Iowa Hawkeyes Prepare for Black Friday Clash with Nebraska Huskers in Historic Rivalry
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Iowa Hawkeyes will face off against the Nebraska Huskers this Friday,November 28,2025,at Memorial Stadium in a pivotal Big Ten matchup steeped in tradition. The game, broadcast nationally on CBS at 11:08 AM CT, marks another chapter in the “Pioneer Heroes” rivalry played annually on Black Friday.
Iowa enters the contest boasting a consistently strong defense, currently ranked eighth nationally in total defense (267.9 yards allowed per game) and scoring defense (14.5 points allowed per game). The Hawkeyes also excel in limiting first downs (ninth, 169 allowed), passing yards (12th, 166.3 allowed), and rushing yards (14th, 101.6 allowed). Offensively, quarterback Mark Gronowski has been a dual-threat force, reaching 100 career touchdown passes and leading the team with 13 rushing touchdowns – a single-season record for an Iowa quarterback. Gronowski’s 13 rushing tds are third in the Big Ten and tied for second-most among all FBS quarterbacks.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz aims for his 21st season with seven or more wins, a testament to his sustained success in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have also demonstrated a knack for late-game heroics, having won nine games since 2015 decided by a field goal in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter - more than any other FBS team. Kicker drew Stevens continues to rewrite the Iowa record books, holding the programme record for career field goals made (73) and ranking second in career scoring (334 points).
Adding another dimension to the Hawkeyes’ special teams is return specialist Kaleb Wetjen, a 2025 Jett Award finalist. Wetjen is uniquely positioned as the only player in the nation with both a punt and kickoff return touchdown this season, and the first player since 2009 to score via punt, kickoff, rushing, and passing touchdowns.
Fans can follow the Hawkeyes on HawkeyeInsider.com and on Twitter via @DavidEickholt, @SBock247, and @EliotClough.The game will be called by Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Ross Tucker (analyst), and Tiffany Blackmon (sideline reporter). Listeners can tune in to the hawkeye Radio Network,with Gary dolphin handling play-by-play,Pat Angerer providing color commentary,and Rob Brooks reporting from the sidelines. Coverage is available on flagship stations 1040 WHO in Des Moines and 600 WMT AM in Cedar Rapids, as well as over 50 stations across Iowa, The Varsity Network, YouTube, and siriusxm channel 81.
