Iowa's Last-Second Stunner Highlights Week 4 Chaos: Hawkeyes Top Michigan 20-19

Iowa Hawkeyes fans witnessed a dramatic finish on Saturday as their team drove 91 yards in 11 plays, capping the drive with a 16-yard touchdown pass as time expired to upset the Michigan Wolverines 20-19. The win keeps Iowa undefeated at 4-0 and delivers a measure of justice after years of controversial calls favoring Michigan in Big Ten play.

The victory was a classic Iowa performance: gritty defense, efficient offense when it mattered most, and a refusal to quit. The Hawkeyes now set their sights on a massive home showdown against Ohio State this Saturday, a game that could define their season and shake up the College Football Playoff picture.

How Iowa pulled off the comeback against Michigan

Trailing for most of the game, Iowa's offense finally clicked when it mattered. The 91-yard game-winning drive showcased the poise of quarterback Bryce Underwood, who finished 17-of-28 for 276 yards and two touchdowns. While Michigan fans took to social media to celebrate Underwood's stat line, the reality is that the Wolverines managed just 19 points, and Iowa's defense held firm when it needed to.

The final play, a 16-yard scoring strike as time expired, left Michigan players and fans in disbelief. There was no chance the Big Ten referees were overturning this one, a small slice of karma for a program that has benefited from questionable calls in recent years.

Ohio State comes to Iowa City: What's at stake

The Hawkeyes now face their biggest test of the season. Ohio State, ranked No. 2 in the nation, rolls into Kinnick Stadium on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS. The Buckeyes boast one of the most explosive offenses in the country, led by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who torched Illinois for 12 receptions, 217 yards, and four touchdowns in Week 4.

Iowa's defense will need to replicate its fourth-quarter heroics for a full 60 minutes to slow down the Buckeyes. The Hawkeyes have proven they can win ugly, but Ohio State presents a different level of challenge. A win would not only be a statement to the College Football Playoff committee but would also energize a fan base hungry for a signature victory.

College football Week 4: Quarterback play raises concerns

Beyond Iowa's thrilling win, Week 4 of the 2026 season was marked by inconsistent quarterback play across the country. Six ranked-on-ranked matchups took place, mostly within the SEC and Big Ten, but few signal-callers delivered standout performances.

At Texas, Arch Manning completed 14 of 19 passes for 201 yards but failed to find the end zone and was sacked six times. The Longhorns' defense bailed them out with 10 sacks on Tennessee freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, including five from edge rusher Colin Simmons.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss struggled mightily in a 52-28 loss to Florida, while Texas A&M's Marcel Reed continued to show why he cannot be trusted as a leader, completing just 10 of 26 passes for 106 yards and an interception in a 35-6 blowout loss to LSU.

Oregon's backup quarterback delivers in relief

One of the more compelling storylines of the weekend came in Eugene, where Oregon backup quarterback Dylan Raiola entered the game after starter Donta Moore was knocked out on a vicious cheap shot by USC linebacker Desman Stephens. Moore was sliding after gaining a first down when Stephens launched himself at the quarterback, drawing a targeting penalty and an ejection.

Raiola rallied the Ducks to a 41-27 victory, finishing 19-of-25 for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Moore is now in concussion protocol, and Oregon has a bye week before facing UCLA on October 10. Stephens has been suspended for one game by USC.

SEC roundup: Alabama rolls, Georgia dominates, Auburn survives

Alabama continued its dominant start, cruising past South Carolina 49-18 behind quarterback Keelon Russell, who threw for 365 yards and four touchdowns. The Crimson Tide improved to 4-0 and remain a top contender for the College Football Playoff.

Georgia also stayed unbeaten with a 41-13 rout of Oklahoma, though quarterback Gunner Stockton had a modest day. Auburn edged Vanderbilt 21-15, while Mississippi State picked up a key 31-24 win over Missouri.

What Iowa fans should watch for against Ohio State

As Iowa prepares for its biggest home game in years, several factors will determine the outcome:

• Defensive line pressure: Iowa's front seven must disrupt Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who has been efficient but not spectacular.
• Ball security: The Hawkeyes cannot afford turnovers against a Buckeyes offense that capitalizes on mistakes.
• Special teams: Iowa's punting and field position game could be the difference in a low-scoring affair.
• Home-field advantage: Kinnick Stadium at night is one of the toughest environments in college football. The crowd will be electric.

Playoff picture: Where Iowa stands

At 4-0, Iowa is firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation. The Hawkeyes are one of only 22 undefeated teams remaining, and a win over Ohio State would vault them into the top five. Even with a loss, Iowa's schedule offers opportunities to rebound, but the path to the playoff becomes significantly narrower.

The Big Ten race is wide open. Ohio State and Oregon are the favorites, but Iowa, Nebraska, and UCLA are all undefeated and lurking. Saturday's game will be a defining moment for head coach Kirk Ferentz and his program.

How to watch Iowa vs. Ohio State

Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, October 3, at Kinnick Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS. Fans unable to attend can stream the game via Paramount+ or follow live updates on social media.

For Iowa fans, this is more than just a football game. It is a chance to prove that the Hawkeyes belong among the nation's elite. The stage is set, and the stakes could not be higher.