Honestly, the Big Ten’s new TV deal is a mess for the casual fan. If you’re trying to figure out where to watch Iowa Hawkeyes football vs Maryland Terrapins football, you’ve probably realized that checking the local paper or just clicking "guide" on your remote doesn't always cut it anymore. One week you’re on CBS, the next you’re on a streaming service you forgot you subscribed to, and the next you’re hunting for a cable login.
The game is a collision of styles. You have the Hawkeyes—basically the personification of a 1950s defensive manual—going up against a Maryland team that, at its best, wants to turn every Saturday into a track meet.
The Quick Answer: Where to Watch
If you just want the logistics, here is the deal for the most recent or upcoming matchups in this window. For the 2025 season, the Big Ten has a complicated rotation, but the core broadcast partners are FOX, CBS, NBC, and the Big Ten Network (BTN).
The November 23rd meeting at SECU Stadium was a BTN exclusive. For the 2025 slate, specifically the October 18, 2025 matchup at Kinnick Stadium, the game is scheduled to air on FOX as part of their Big Ten Saturday Showcase.
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Streaming Options (Without Cable)
If you’ve ditched the cord, you aren't out of luck. You basically need a service that carries the major networks and BTN.
- FuboTV: Usually the gold standard for sports fans because it has BTN, FOX, and CBS in most markets.
- YouTube TV: Reliable, has the DVR feature which is a lifesaver if you have kids' soccer games during kickoff.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes the same suite of channels and usually throws in Disney+ and ESPN+.
- Peacock: This is the one that trips people up. NBC has exclusive games that only air on Peacock. If this specific game gets moved to an NBC window, you'll need the app.
Why This Matchup is a Stylistic Nightmare
Most people assume Iowa is just going to "Iowa" their way through a game. You know the drill: three yards and a cloud of dust, a 45-yard punt that pins the opponent at the two-yard line, and maybe a safety if the wind is blowing the right way.
But Maryland is different. Under Mike Locksley, the Terps have tried to build a "LSU-Lite" offense. When they played in late 2024, Iowa actually flipped the script. They didn't just play defense; they pounded the rock for 268 rushing yards. Kaleb Johnson and Kamari Moulton both went over 100 yards. It wasn't the "punting is winning" meme everyone expected. It was a physical beatdown.
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The misconception is that Maryland can't handle the cold or the Big Ten "grit." That’s sorta lazy analysis. The real issue is the trenches. When Iowa’s offensive line is healthy, they can bully Maryland's front seven. If Maryland can't force Iowa into third-and-long situations, the Hawkeyes just bleed the clock until there's nothing left.
The Series History: A One-Sided Affair?
If you look at the record books, it doesn't look great for the Terrapins. Iowa has historically dominated this series. Since Maryland joined the Big Ten, the Hawkeyes have held a significant edge, including a 51-14 blowout in 2021 that still probably gives some folks in College Park nightmares.
But here’s what people get wrong: the gap is closing. Maryland has been recruiting at a higher level than their record suggests. They’ve consistently put wide receivers into the NFL—guys like Tai Felton have been absolute headaches for Big Ten secondaries.
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Keys to the Game
- The Turnover Margin: Iowa’s defense lives on "havoc" plays. If Maryland’s QB (whether it’s MJ Morris or a new face) throws two picks, the game is over.
- Special Teams: It’s boring, I know. But Drew Stevens (Iowa’s kicker) going 5-for-5 in the 2024 game was the difference between a close contest and a comfortable win.
- Time of Possession: In their last meeting, Iowa had the ball for nearly 37 minutes. You can't score if you're standing on the sidelines watching a 12-play drive that only goes 40 yards.
Radio and Local Coverage
Sometimes you're stuck in a car or just want the hometown bias. I get it.
- Iowa Fans: Tune into the Iowa Sports Radio Network. The flagship is WHO 1040 AM in Des Moines.
- Maryland Fans: 105.7 The Fan (WJFK) is your home for Terps coverage.
- National: SiriusXM usually carries Big Ten games on channels like 372 or 384, depending on who is the home team.
How to Get Tickets If You’re Going
Going to Kinnick Stadium is a bucket-list item for any college football fan. The "Iowa Wave" to the children's hospital is genuinely moving. If the game is at SECU Stadium in Maryland, it's a different vibe—more urban, easier to get in and out of, and honestly, the food in College Park is better (sorry, Iowa City, but crab cakes beat corn).
Check SeatGeek or StubHub about three weeks before the game. Prices for this matchup usually dip once the "big" games like Ohio State or Michigan are out of the way. You can often snag a ticket for under $60 if you're patient.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your TV package today: Don't wait until 10 minutes before kickoff to realize your streaming service doesn't have the Big Ten Network.
- Download the FOX Sports App: Even if you have cable, the app is often more stable than trying to stream through a browser.
- Monitor the weather: Iowa City in October/November can be 60 degrees or it can be a blizzard. Maryland's speed-based offense dies in the mud, while Iowa’s run game thrives in it.
- Set your DVR for the "Big Ten Final" on BTN: If you miss the live broadcast, they usually run a condensed 60-minute replay the following Tuesday.