Iowa football came so close to making magic late in the fourth quarter at USC on Saturday.

With the two-minute warning approaching and down 26-21, the Hawkeyes had a 4th-and-6 near the red zone. Quarterback Mark Gronowski turned to his best playmaker, wideout Kaden Wetjen, who used his elite athleticism to sky for a jump ball.

He appeared to make a spectacular, clutch catch, but replay showed his toe landed slightly out of bounds, thwarting Iowa 's best chance at overcoming its second-half collapse.

The play resulted in Iowa's second straight one-possession loss to a ranked opponent and ended its chance at a spot in the College Football Playoff or Big Ten championship.

Kaden Wetjen stats (receiving)

2025 : 20 catches, 151 yards, 1 TD

2024 : 3 catches, 46 yards

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