No. 15 Iowa lost 13-10 to Minnesota on Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium, dropping Floyd of Rosedale for the first time since 2023 and likely ending the Hawkeyes' slim College Football Playoff hopes. The Gophers forced four turnovers and held Iowa to 288 total yards in a defensive struggle that came down to a late field goal.
Iowa fell to 6-2 on the season with the loss. The Hawkeyes entered the game ranked No. 15 in the AP poll and favored by 7.5 points, but managed just one touchdown against a Minnesota defense that was coming off a rough stretch of its own.
Four Turnovers Sink the Hawkeyes
Iowa's offense never found a rhythm. The Hawkeyes converted only 4 of 16 third downs, and both quarterbacks, Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, spent the afternoon under pressure, according to Yahoo Sports.
Three of Iowa's four turnovers were interceptions. Joey Gerlach picked off a pass at the goal line in the first half, and TJ Bush Jr. added another pick before halftime. Matt Kingsbury hauled in a tipped pass in the second half for the third interception of the day.
The fourth takeaway came at the worst possible time for Iowa. With Minnesota leading by seven, Zack Harden strip-sacked Brown, and although Iowa recovered, safety Aidan Gousby knocked the ball loose again after a completion, and Gophers captain Maverick Baranowski fell on it.
Iowa's final drive stalled, and the Hawkeyes never got the ball back with a realistic chance to tie.
What the Loss Means for Iowa
The defeat is a significant blow to a season that had been building quietly. Kirk Ferentz's squad's only previous loss came against top-ranked Ohio State, and Saturday presented a chance to stay in the playoff conversation as November approached. Instead, the Hawkeyes head home with a trophy case missing one of the most cherished prizes in the rivalry.
The Star Tribune reported that Minnesota relied on defense, special teams and toughness to reclaim Floyd of Rosedale, bouncing back from a 41-13 blowout loss to Purdue the week before.
For Iowa fans, the frustration will center on an offense that produced 288 yards against a defense that had been vulnerable. The Gophers didn't record a sack in the first half, yet Iowa's quarterbacks still couldn't find answers.
Ferentz's Dominance in the Rivalry Takes a Hit
Kirk Ferentz has owned this rivalry. Gophers coach P.J. Fleck entered the game with a 1-8 record against Iowa, with the lone win coming in Iowa City in 2023. That record is now 2-8, and Minnesota is celebrating back-to-back trophy wins after stunning Michigan earlier this season to take the Little Brown Jug for the first time since 2014, according to On3's rivalry preview.
Saturday's game was played in front of a sellout crowd at Huntington Bank Stadium, the same environment that produced Minnesota's upset of Michigan. The University of Minnesota's official game page lists the final at 13-10 in the Gophers' favor.
How It Happened
Minnesota's defense and special teams gave the Gophers' offense three extra possessions in the first half through two interceptions and a blocked punt. One of those possessions started at the Iowa 13-yard line, but Minnesota settled for a field goal, a recurring theme for a Gophers offense that managed just 69 yards on 29 plays before halftime.
The Gophers' only touchdown came on a second-half drive capped by Darius Taylor's short touchdown run. Taylor, who has struggled this season, finished with 12 carries for 20 yards.
Quarterback Drake Lindsey completed 14 of 26 passes for 137 yards and an interception. His biggest play came late, a 39-yard completion to Jalen Smith against busted coverage that set up the game-winning field goal.
Iowa had a chance to answer, but the defense that had carried the Gophers all afternoon made one final stand.
What's Next for the Hawkeyes
Iowa will look to regroup next week, needing to bounce back quickly to keep any conference championship hopes alive. The Hawkeyes still control their own path in the Big Ten race, but the margin for error is now gone.
For Minnesota, the road ahead includes a trip to Wisconsin at the end of November with Paul Bunyan's Axe on the line. A win there would give the Gophers a sweep of their three biggest rivalry trophies in a single season.
Iowa fans will hope Saturday was a stumble rather than a sign of things to come. The Hawkeyes have been here before under Ferentz, responding to tough losses with strong finishes. Whether this team can do the same will define the rest of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Iowa vs. Minnesota game?
Minnesota defeated Iowa 13-10 on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Did Iowa lose Floyd of Rosedale?
Yes. Iowa lost Floyd of Rosedale to Minnesota for the first time since the 2023 season, when the Gophers also won in Iowa City.
How many turnovers did Iowa have against Minnesota?
Iowa committed four turnovers: three interceptions and one lost fumble. The Hawkeyes also converted just 4 of 16 third downs.
Does the loss hurt Iowa's College Football Playoff chances?
Yes. Iowa entered the game at No. 15 in the AP poll with a 6-1 record, and the loss to an unranked Minnesota team all but eliminates the Hawkeyes from playoff contention.