The Iowa Hawkeyes and Rutgers Scarlet Knights met in a competitive Big Ten football game on September 19, 2025, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Iowa entered the game with a 2 and 1 record, while Rutgers was also 3 and 0 before kickoff. The Hawkeyes eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter and defeated the Scarlet Knights 38 to 28.
The game was close for much of the night. Iowa and Rutgers were tied 14 to 14 after the first quarter and 21 to 21 at halftime. Neither team scored in the third quarter, but Iowa produced 17 fourth quarter points to secure the victory. Mark Gronowski was especially important for Iowa, rushing for three touchdowns, while Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 330 yards.
Quick Answer
Iowa defeated Rutgers 38 to 28 on September 19, 2025, at SHI Stadium. Mark Gronowski completed 12 of 18 passes for 186 yards and rushed for three touchdowns. Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 330 yards and rushed for two touchdowns, while Ian Strong caught eight passes for 151 yards.
Why Do Iowa and Rutgers Draw Attention?
Iowa and Rutgers are both members of the Big Ten, making their meetings important conference games with potential implications for the standings.
The 2025 matchup was particularly entertaining because the teams exchanged touchdowns throughout the first half. Rutgers actually led 21 to 14 before Iowa tied the game before halftime. The Hawkeyes then took control late in the fourth quarter.
The game also demonstrated a contrast in offensive styles. Rutgers produced more passing yards and more total yards, but Iowa was more efficient when it mattered and finished the game without a turnover.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa came into the game looking to start Big Ten play with a victory. The Hawkeyes accomplished that by producing a strong fourth quarter.
Mark Gronowski
Mark Gronowski was one of the biggest reasons Iowa won.
He completed 12 of 18 passes for 186 yards and did not throw an interception. His biggest contribution, however, came on the ground.
Gronowski rushed for 55 yards and three touchdowns, with all three rushing scores coming from short distances.
Kamari Moulton
Kamari Moulton led Iowa in rushing with 68 yards on 14 carries and scored one touchdown.
His six yard touchdown run in the first quarter helped Iowa answer Rutgers after the Scarlet Knights had taken an early lead.
Kaden Wetjen
Kaden Wetjen created one of the most memorable moments of the game.
He returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, immediately giving Iowa a 7 to 0 lead. The play was also notable because it tied an Iowa school record for 100 yard kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Iowa Defense
Jaxon Rexroth recorded Iowa’s first interception of the season, picking off Kaliakmanis late in the fourth quarter. The turnover helped Iowa protect its lead during the closing stages.
Ethan Hurkett also blocked a Rutgers field goal attempt in the third quarter.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers moved the ball effectively against Iowa, particularly through the passing game, but the Scarlet Knights could not maintain their advantage in the final quarter.
Athan Kaliakmanis
Kaliakmanis had an impressive statistical passing performance.
He completed 24 of 40 passes for 330 yards and also rushed for four yards and two touchdowns. However, his late interception became an important moment in the fourth quarter.
Antwan Raymond
Antwan Raymond carried the ball 18 times for 62 yards and two touchdowns.
He scored Rutgers’ first touchdown of the game and later gave the Scarlet Knights a 28 to 24 lead with a one yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Ian Strong
Ian Strong was Rutgers’ leading receiver.
He caught eight passes for 151 yards, averaging almost 19 yards per reception. His longest reception went for 43 yards.
KJ Duff
KJ Duff also played an important role in the Rutgers passing attack, catching seven passes for 92 yards.
Iowa vs Rutgers Comparison Table
| Category | Iowa | Rutgers |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 38 | 28 |
| Total yards | 346 | 400 |
| Passing yards | 186 | 330 |
| Rushing yards | 160 | 70 |
| Total plays | 56 | 70 |
| Yards per play | 6.2 | 5.7 |
| First downs | 22 | 20 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Penalties | 2 for 30 yards | 6 for 50 yards |
| Time of possession | 29:06 | 30:54 |
Interestingly, Rutgers finished with more total yards, but Iowa won the game. The Hawkeyes produced 160 rushing yards compared with Rutgers’ 70 and avoided turnovers.
Iowa vs Rutgers Scoring Timeline
First Quarter
Iowa 7, Rutgers 0
Kaden Wetjen opened the scoring with a 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Iowa 7, Rutgers 7
Antwan Raymond answered with a five yard rushing touchdown.
Rutgers 14, Iowa 7
Athan Kaliakmanis scored on a four yard rushing touchdown.
Iowa 14, Rutgers 14
Kamari Moulton scored on a six yard rushing touchdown.
