The No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes travel to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. Central time at Huntington Bank Stadium. The Week 8 Big Ten matchup airs on FS1, and fans who have cut the cord have several ways to watch without paying a dime.
Iowa enters the game at 5-1 overall after bouncing back from its only loss of the season with a dominant win over Washington, according to Mashable. Minnesota sits at 4-2 and is coming off a tough loss to Purdue. Both teams are coming off a bye week, so expect fresh legs on both sidelines.
What's at stake for the Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes have been productive on the ground, rushing for 194 yards per game, and they are a perfect 2-0 on the road this season, according to FOX Sports. A win on Saturday would sharpen Iowa's position in the Big Ten standings heading into the second half of the season.
Iowa and Minnesota are separated by just one spot in the conference, so this is more than a border rivalry game. It is a contest with real implications for the league race.
How to watch Iowa vs. Minnesota on TV
FS1 carries the broadcast nationally. Sports Illustrated reports that Tim Brando will handle play-by-play, with Devin Gardner as analyst and Josh Sims on the sideline. The game is also available through the FOX Sports app and Iowa's radio network for fans on the road or working in the field.
Streaming options with free trials
Fox lists the game on Fox One, which costs $19.99 per month and includes a three-day free trial. That is the simplest option for Hawkeye fans who just want this one game.
Several other services carry FS1 and offer trials, as AL.com notes:
- FuboTV: More than 250 live channels including FS1, Big Ten Network, ESPN and Fox. A five-day free trial is available, and the Pro plan covers most college football broadcasts.
- DIRECTV: The streaming service offers a free trial that includes FS1 for Saturday's game.
- YouTube TV: Over 100 live channels, including FS1 and Big Ten Network, with a free trial for new subscribers.
- Hulu + Live TV: $99.99 per month after a three-day trial, but it bundles Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+, and the first month drops to $49.99.
- Sling: The Orange and Blue package includes Fox, FS1, ESPN and Big Ten Network, though there is no free trial.
Watching from outside the United States
Iowans traveling abroad can still catch the game. A VPN can hide your real location and connect you to a U.S. server, which unblocks American streaming services from anywhere in the world. Mashable highlights ExpressVPN as a reliable option, with servers in 105 countries, fast connection speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why this game matters
Rivalry trophy games are the backbone of college football in the Midwest, and Iowa fans know the Floyd of Rosedale stakes well. A ranked Hawkeyes team with Big Ten title hopes cannot afford a slip against an unranked division rival, especially with the tougher stretch of the schedule still ahead.
Minnesota, meanwhile, will lean heavily on quarterback Drake Lindsey, FOX Sports reports, because the Gophers have depended far more on the pass than the run through six games. That sets up a classic matchup: Iowa's physical rushing attack against a Minnesota aerial attack playing at home.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Iowa vs. Minnesota start?
Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. Central time on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, which is 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
What channel is the Iowa game on?
The game is broadcast on FS1, with streaming available on the FOX Sports app and Fox One.
Can I watch Iowa vs. Minnesota for free?
Yes. Fox One, FuboTV, DIRECTV and YouTube TV all offer free trials that include FS1, so you can watch Saturday's game without paying.
Where is the game being played?
Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.