Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Iowa Hawkeyes Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 25, 2025
Use Code WWWC On Saturday, the Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) visit Iowa City and Kinnick Stadium for a Big Ten Showdown with the Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten). Minnesota beat Nebraska 24-6 last Saturday for its second straight win and third in the last four games. Minnesota is tied for third in the conference standings. Iowa beat Penn State 25-24 last Saturday. The Hawkeyes have won two straight and four of the last five. Iowa is also tied for third in the conference.
Minnesota will play without RB A.J. Turner, LB Drew Wilson, and DL Mo Omonode, while nine others are listed as questionable. Iowa will play without TE Addison Ostrenga, while four others are listed as questionable. Make sure to read this in-depth Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Iowa Hawkeyes prediction. Exciting vibes? Get ready with our free NCAAF picks for the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Iowa Hawkeyes prediction and stay ahead of the game.
Minnesota’s key to success is its defense
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are only 79th in scoring, averaging 26.9 points per game, but on defense, the Golden Gophers are allowing an average of just 19.0 points per game, which is tied for 27th. Minnesota averages 340.6 yards of total offense per game, which is 69th, while the Golden Gophers are 87th in rushing and 53rd in passing. Minnesota's defense allows an average of 294.7 yards per game, which is 44th. The defense against the rush is 28th, and against the pass is 80th.
Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey has 1,437 yards passing with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. Lindsey has been sacked nine times in seven games. Darius Taylor, who leads Minnesota in rushing with 353 yards and one touchdown, averages 4.5 yards per carry. Le’Meke Brockington leads all receivers with 285 yards and three touchdown receptions, averaging 11.5 yards per reception. Minnesota's defense is led by linebacker Devin Williams with 56 tackles and 1.5 quarterback sacks. Lineman Anthony Smith is the leader in sacks with 7.0. The Golden Gophers' defense has made 23 sacks and intercepted six passes
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Iowa scores plenty, but its defense is even better
The Iowa Hawkeyes are 60th in scoring, averaging 29.9 points per game, and 9th in points allowed at 14.6 points per game. Iowa averages 324.1 yards of total offense per game, which is 118th. The Hawkeyes are 34th in rushing and 132nd in passing yards per game. Iowa's defense allows an average of 249.4 yards per game, which is 8th in the country. The Hawkeyes are 13th in rushing yards allowed and 12th in passing yards allowed per game.
Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski has 811 yards passing with three touchdowns and four interceptions. Gronowski has been sacked nine times in seven games. Kamari Moulton is the leading rusher with 360 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Sam Phillips has 193 yards receiving to lead Iowa, averaging 17.5 yards per reception, but has not caught a touchdown pass. Linebacker Karson Sharar has 45 tackles to lead Iowa, while the leader in quarterback sacks is lineman Max Llewellyn with 5.0. Iowa’s defense has made 13 sacks and intercepted six passes.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Pick
Spread Pick for Minnesota vs. Iowa
- Iowa Hawkeyes -9.5 (5 units)
The Iowa Hawkeyes are better on both sides of the line of scrimmage than Minnesota. Iowa is 60th in scoring and 9th in points allowed, while Minnesota is 79th in scoring and 27th in points allowed. Iowa’s defense allows an average of just 249.4 yards per game, which is 8th overall, and the Hawkeyes allow just 92.4 yards rushing, which is 13th best, and 157.0 yards passing per game, which is 12th. Iowa has covered the spread in four of its last five, and the Hawkeyes are 6-2-1 ATS over the last nine conference games. In contrast, Minnesota has covered the spread in just one of its last five games, and the Golden Gophers are 1-8 ATS in the last nine games versus Iowa.
Over/Under Pick for Minnesota vs. Iowa
- Under 39.5 ( units)
Although the current line for total points is quite low at 39.5, this is a matchup between two teams that have strong defenses, as Minnesota is 27th in points allowed and Iowa is 9th. The total has finished under in 11 of the last 16 games played between Minnesota and Iowa, and in six of Minnesota's last nine games overall. Both defenses will dictate the flow of this game with plenty of tackles for losses, quarterback sacks, and three-and-outs.
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