Iowa Hawkeyes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers prediction: Iowa wins, spread is a Pass
Iowa will beat Minnesota, with a projected score of Iowa 24, Minnesota 17. The Hawkeyes’ defense, allowing 14.5 points and 84.7 rushing yards per game, supplies the strongest reason to favor them. That advantage supports the winner forecast, but Iowa -7.5 (-105) asks for more separation than this projection. Neither the spread nor the 40.5 total offers a compelling wager; the official recommendation is Pass.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers prediction and best bet
Iowa’s combination of rushing production and defensive pressure makes it the pick to win. The Hawkeyes average 194 rushing yards per game and have allowed just one rushing touchdown through six games. That gives them a plausible route to controlling early downs on both sides of the ball, although Minnesota’s passing game is a meaningful obstacle.
The best betting decision is Pass. Picking Iowa to win requires less conviction than laying 7.5 points on the road. Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey has a three-touchdown performance at Washington on his résumé, and Iowa allowed 24 points in its own Washington visit. Those results leave room for a competitive finish even if Iowa plays the better game.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game: Iowa at Minnesota, 2026 college football season, Saturday, October 24, at 2:30 p.m. Central.
Venue: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Broadcast: FS1.
Records: Iowa Hawkeyes 4-1; Minnesota Golden Gophers 4-2.
Quarterbacks: Jeremy Hecklinski starts for Iowa; healthy Hank Brown could also play. Drake Lindsey quarterbacks Minnesota.