Best Iowa team since ________?

[CP87]

I saw Chris Hassel thinks 2015:

https://x.com/IowaEverywhere/status/2006486299083948536

I say 2019. Hawks were 10-3, ranked 15 in the final AP poll. Lost 3 one-score games to ranked opponents:

3-10 @ #19 Mich
12-17 vs. #10 PSU
22-24 @ #16 Wisconsin

Ranked wins against #7 Minnesota and #22 USC.

BCF Toys FEI rankings had us as #18, with the #53 offense, #12 defense, and #3 special teams.

24 guys from that roster at least sniffed the NFL (not all were contributors during that season, of course): https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/iowa/2019-roster.html

 

[CP87]

Comparatively, this year BCF Toys has us as #16 overall (thus far), #52 offense, #8 defense, and #1 ST.

2025 FEI Ratings — BCF Toys

bcftoys.com

 

[Seth53]

I'm partial to the Stanzy-led Orange Bowl team.

For overcoming adversity, the Tate-led team that beat LSU which was literally trotting out its 6th string RB at the end gets my vote.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

You could argue either 2019 or 2015.

 

[ssckelley]

I'd say 2019 as well, but with only 1 win over a ranked team will we remember this 10 years from now? I'd agree the 2021 and 2023 teams were not as good overall (the defenses were better) but I might remember those years better since they did reach the Big Ten championship game and did win 10 games.

This team was sooooo close to making it memorable. You win those games against Indiana and Oregon we would have been in the playoffs.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

For some reason, I think this team might have beaten the 2015 team. That 2015 team had a pretty light schedule, kind of like what Penn St. is going to have next season.

 

[guffus]

Iowa this year was 4-4 in games that were close in the 4Q. Iowa managed to finish games strong against Rutgers, Penn St, Mich St and Vandy to pull out close wins. While strong starts kinda fizzled out in close losses against Iowa St, Indy, Oregon and USC.

In the end Iowa's record of 9-4 seemed fair this year.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

Iowa this year was 4-4 in games that were close in the 4Q. Iowa managed to finish games strong against Rutgers, Penn St, Mich St and Vandy to pull out close wins. While strong starts kinda fizzled out in close losses against Iowa St, Indy, Oregon and USC.

In the end Iowa's record of 9-4 seemed fair this year.

But is one of those "What could have been" seasons!

 

[AreWeThereYet]

But is one of those "What could have been" seasons!

I have a sneaking suspicion that a healthy Gronowski would have proceeded directly to the NFL draft at the end of last season. Gronowski played through the injury in 2024, probably knowing it would require surgery & rehab. Gronowski himself may not know what he would have done had the injury not been an issue.

As it stands, Gronowski probably earned himself a spot on somebodies practice squad. His longterm plans might want to include learning the lyrics to O Canada. I could see him being the best Iowa Quarterback to play in Canada, this side of Ken Ploen. Depends on how the shoulder holds up long term.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

I have a sneaking suspicion that a healthy Gronowski would have proceeded directly to the NFL draft at the end of last season. Gronowski played through the injury in 2024, probably knowing it would require surgery & rehab. Gronowski himself may not know what he would have done had the injury not been an issue.

As it stands, Gronowski probably earned himself a spot on somebodies practice squad. His longterm plans might want to include learning the lyrics to O Canada. I could see him being the best Iowa Quarterback to play in Canada, this side of Ken Ploen. Depends on how the shoulder holds up long term.

Yes, he prob had to come back after surgery to prove himself again. Makes sense. NFL teams are reluctant to take a gamble with a player with a shoulder issue I would think.