Get ready, Hawkeye Nation! The Iowa Hawkeyes are kicking off their 2025 college football season this Saturday against the UAlbany Great Danes! With new leadership for UAlbany and fresh faces for Iowa, this opener is packed with intriguing storylines. What are you most excited to see?

The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to commence their highly anticipated 2025 football season with a challenging home opener against the UAlbany Great Danes, a contest that will provide an early litmus test for Kirk Ferentz’s squad while introducing a refreshed roster and strategic adjustments. This initial matchup carries significant weight, not only as the first game of the season but also as a crucial stepping stone before a formidable rivalry clash in the subsequent week.

UAlbany enters this high-profile encounter under new leadership, with interim head coach Jared Ambrose at the helm following Greg Gattuso’s departure. This transition presents a unique dynamic for the Great Danes, as Ambrose, in a de facto tryout for the full-time position, will be keen to demonstrate his team’s capabilities against a Big Ten powerhouse. His ability to rally the squad amidst significant roster movement will be a key storyline to watch.

While this marks UAlbany’s inaugural game against a Big Ten opponent, their historical record against Power 5 programs stands at 0-3. Their only recorded victory against a notable opponent came in 1980 against Central Florida, during a period when the program competed at the Division III level. Furthermore, this isn’t their first visit to the Hawkeye State, having previously lost to Drake in Des Moines back in 2002.

Despite their historical struggles against top-tier programs, the Great Danes enjoyed their most successful season in program history in 2023 under Ambrose. That season saw them finish 55th overall in total offense, averaging 364.2 yards per game, and an impressive 41st in scoring offense, with 28.4 points per game. This recent offensive prowess suggests they are capable of putting points on the board and should not be underestimated.

On the Hawkeyes’ side, the spotlight shines brightly on quarterback Mark Gronowski, who has officially secured the starting position. Gronowski, a transfer from South Dakota State, will be making his highly anticipated debut as Iowa’s signal-caller. His performance will be critical in driving an improved Hawkeye offense, and fans will be eager to see how he commands the unit and executes under pressure.

Beyond Gronowski, several other key offensive players are poised to make an impact. Running back Kamari Moulton, returning with a chip on his shoulder after losing his starting spot last season, aims to re-establish his dominance. Wide receiver Seth Anderson, healthy after an injury-riddled 2024, is also expected to be a crucial target. Meanwhile, position battles, particularly at left tackle, have been a focal point for Coach Ferentz, highlighting the team’s commitment to refining its offensive line.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz addressed the media earlier in the week, discussing the upcoming UAlbany game and the much-anticipated release of the week one depth chart. His comments provided insights into the team’s preparations, highlighting the importance of consistency among the coaching staff and the challenge of preparing for an opponent with a new coaching structure and significant roster changes. The depth chart reveal confirmed several key starters, setting the stage for Saturday’s contest.

As Coach Ferentz prepares for this season, he stands on the cusp of becoming the Big Ten’s all-time winningest head coach, a testament to his enduring legacy and consistent success with the Hawkeyes football program. This game not only kicks off a new season but also marks another chapter in his remarkable career, with expectations high for the team to contend in the Big Ten conference.