IOWA CITY — Inconsistency and a lack of explosive plays plagued the Iowa rushing attack through the first five games of the 2025 season.

Compared to the same stretch in 2024, the Hawkeyes averaged 44.6 fewer yards per game (178.8) than last season (223.4) and managed 12 fewer rushes of 20 or more yards (2024: 16; 2025: 4).

Now, it will be no rest for the weary as Iowa runs into one of the top run-stuffing defenses in the country in Madison, Wisconsin, this weekend.

Wisconsin ranks sixth in the nation and second in the Big Ten — to Iowa — with just 75 rushing yards allowed per game through the first five games.

Last season, the Hawkeyes took advantage of a porous run defense, which finished 91 st nationally, allowing 165 yards per game. Iowa ran roughshod over the Badgers with 329 ya

See Full Page