Minnesota Upsets Iowa in Close NCAAF Battle
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 3:30 PM ET · Huntington Bank Stadium
Quick answers
Who won Iowa Hawkeyes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?
Minnesota Golden Gophers beat Iowa Hawkeyes 13-10 at Huntington Bank Stadium on October 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Iowa Hawkeyes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?
Iowa Hawkeyes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -290 (about 74% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Huntington Bank Stadium, the Minnesota Golden Gophers secured a narrow victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes, finishing the game with a score of 13-10. This win marks a significant turnaround for Minnesota, who had previously lost to Iowa in their last encounter, a 3-41 defeat in 2025. With this victory, Minnesota now holds a 1-1 record against Iowa in their recent meetings.
Both teams entered the game with identical records of 5-2, but their recent form showcased contrasting trajectories. Minnesota had a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, with an average of 26.1 points scored and 23.8 points allowed. However, they were on a one-game losing streak, having lost to Purdue 13-41 just two weeks prior. Conversely, Iowa had a more favorable record of 7-3 in their last ten games, averaging 28.3 points scored while allowing only 16.4 points per game. Iowa was riding a one-game winning streak, having defeated Washington 41-24 in their last outing.
At home, Minnesota had performed well with a record of 5-1, while they struggled on the road with a 1-3 record. Iowa, on the other hand, had a solid away record of 3-1, complementing their overall performance. The conditions at Huntington Bank Stadium were conducive to a competitive game, with both teams looking to establish dominance early on.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Iowa favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 40.5 for the game. The odds indicated a strong belief in Iowa's ability to win, but Minnesota's performance on their home turf proved the odds wrong. Minnesota was listed at +235 on the moneyline, while Iowa was at -290, reflecting the expected outcome based on previous performances.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but this aspect can often play a crucial role in the outcome of such tightly contested games. Both teams were likely to have key players contributing to their strategies.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a display of defensive prowess from both sides, with Minnesota managing to outlast Iowa in a game that was marked by its intensity and strategic play. The final score of 13-10 not only showcased Minnesota's resilience but also highlighted the competitive nature of the NCAAF landscape this season.
What we said beforehand
The Minnesota Golden Gophers will host the Iowa Hawkeyes at Huntington Bank Stadium on October 24, 2026, in a matchup that promises to be intriguing given the teams' contrasting recent performances. Iowa enters this game with a strong away record of 5-1, while Minnesota's home record stands at 4-2. The Hawkeyes are favored by 7.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 40.5 points.
In their last five games, Minnesota has a record of 3-2, with notable results including a victory over the Michigan Wolverines (20-14) and a loss to the Purdue Boilermakers (41-13). Their scoring average during this stretch is 22.8 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 24.8 points. The Golden Gophers have shown some offensive prowess, particularly in their 41-7 win against the Akron Zips, but their recent form has been inconsistent.
On the other hand, Iowa comes into this game riding a one-game winning streak, with a recent victory over the Washington Huskies (41-24). They have won four of their last five games, scoring an average of 29.2 points while allowing only 17.4 points per game. The Hawkeyes' strong defense has been a significant factor in their success, and they will look to maintain that against Minnesota.
Historically, Iowa has had the upper hand in their recent meetings, winning the last encounter decisively with a score of 41-3 on October 25, 2025. This previous matchup highlights Iowa's dominance and may serve as a psychological advantage heading into this game.
In terms of individual performances, Minnesota's offense is led by quarterback Drake Lindsey, who has thrown for 1,335 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions this season. The rushing attack is spearheaded by TJ Thomas, who has accumulated 317 yards and one touchdown. For Iowa, quarterback Hank Brown has passed for 832 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. The rushing game is led by Kamari Moulton, who has 519 yards and four touchdowns.
