How to watch Iowa vs Minnesota: Start time, Date, TV channel, Odds, Prediction for Floyd of Rosedale on October 24
This matchup is more than an ordinary conference game. Iowa and Minnesota are longtime rivals competing for the historic Floyd of Rosedale trophy, one of college football's most recognizable rivalry trophies.
Iowa enters the contest looking to build on its impressive road victory over Washington, while Minnesota hopes to recover from a disappointing defeat against Purdue. With both teams coming off a bye week, Saturday's game presents an important opportunity to strengthen their Big Ten standings and claim rivalry bragging rights.
Iowa vs. Minnesota 2026: Game Date, Time and TV Schedule
Game information | Details |
|---|---|
Matchup | No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes at Minnesota Golden Gophers |
Date | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
Kickoff Time | 3:30 p.m. ET |
Venue | Huntington Bank Stadium |
Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
TV Channel | FS1 (Fox Sports 1) |
Live Streaming | Fubo (subject to subscription and availability) |
Conference | Big Ten |
Iowa Record | 5-1 |
Minnesota Record | 4-2 |
Rivalry Trophy | Floyd of Rosedale |
Iowa vs. Minnesota Rivalry History and Head-to-Head Record
The Iowa–Minnesota football rivalry dates back to 1891, making it one of the oldest matchups in the Big Ten Conference. The two programs have faced each other for more than a century, with generations of players competing for regional pride and conference supremacy.
The rivalry became particularly famous in 1935 when the governors of Iowa and Minnesota made a wager involving a prize hog. The winning team's state would receive the animal, which eventually inspired the bronze Floyd of Rosedale trophy that the teams compete for today.
The Hawkeyes have won the last two meetings, including a commanding 41-3 victory in October 2025. That result highlighted Iowa's recent success against the Golden Gophers and gives the visitors additional confidence entering the 2026 matchup.
Iowa Hawkeyes 2026 Season Preview
Iowa enters Saturday's matchup with a 5-1 record and the No. 15 national ranking.
The Hawkeyes opened the season with an impressive run before suffering their first defeat against Ohio State earlier in October. Rather than allowing that setback to derail their momentum, Iowa responded with an important upset victory on the road against Washington.
Iowa has produced a balanced statistical profile this season, averaging 31.0 points and 403.2 total yards per game. Defensively, the Hawkeyes have been particularly effective, allowing just 14.5 points and 293.3 yards per contest.
Minnesota Golden Gophers 2026 Season Preview
Minnesota enters the game with a 4-2 record after experiencing an inconsistent stretch of performances.
The Golden Gophers had built momentum with three consecutive victories before suffering a heavy 41-13 loss against Purdue in their most recent game.
Despite the setback, Minnesota has shown promise on both sides of the ball.
The Golden Gophers are averaging 28.8 points and 341.3 yards per game, while their defense has allowed an average of 21.8 points and 288.8 yards.
Iowa vs. Minnesota Odds, Spread and Over/Under
The following opening set of odds was provided via DraftKings Sportsbook.
Betting market | Odds |
|---|---|
Point Spread | Iowa -6.5 (-115) |
Minnesota Spread | Minnesota +6.5 (-105) |
Iowa Moneyline | -258 |
Minnesota Moneyline | +210 |
Over/Under Total | 40.5 points |
Over 40.5 | -112 |
Under 40.5 | -108 |
Iowa enters the matchup as the betting favorite, with oddsmakers giving the Hawkeyes an advantage of approximately one touchdown.
The total of 40.5 points suggests expectations of a relatively low-scoring contest, consistent with Iowa's strong defensive performances throughout the season.
A second set of available odds lists Iowa as a seven-point favorite at -275 on the moneyline, while Minnesota is priced at +217. These differences reflect variations between available betting lines, which can change before kickoff.
Iowa vs. Minnesota Key Stats and Matchup Analysis
Both programs have demonstrated strengths that could influence Saturday's result.
Statistical category | Iowa | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
Overall Record | 5-1 | 4-2 |
Points Scored Per Game | 31.0 | 28.8 |
Points Allowed Per Game | 14.5 | 21.8 |
Total Offensive Yards Per Game | 403.2 | 341.3 |
Total Defensive Yards Allowed | 293.3 | 288.8 |
The Hawkeyes are averaging 403.2 offensive yards per game, while the Golden Gophers are allowing just 288.8 yards. Minnesota must prevent Iowa from establishing sustained drives and controlling field position.
On the other side, Minnesota's offense is averaging 28.8 points per game, but Iowa's defense has surrendered just 14.5 points per contest.
Iowa vs. Minnesota Players to Watch
One player attracting attention heading into this contest is Iowa quarterback Hecklinski, who has stepped into a backup role and helped maintain the team's offensive production.
His ability to make efficient passing decisions, protect possession and manage third-down situations will be important against Minnesota's defense.
For Minnesota, the performance of its offensive playmakers and quarterback will be crucial. The Golden Gophers need to avoid the offensive struggles that contributed to their heavy defeat against Purdue.
Iowa vs. Minnesota Prediction and Pick
Iowa appears to have the stronger overall profile entering Saturday's rivalry game.
The Hawkeyes have been more consistent defensively, possess an impressive 5-1 record and have demonstrated their ability to win difficult road games.
Minnesota should benefit from playing at home, but the Golden Gophers' recent 41-13 loss to Purdue raises concerns about their ability to compete against a nationally ranked opponent.
Both teams will be rested following their bye weeks, so preparation, execution and turnovers could be particularly significant.
Iowa's defensive advantage and recent success in this rivalry make the Hawkeyes the preferred pick to win and cover the 6.5-point spread.
Prediction: Iowa 24, Minnesota 16
Betting Pick: Iowa -6.5 (-115)
Final Thoughts
Saturday's Iowa–Minnesota matchup combines Big Ten conference implications with more than a century of rivalry tradition.
The Hawkeyes are looking to extend their recent dominance and retain the Floyd of Rosedale trophy, while the Golden Gophers hope to defend their home field and secure a statement victory.
With Iowa ranked No. 15 nationally and Minnesota seeking a rebound performance, this Week 8 showdown has the ingredients for another meaningful chapter in one of college football's oldest rivalries.
Fans can watch Iowa vs. Minnesota live on FS1 at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
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