The Iowa Hawkeyes will look to rebound in 2024 after a disappointing 8-5 season in 2023. Head coach Kirk Ferentz enters his 25th season at the helm, and he’ll be looking for his team to return to the Big Ten West Division title game for the first time since 2021.
Iowa’s 2024 schedule features a challenging non-conference slate, with road games against ACC powers North Carolina and Florida State. The Hawkeyes will also host FCS opponent Northern Iowa in their home opener. In Big Ten play, Iowa will face division rivals Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Purdue at home, while traveling to Penn State, Michigan State, and Illinois.
The Hawkeyes will need to replace a number of key players from the 2023 season, including quarterback Spencer Petras, running back Kaleb Johnson, and wide receiver Keagan Johnson. However, they return a talented group of young players, including running back Gavin Williams and wide receiver Nico Ragaini. Iowa also has a strong defense, led by All-American linebacker Jack Campbell.
Iowa Football 2024 Schedule
The Iowa Hawkeyes will look to rebound in 2024 after a disappointing 2023 season. Here are five key points about their 2024 schedule:
- Tough non-conference slate: Iowa will face North Carolina and Florida State on the road.
- Home opener vs. FCS opponent: The Hawkeyes will host Northern Iowa in their home opener.
- Key Big Ten West matchups at home: Iowa will face Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Purdue at home.
- Road games against ranked teams: The Hawkeyes will travel to Penn State, Michigan State, and Illinois, all of whom are expected to be ranked in 2024.
- Need to replace key players: Iowa must replace quarterback Spencer Petras, running back Kaleb Johnson, and wide receiver Keagan Johnson.
Overall, the Iowa Hawkeyes have a challenging schedule in 2024. They will need to replace some key players, but they also return a talented group of young players. If they can stay healthy and develop their young talent, they have a chance to compete for the Big Ten West Division title.
Tough non-conference slate: Iowa will face North Carolina and Florida State on the road.
Iowa’s non-conference schedule in 2024 is one of the toughest in the country. The Hawkeyes will travel to face North Carolina and Florida State, two teams that are expected to be ranked in the top 25. Both teams have high-powered offenses and talented defenses, so Iowa will need to be at their best to pull off wins on the road.
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North Carolina:
The Tar Heels are coming off a 9-4 season in 2023, and they return one of the most dynamic offenses in the country, led by quarterback Drake Maye. Maye threw for over 4,000 yards and 38 touchdowns in 2023, and he also rushed for over 600 yards and 10 touchdowns. North Carolina also has a talented group of receivers, led by Josh Downs and Antoine Green. Iowa’s defense will have its hands full trying to slow down the Tar Heels’ offense.
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Florida State:
The Seminoles are also coming off a 9-4 season in 2023, and they have one of the best defenses in the country. Florida State allowed just 18.6 points per game in 2023, which was second-best in the ACC. The Seminoles also have a talented offense, led by quarterback Jordan Travis. Travis is a dual-threat quarterback who can beat teams with his arm and his legs. Iowa’s offense will need to be at its best to score points against the Seminoles’ defense.
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Challenge for Iowa:
Playing two top-25 teams on the road is a big challenge for any team, but it’s especially challenging for a team like Iowa, which is known for its tough defense and ball-control offense. The Hawkeyes will need to be at their best in all three phases of the game if they want to pull off wins against North Carolina and Florida State.
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Opportunity for statement wins:
If Iowa can pull off wins against North Carolina and Florida State, it would send a strong message to the rest of the country that the Hawkeyes are a team to be reckoned with. It would also give Iowa a boost in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Hawkeyes have not been to the College Football Playoff since 2015, and a win against North Carolina or Florida State would be a big step towards getting back to the CFP.
Overall, Iowa’s non-conference schedule in 2024 is a tough one, but it also presents a great opportunity for the Hawkeyes to make a statement. If they can pull off wins against North Carolina and Florida State, they will be in a good position to compete for a Big Ten championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Home opener vs. FCS opponent: The Hawkeyes will host Northern Iowa in their home opener.
Iowa’s home opener in 2024 will be against FCS opponent Northern Iowa. The Panthers are a perennial FCS powerhouse, and they have won three national championships in the past 15 years. However, Iowa should be heavily favored in this game, as they are a Big Ten team and Northern Iowa is an FCS team.
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Opportunity to start the season strong:
The home opener is a great opportunity for Iowa to start the season strong and build momentum. The Hawkeyes will be looking to avoid a letdown after their tough non-conference schedule, and a win against Northern Iowa would be a good way to do that.
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Chance for young players to shine:
The home opener is also a good opportunity for Iowa’s young players to get some playing time and experience. The Hawkeyes have a number of talented young players who are expected to contribute in 2024, and the home opener would be a good chance for them to show what they can do.
