Iowa football heads to Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon for the 120th meeting with Minnesota, and the 15th-ranked Hawkeyes have a chance to keep Floyd of Rosedale in Iowa City for the 11th time in 12 years.
The Hawkeyes (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) face the Gophers (4-2, 2-1) at Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on FS1, according to Yahoo Sports. The game carries real weight beyond the rivalry trophy, as Iowa continues its push for a College Football Playoff berth.
Jeremy Hecklinski Gets The Start At Quarterback
Head coach Kirk Ferentz revealed at his Tuesday press conference that Jeremy Hecklinski will start over Hank Brown. The decision is not a shock. Brown played well before leaving the Ohio State game with an injury, but Hecklinski answered with an efficient and explosive performance the following week in Seattle.
Hecklinski has history working in his favor. The first touchdown of his collegiate career came against these same Gophers last season.
Offensive coordinator Tim Lester will likely use the Washington game as a blueprint. Iowa operated more often out of the shotgun with Hecklinski taking the snaps, and leaned on more run-pass options and play-action passes. Expect all of it on display Saturday.
Kamari Moulton Could Be In For Another Big Day
Moulton is riding a wave of confidence after rushing for a career-high 208 yards in Iowa's 41-24 win at Washington, and he should be fresh for a heavy workload, as Sports Illustrated noted in its preview.
The matchup favors him. Minnesota ranks just 11th in the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing 129.2 yards per game, and the Gophers just surrendered 305 yards on the ground to a 2-3 Purdue team in a 41-13 loss. If Iowa's offensive line builds on its showing in Seattle, Moulton should have room to run.
Zach Lutmer Looks To Repeat Last Year's Pick-Six
Safety Zach Lutmer announced himself as a key piece of the Iowa defense in last year's meeting with Minnesota, recording five tackles and a 34-yard interception return for his first career touchdown.
History could repeat itself. Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey has thrown at least one interception in every game since Week 3, and Lutmer is still looking for his first pick of the season. That is a combination Iowa fans will like.
Cam Buffington Anchors The Linebackers
The Winfield native did not see much action in 2025, but the Minnesota game offered a preview of what was coming. He recorded the first interception of his career in that contest, and he has grown into a cornerstone of the defense since.
Buffington leads the Hawkeyes with 52 tackles, and defensive coordinator Phil Parker has been using him on a variety of blitz schemes. Expect him to be around the ball all afternoon.
Tight End DJ Vonnahme Rounds Into Form
Vonnahme is coming off his best game of the season, catching two passes for 44 yards and two touchdowns against Washington. Both scores came on play-action passes, and neither time was a defender within 10 yards of him.
If Iowa's rushing attack keeps clicking the way it did in Seattle, Vonnahme should find open grass again in Minneapolis.
What The Depth Chart Says
Iowa released its Week 8 depth chart for the Minnesota game this week, and the Hawkeyes sit at 5-1 at the midway point of the season. The run game is coming off one of its best performances of the year, and the defense, which has had its ups and downs, is expected to improve with Parker running it.
For readers who want a deeper statistical look, On3's PFF deep dive on the Hawkeyes breaks down the matchup using the latest Pro Football Focus grades and advanced stats.
How To Watch Iowa vs. Minnesota
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, with the broadcast on FS1. It is the 120th meeting between the two programs, one of the most storied rivalries in the Big Ten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Iowa's starting quarterback against Minnesota?
Jeremy Hecklinski will start, as Kirk Ferentz announced Tuesday. Hecklinski takes over for the injured Hank Brown after a strong performance at Washington.
What time does Iowa play Minnesota on Saturday?
Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The game airs on FS1.
What is Floyd of Rosedale?
Floyd of Rosedale is the bronze pig trophy awarded to the winner of the Iowa-Minnesota game each year. Iowa has kept it for 10 of the last 11 meetings.
How can I watch or follow the game?
The game is on FS1, and live stats and updates are available through ESPN's Hawkeyes coverage.