaden Harrel, Karson Sharar, and Jaxon Rexroth—can grow into the spotlight.
1. Can Xavier Nwankpa finally break through?
This is year four of the Nwankpa experiment. The former five-star safety has flashed brilliance but struggled with consistency. Now, with his final season and NFL draft stock on the line, the pressure is on. Alongside Koen Entringer, he’ll be asked to anchor a secondary filled with inexperience. For this defense to live up to Iowa’s reputation, its veterans must play like stars.
2. Can they neutralize Albany’s strengths?
UAlbany may not look like a threat, but they bring talent. Running backs Griffin Woodell and Jojo Uga form a tough tandem, and QB Jack Shields thrives in a scripted passing game. Iowa’s goal will be simple: stuff the run, pressure the quarterback, and force him into off-platform throws.
Final Thoughts
Yes, Iowa should win this game handily. But openers aren’t just about the score—they’re about revealing strengths and exposing weaknesses. The Hawkeyes need to deliver a statement: play fast, play physical, and leave no doubt that this season will be different.
It’s time for Iowa football.
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