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Family atmosphere:
The home opener is always a special event for Iowa fans. Kinnick Stadium is one of the most iconic stadiums in college football, and the atmosphere is electric on game day. The home opener is a great opportunity for Iowa fans to come together and cheer on their Hawkeyes.
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Economic impact:
The home opener is also a big economic event for the city of Iowa City. Thousands of fans will travel to Iowa City for the game, and they will spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. The home opener is a major boost to the local economy.
Overall, Iowa’s home opener against Northern Iowa is a great opportunity for the Hawkeyes to start the season strong, build momentum, and give their young players some valuable experience. It is also a special event for Iowa fans and a major economic event for the city of Iowa City.
Key Big Ten West matchups at home: Iowa will face Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Purdue at home.
Iowa will have the opportunity to host all four of their Big Ten West Division rivals at home in 2024. This is a major advantage for the Hawkeyes, as they have one of the best home-field advantages in the country. Kinnick Stadium is a notoriously difficult place for opposing teams to play, and the Hawkeyes have a long history of success at home.
Here is a closer look at each of Iowa’s key Big Ten West matchups at home in 2024:
Minnesota:
The Golden Gophers are Iowa’s biggest rival in the Big Ten West Division. The two teams have played each other every year since 1890, and the rivalry is one of the most heated in college football. Minnesota has won the last two meetings, so Iowa will be looking to get revenge in 2024. The game will be played on November 2, 2024.
Wisconsin:
The Badgers are another one of Iowa’s biggest rivals. The two teams have played each other every year since 1904, and the rivalry is known as the “Battle for the Heartland Trophy.” Wisconsin has won the last three meetings, so Iowa will be looking to reclaim the Heartland Trophy in 2024. The game will be played on October 19, 2024.
Nebraska:
The Cornhuskers are a new addition to the Big Ten West Division, and they will be playing Iowa for the first time in 2024. Nebraska is a traditional powerhouse in college football, and they have a large and passionate fan base. The game will be played on September 28, 2024.
Purdue:
The Boilermakers are another up-and-coming team in the Big Ten West Division. Purdue has won at least six games in each of the past three seasons, and they are led by one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country, Aidan O’Connell. The game will be played on November 9, 2024.
Overall, Iowa has a challenging but exciting schedule in 2024. They will have the opportunity to host all four of their Big Ten West Division rivals at home, and they will also face two tough non-conference opponents in North Carolina and Florida State. If the Hawkeyes can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to compete for a Big Ten championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Road games against ranked teams: The Hawkeyes will travel to Penn State, Michigan State, and Illinois, all of whom are expected to be ranked in 2024.
Iowa will have to travel to face three ranked teams on the road in 2024: Penn State, Michigan State, and Illinois. This will be a challenging task for the Hawkeyes, as all three teams are expected to be among the best in the Big Ten. However, Iowa has a history of playing well on the road, and they will need to do so again in 2024 if they want to compete for a Big Ten championship.
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Penn State:
The Nittany Lions are one of the top teams in the Big Ten, and they are always a contender for the College Football Playoff. Penn State has a high-powered offense led by quarterback Drew Allar, and they also have a strong defense. The game will be played on October 5, 2024.
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Michigan State:
The Spartans are another one of the top teams in the Big Ten. Michigan State has a strong running game led by running back Jaren Mangham, and they also have a talented defense. The game will be played on November 23, 2024.
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Illinois:
The Fighting Illini are an up-and-coming team in the Big Ten. Illinois won eight games in 2023, and they are expected to be even better in 2024. The Illini have a talented offense led by quarterback Tommy DeVito, and they also have a strong defense. The game will be played on September 7, 2024.
Overall, Iowa has a challenging road schedule in 2024. They will have to face three ranked teams on the road, and they will also have to play at Nebraska, which is a new addition to the Big Ten West Division. However, Iowa has a talented team, and they have a history of playing well on the road. If the Hawkeyes can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to compete for a Big Ten championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Need to replace key players: Iowa must replace quarterback Spencer Petras, running back Kaleb Johnson, and wide receiver Keagan Johnson.
Iowa will need to replace three key players from its 2023 team: quarterback Spencer Petras, running back Kaleb Johnson, and wide receiver Keagan Johnson. All three players were starters and key contributors to Iowa’s offense. Petras threw for over 2,800 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2023, while Johnson rushed for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. Keagan Johnson was Petras’s top target, and he caught 50 passes for over 800 yards and six touchdowns.
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Quarterback:
Spencer Petras is a four-year starter at Iowa, and he has been one of the most successful quarterbacks in school history. He holds the school record for career passing yards and touchdowns. Petras is a smart and experienced quarterback, but he can be inconsistent at times. Iowa has a few young quarterbacks on their roster, but none of them have any starting experience. The Hawkeyes will need one of their young quarterbacks to step up and take over the starting job in 2024.
