If you turned off the TV when Penn State went up by double digits in the third quarter, honestly, I don't blame you. Most people did. They figured they’d seen this movie before. The Nittany Lions looked faster, stronger, and basically like the team everyone expected them to be when they were picked to win the Big Ten back in August. But Iowa vs Penn State football 2025 didn't follow the script. Not even close.
Kinnick Stadium at night is a weird place. It’s where top-ten dreams go to die in the most frustrating, slow-motion way possible. On October 18, 2025, it happened again.
The Chaos Before Kickoff
You can't talk about this game without talking about the mess in State College. James Franklin was fired just days before this matchup. Think about that. A coach with a $49 million buyout, gone in the middle of October after a three-game skid. Fan apathy had turned into straight-up hostility after losses to UCLA and Northwestern. Terry Smith took over as the interim, but the vibes were already rancid.
Then there was the quarterback situation. Drew Allar, the guy who was supposed to be the "savior" of the program, was out with a season-ending injury. That left Ethan Grunkemeyer, a redshirt freshman, making his first career start in one of the most hostile environments in the country. It was a recipe for disaster.
How Iowa Stole the 2025 Show
Iowa is a strange team to watch. They’re like a boa constrictor. They don't blow you out; they just slowly make it harder for you to breathe until you pass out.
💡 You might also like: Cómo entender la tabla de Copa Oro y por qué los puntos no siempre cuentan la historia completa
Mark Gronowski, the transfer from South Dakota State, wasn't flashy. He’s 235 pounds of "get out of my way." He finished the game with two rushing touchdowns, basically just falling forward behind a massive offensive line. Iowa only had 142 passing yards. In 2025. That’s vintage Kirk Ferentz.
The turning point was Kaden Wetjen. If you haven't watched his highlights, do it. He’s the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year for a reason. His 8-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave Iowa the 25-24 lead. It was the only lead they had all night. It was also the only one that mattered.
The Defensive Masterclass
Phil Parker is a wizard. Iowa’s defense is currently ranked 2nd in the nation in total defense, giving up only 234.9 yards per game. Against Penn State, they were even better when it counted.
They allowed Kaytron Allen to score twice, sure. But in the fourth quarter? They turned into a brick wall. Penn State had the ball with a chance to win, and the Hawkeyes just shut the door. No big plays. No mistakes. Just disciplined, "Iowa-style" football.
📖 Related: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
Key Stats from the October 18 Matchup
Iowa actually outgained Penn State 313 to 266. That feels like a typo if you know Iowa football, but they actually moved the ball. Most of it was on the ground—245 rushing yards. They just bullied a Penn State defensive line that looked tired.
Iowa vs Penn State football 2025 was decided by these small margins:
- Time of Possession: Iowa held the ball for nearly 36 minutes.
- Third Down Conversions: Penn State went 3-of-12. You can't win at Kinnick like that.
- Turnovers: Grunkemeyer threw a late pick to Xavier Nwankpa that basically sealed the deal.
Why This Game Changed the Big Ten
Before this game, Iowa was a "maybe." People thought their schedule was a "death march to mediocrity." After beating Wisconsin 37-0 and then knocking off Penn State, the narrative flipped.
Penn State, meanwhile, is in a full-blown free fall. They went from being the media's pick to win the conference to a team that might struggle to find a permanent head coach who wants to deal with the current roster turnover. Rumors are already swirling about players hitting the portal.
👉 See also: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
The Grunkemeyer Factor
You have to feel for Ethan Grunkemeyer. It’s not easy to go into Iowa City for your first start. He showed flashes—a 6-yard touchdown run early on was impressive—but the environment eventually ate him alive. The 69,250 fans at Kinnick are loud, but it’s the rhythm of the game that gets you. Every time Penn State tried to get momentum, Iowa would have a 7-minute drive that ended in a punt. It’s soul-crushing.
What’s Next for Both Programs?
If you're an Iowa fan, you're looking at the College Football Playoff. Seriously. With a 10-2 record, they have a legitimate shot in the new 12-team format. They still have Oregon and USC on the schedule, but both of those games look winnable now. Especially since Oregon recently struggled against Indiana.
For Penn State, it’s about survival. They need to figure out the coaching search fast. Terry Smith is a great guy, but the "interim" tag is hard to recruit with. They have Ohio State coming up, and that usually doesn't go well for the Nittany Lions.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Transfer Portal: Penn State is expected to lose significant talent this winter. Keep an eye on their wide receiver room especially.
- Betting the Under: If Iowa is playing, the "Under" is almost always a safe bet. The total for this game was 38.5, and they barely cleared it because of a blocked kick return for a touchdown.
- Kinnick Night Games: Never, ever bet against Iowa at home under the lights. It doesn't matter who the opponent is.
The 2025 season has been one of the weirdest in Big Ten history. With the addition of the West Coast teams, the travel schedules are brutal. Iowa has handled it by staying old-school. Penn State tried to evolve and ended up stuck in the mud.
If you want to understand where the Big Ten is heading, look at the tape of this game. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't modern. But it was exactly how Iowa wanted it.
Next Steps for Your 2025 Season Tracking:
- Check the updated Big Ten standings to see if Iowa has moved into the top three.
- Monitor the Penn State coaching "Hot Board"—rumors are pointing toward a couple of big-name coordinators in the SEC.
- Review Iowa’s remaining schedule specifically for the November 8th matchup against Oregon; that will likely decide a playoff spot.