Second Quarter
Rutgers 21, Iowa 14
Kaliakmanis scored another rushing touchdown, this time from one yard out.
Iowa 21, Rutgers 21
Gronowski responded with a two yard touchdown run, tying the game before halftime.
Third Quarter
Neither team scored in the third quarter.
Rutgers missed a field goal that was blocked by Ethan Hurkett, while Iowa also missed a field goal opportunity.
Fourth Quarter
Iowa 24, Rutgers 21
Drew Stevens gave Iowa the lead with a 26 yard field goal.
Rutgers 28, Iowa 24
Antwan Raymond scored his second touchdown on a one yard run.
Iowa 31, Rutgers 28
Gronowski scored his second rushing touchdown from two yards out.
Iowa 38, Rutgers 28
Gronowski added his third rushing touchdown from one yard out, giving Iowa the final 10 point victory.
10 Key Facts About Iowa vs Rutgers
- Iowa defeated Rutgers 38 to 28 in the latest meeting.
- The game was played on September 19, 2025, at SHI Stadium.
- Iowa and Rutgers were tied 21 to 21 at halftime.
- Neither team scored in the third quarter.
- Iowa scored 17 points in the fourth quarter.
- Mark Gronowski rushed for three touchdowns.
- Kaden Wetjen returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown.
- Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 330 yards.
- Ian Strong caught eight passes for 151 yards.
- Iowa committed no turnovers, while Rutgers had one interception.
Who Were the Best Players in Iowa vs Rutgers?
Mark Gronowski was the most influential Iowa player. His three rushing touchdowns were crucial because Iowa needed a strong ground presence to finish the game.
For Rutgers, Athan Kaliakmanis produced 330 passing yards, while Ian Strong was the standout receiver with 151 yards. Antwan Raymond also scored twice on the ground.
The statistics show that Rutgers moved the ball effectively, but Iowa made fewer mistakes and generated more rushing production. Those differences became important during the fourth quarter.
Common Questions About Iowa vs Rutgers
Who won Iowa vs Rutgers?
Iowa defeated Rutgers 38 to 28 on September 19, 2025.
Where was Iowa vs Rutgers played?
The game was played at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.
How many touchdowns did Mark Gronowski score?
Gronowski scored three rushing touchdowns for Iowa.
How many passing yards did Athan Kaliakmanis have?
Kaliakmanis completed 24 of 40 passes for 330 yards.
Who led Rutgers in receiving?
Ian Strong led Rutgers with eight receptions for 151 yards.
Who scored Iowa’s first touchdown?
Kaden Wetjen scored Iowa’s first touchdown with a 100 yard kickoff return.
Did Rutgers have more total yards?
Yes. Rutgers produced 400 total yards compared with Iowa’s 346, but Iowa won because it produced more rushing yards and avoided turnovers.
When did Iowa and Rutgers last play?
Their latest meeting was September 19, 2025. Iowa won 38 to 28. Iowa’s 2026 schedule does not include Rutgers, while Rutgers’ 2026 schedule also does not list Iowa.
Final Verdict
Iowa’s 38 to 28 victory over Rutgers was a game decided in the fourth quarter. The teams were tied at 21 after two quarters, and Rutgers briefly moved ahead 28 to 24 late in the game.
Iowa responded with two touchdown drives and finished with 17 fourth quarter points. Gronowski’s three rushing touchdowns, Wetjen’s opening kickoff return and Iowa’s ability to avoid turnovers were among the biggest reasons the Hawkeyes left Piscataway with the victory.
Remember This
Iowa beat Rutgers 38 to 28 on September 19, 2025, with Mark Gronowski rushing for three touchdowns and Kaden Wetjen opening the game with a 100 yard kickoff return touchdown.
Conclusion
The Iowa vs Rutgers matchup produced an entertaining Big Ten game in 2025. Rutgers actually gained more total yards and passed for 330 yards, but Iowa controlled the rushing battle and protected the football. The Hawkeyes were especially effective when the game reached its decisive fourth quarter.
For individual performances, Mark Gronowski and Kaden Wetjen stood out for Iowa, while Athan Kaliakmanis, Antwan Raymond and Ian Strong were Rutgers’ leading contributors. The 38 to 28 result gave Iowa a successful start to Big Ten play and remains the latest meeting between the two programs.
Christopher Thomas is a passionate writer and dream researcher dedicated to exploring the meanings behind dreams. As an author at DrameyHut, he creates insightful and easy-to-understand interpretations that help readers connect with their subconscious mind. His work focuses on guiding individuals toward self-discovery, clarity, and a deeper understanding of their inner thoughts.