Weather conditions for the game are expected to be warm, with a temperature around 75°F and a 49% chance of precipitation. Wind gusts may reach up to 17 mph, potentially impacting the passing game.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how Minnesota's offense responds to Iowa's strong defense and whether the Golden Gophers can exploit any weaknesses. The matchup between Lindsey and Brown will also be crucial, as both quarterbacks look to lead their teams to victory.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IOWA -7.5 | 40.5 o -115 / u -105 | Iowa Hawkeyes -290 · Minnesota Golden Gophers +235 |
Leaders
- Passing yardsDrake Lindsey14/26, 137 YDS, 1 INTMinnesota Golden Gophers
- Rushing yardsXavier Ford8 CAR, 33 YDSMinnesota Golden Gophers
- Receiving yardsJavon Tracy7 REC, 45 YDSMinnesota Golden Gophers
- Passing yardsHank Brown11/21, 136 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTIowa Hawkeyes
- Rushing yardsL.J. Phillips Jr.7 CAR, 25 YDSIowa Hawkeyes
- Receiving yardsReece Vander Zee4 REC, 69 YDS, 1 TDIowa Hawkeyes
Recent form
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L126.1 scored · 23.8 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L13-41at Purdue BoilermakersOct 11
- W20-14vs Michigan WolverinesOct 3
- W27-24at Washington HuskiesSep 27
- W41-7vs Akron ZipsSep 19
- L13-38vs Mississippi State BulldogsSep 12
- W59-7vs Eastern Illinois PanthersSep 4
- W17-7vs Wisconsin BadgersNov 29
- L35-38at Northwestern WildcatsNov 22
- L13-42at Oregon DucksNov 15
- W23-20vs Michigan State SpartansNov 1
Iowa Hawkeyes
Last 10: 7-3Streak W128.3 scored · 16.4 allowed per game3-1 away
- W41-24at Washington HuskiesOct 10
- L14-31vs Ohio State BuckeyesOct 3
- W20-19at Michigan WolverinesSep 26
- W55-0vs Northern Iowa PanthersSep 19
- W16-13vs Iowa State CyclonesSep 12
- W40-0vs Northern Illinois HuskiesSep 5
- W40-16at Nebraska CornhuskersNov 28
- W20-17vs Michigan State SpartansNov 22
- L21-26at USC TrojansNov 15
- L16-18vs Oregon DucksNov 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | In conference |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | 7-0 | 5-0 |
| Ohio State | 6-1 | 4-0 |
| Indiana | 7-1 | 4-1 |
| Northwestern | 6-1 | 3-1 |
| USC | 6-1 | 3-1 |
| Minnesota | 5-2 | 3-1 |
| Wisconsin | 4-2 | 2-1 |
| Purdue | 3-4 | 2-2 |
| Illinois | 4-3 | 2-2 |
| Oregon | 4-3 | 2-2 |
| Iowa | 5-2 | 2-2 |
| Nebraska | 5-2 | 2-2 |
| Michigan | 4-3 | 1-3 |
| Washington | 4-3 | 1-3 |
| Rutgers | 2-5 | 1-3 |
| Penn State | 3-4 | 0-4 |
| Maryland | 2-5 | 0-4 |
| Michigan State | 2-6 | 0-5 |
Box score
| Stat | Iowa Hawkeyes | Minnesota Golden Gophers |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 16 | 11 |
| Third downs | 4-16 | 2-14 |
| Fourth downs | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Total yards | 288 | 209 |
| Net passing yards | 198 | 137 |
| Completions | 20/37 | 14/27 |
| Yards per pass | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Rushing yards | 90 | 72 |
| Rushing attempts | 30 | 35 |
| Yards per rush | 3.0 | 2.1 |
| Penalties | 6-25 | 6-50 |
| Turnovers | 4 | 1 |
| Fumbles lost | 1 | 0 |
| Interceptions thrown | 3 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 31:07 | 28:53 |
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Golden Gophers, below favours Iowa Hawkeyes.
Venue
- Huntington Bank StadiumMinneapolis, MN
Elsewhere
- Drzewiecki's field goal as time expires lifts Minnesota past No. 15 Iowa, 13-10
- North Texas turns big plays into 49-39 win over Navy for 4th straight victory
- Aiden McCown, JoJo Uga lead Lamar to 35-10 victory over Houston Christian
- Keelon Russell throws 3 TD passes and No. 13 Alabama ends skid with 31-20 win over Texas A&M
- Tennessee Volunteers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks: Full Highlights
- McKenzie, MacCormack lead dynamic Boston College rushing attack in 48-27 win over Georgia Tech
Picks for NCAAF
NCAAF rules and settlement
- A 42-point college football spread is not a prediction of a 42-point win
- How the moneyline works in college football
- What reverse line movement means in college football
- What an injury report means in college football
- What weather means in college football
- What a divisional game means in college football