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Running back:
Kaleb Johnson is one of the most talented running backs in the Big Ten. He is a shifty and elusive runner, and he is also a good receiver out of the backfield. Johnson led the Hawkeyes in rushing in 2023, and he was also named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Iowa has a few other talented running backs on their roster, but Johnson will be tough to replace.
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Wide receiver:
Keagan Johnson is Iowa’s leading receiver from the 2023 season. He is a big and physical receiver, and he is a good target for Petras in the passing game. Johnson also led the Hawkeyes in receiving touchdowns in 2023. Iowa has a few other talented wide receivers on their roster, but Johnson will be tough to replace.
Overall, Iowa has a lot of talent on its roster, but they will need to replace some key players in 2024. If the Hawkeyes can find suitable replacements for Petras, Johnson, and Keagan Johnson, they should still be a competitive team in the Big Ten West Division.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Iowa Hawkeyes’ 2024 football schedule:
Question: Who are Iowa’s toughest opponents in 2024?
Answer: Iowa’s toughest opponents in 2024 are likely to be North Carolina, Florida State, Penn State, Michigan State, and Illinois. All of these teams are expected to be ranked in the top 25 in 2024.
Question: When is Iowa’s home opener in 2024?
Answer: Iowa’s home opener in 2024 is on September 7th against Northern Iowa.
Question: When is Iowa’s rivalry game against Minnesota in 2024?
Answer: Iowa’s rivalry game against Minnesota in 2024 is on November 2nd.
Question: How many Big Ten West Division games will Iowa play at home in 2024?
Answer: Iowa will play all four of their Big Ten West Division games at home in 2024. They will host Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Purdue.
Question: How many road games will Iowa play against ranked teams in 2024?
Answer: Iowa will play three road games against ranked teams in 2024. They will travel to Penn State, Michigan State, and Illinois.
Question: Who is Iowa’s starting quarterback in 2024?
Answer: Iowa has not yet named a starting quarterback for the 2024 season. They have a few young quarterbacks on their roster, but none of them have any starting experience.
Question: Who is Iowa’s leading returning receiver in 2024?
Answer: Iowa’s leading returning receiver in 2024 is Nico Ragaini. He caught 46 passes for 702 yards and six touchdowns in 2023.
Question: Who is Iowa’s leading returning running back in 2024?
Answer: Iowa’s leading returning running back in 2024 is Gavin Williams. He rushed for 567 yards and six touchdowns in 2023.
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the Iowa Hawkeyes’ 2024 football schedule. For more information, please visit the Iowa Hawkeyes’ official website.
In addition to the FAQ section, here are some additional tips for Iowa Hawkeyes fans in 2024:
Tips
Here are a few tips for Iowa Hawkeyes fans in 2024:
Tip 1: Buy your tickets early.
Iowa football tickets are always in high demand, so it’s important to buy your tickets early, especially for the big games. You can purchase tickets online through the Iowa Hawkeyes’ official website or through a reputable ticket broker.
Tip 2: Arrive early at the stadium.
Kinnick Stadium is one of the loudest and most intimidating stadiums in college football, and the atmosphere is electric on game day. To get the most out of your experience, arrive early at the stadium so you can soak up the atmosphere and find your seats before the game starts.
Tip 3: Be prepared for all types of weather.
Iowa City weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for all types of weather, especially in the fall. Bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain, and dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures.
Tip 4: Show your Hawkeye pride.
Iowa Hawkeyes fans are some of the most passionate fans in college football. Show your Hawkeye pride by wearing your Iowa gear and cheering on the team. You can also participate in the pregame festivities, such as the Iowa Wave.
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By following these tips, you can make the most of your Iowa Hawkeyes football experience in 2024.
Now that you know all about the Iowa Hawkeyes’ 2024 football schedule, it’s time to start planning your trip to Kinnick Stadium. With its challenging schedule, passionate fans, and electric atmosphere, Kinnick Stadium is one of the best places to watch college football in the country.
Conclusion
The Iowa Hawkeyes have a challenging but exciting schedule in 2024. They will face two tough non-conference opponents in North Carolina and Florida State, and they will also have to play all four of their Big Ten West Division rivals at home. Additionally, Iowa will have to replace some key players from the 2023 season, including quarterback Spencer Petras, running back Kaleb Johnson, and wide receiver Keagan Johnson.
Despite these challenges, the Hawkeyes have a lot of talent on their roster, and they are always a competitive team in the Big Ten West Division. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to compete for a Big Ten championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Closing Message
The 2024 Iowa Hawkeyes football season is sure to be one to remember. With a challenging schedule, passionate fans, and a talented team, Kinnick Stadium is the place to be on game day. So mark your calendars and get ready for an exciting season of Hawkeye football.