Iowa vs Rutgers: Iowa beats Rutgers 38-28 as Mark Gronowski rushes for three touchdowns and QB Athan Kaliakmanis throws for 330 yards. Read the full Iowa vs Rutgers recap, player stats, turning points, Big Ten implications and what’s next for both teams.
Background Context
- Team status and trends: Rutgers entered the matchup undefeated (3-0) in the 2025 season under coach Greg Schiano. Their offense, led by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, had shown strong passing numbers and was building confidence. Iowa, under Kirk Ferentz, came in with a 2-1 record, having dominated weaker non-conference opponents but suffering a close loss to a ranked Iowa State. The Hawkeyes’ offense had been criticized for inconsistency, especially in the passing game, while their defense remained a strength.
- Match significance: This was Iowa’s Big Ten opener and a test of Rutgers’ ability to maintain momentum vs. tougher competition. For Rutgers, it was a chance to notch a high-profile win at home (SHI Stadium) in front of a large crowd. Iowa was slight favorite though gamblers and line-makers saw Rutgers as dangerous given their early season form.
- Key players to watch:
• Mark Gronowski (Iowa QB) — Transfer from South Dakota State; his ability to run as well as pass was expected to be important in this game.
• Athan Kaliakmanis (Rutgers QB) — had been performing well in previous games; strong passing yard totals.
• Ian Strong (Rutgers WR) — had a very good receiving night.
Full Game Recap: Iowa 38, Rutgers 28
Below is a detailed breakdown of what happened during Iowa vs Rutgers (final score 38-28).
Score & Key Stats
- Final score: Iowa 38, Rutgers 28.
- Iowa record after game: 3-1 overall, 1-0 in Big Ten.
- Rutgers record after game: 3-1 overall, 0-1 in conference.
Scoring & Key Drives
- 1st Quarter: Iowa started fast with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Kaden Wetjen. Rutgers responded with multiple scoring drives, taking a lead at points. Gronowski and Kaliakmanis both made early contributions.
- 2nd Quarter: Back-and-forth scoring, Rutgers leaned on its passing game; Ian Strong had about 151 receiving yards. Rutgers led 28-24 at some point, but Iowa kept it close going into halftime.
- 3rd Quarter: No scoring in the 3rd quarter. The game essentially paused in scoring but momentum swung toward Iowa.
- 4th Quarter:
• Iowa pulled ahead in the fourth: Mark Gronowski ran for two touchdowns in this period.
• Rutgers had opportunities but key turnovers, penalties, and a missed field goal hurt them. Towards the end, Iowa made a big defensive play — an interception by Jaxon Rexroth with around 5:39 left setting up Iowa’s go-ahead score.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Player Stats and Highlights
| Player | Team | Key Stats / Notables |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Gronowski (Iowa, QB) | Iowa | Passed for 186 yards; rushed for three touchdowns. First Iowa QB with three rushing TDs since 1990. |
| Athan Kaliakmanis (Rutgers, QB) | Rutgers | 330 passing yards; threw for two rushing TDs; had the first INT of his season (which came late). |
| Ian Strong (WR, Rutgers) | Rutgers | Career-high 151 receiving yards. |
| Kaden Wetjen (Iowa) | Iowa | Returned opening kickoff for a touchdown (100 yards). |
| Rutgers’ special teams & penalties | Rutgers | Missed field goals (two), several penalties (holding and critical ones), mistakes in execution. Crab of the night for them. |
Turning Points & Game-Changing Moments
- Opening Kickoff Return — Iowa set the tone early with Kaden Wetjen returning the opening kick 100 yards for a TD. Momentum swings.
- Fourth Quarter Comeback by Iowa — After a tight game, Iowa’s ability to score two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter (via Gronowski) broke the game open.
- Critical Turnover — Jaxon Rexroth’s interception of Kaliakmanis late in the fourth set up Iowa’s go-ahead score. Mistakes at the worst time hurt Rutgers.
- Missed Field Goals & Penalties — Rutgers missed two field goals; also gave up costly penalties (holding in particular) that extended Iowa drives. Those special teams / discipline failures were decisive.
Iowa vs Rutgers 14-14 after the first quarter, both offenses winging it around the yard, animals walking two by two outside my window …
— Pete Fiutak (@PeteFiutak) September 20, 2025
What the Game Says About the Teams
Iowa Hawkeyes
- Strengths: Their defense held firm, especially when needed; their rushing attack (including Gronowski’s mobility) provided balance. Big plays in special teams (kickoff return) gave momentum. Fourth quarter execution showed resilience.
- Areas to Improve: Passing game is improving but still spotty; drops, missed assignments; maintaining consistency earlier in each half. Also, ensuring fewer penalties and cleaned-up execution in non-rushing downs.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Strengths: Strong passing offense; Ian Strong having big games; QB Kaliakmanis showing poise. Offense can move the ball, especially vs non-elite defenses.
- Weaknesses: Run defense struggled to contain Iowa’s rushing touchdowns. Penalties, missed kicks, and turnovers proved costly. In big games, discipline and special teams matter a great deal.