Ohio State and Iowa: Rivalry Status Report Across Football and Basketball
USA, January 25, 2026 – The athletic rivalry between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Iowa Hawkeyes spans multiple sports, with recent history defined by conference dominance in football and competitive battles in basketball. As both programs navigate the 2026 offseason and the heart of the 2025-26 basketball season, here is a breakdown of where each stands.
2025 Football Season in Review
The 2025 college football season saw both Ohio State and Iowa finish with strong records, though their postseason paths diverged. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, completed a perfect Big Ten conference slate (9-0) and finished 12-2 overall after a loss in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The Iowa Hawkeyes, led by Kirk Ferentz, posted a 9-4 overall record (6-3 Big Ten) and capped their season with a ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Vanderbilt.
2025 Final Big Ten Football Standings (Top)
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 9-0 | 16-0 |
| Ohio State | 9-0 | 12-2 |
| Oregon | 8-1 | 13-2 |
| Iowa | 6-3 | 9-4 |
Current Men’s Basketball Landscape
As of late January 2026, both programs are in the thick of Big Ten conference play. Ohio State, led by head coach Jake Diebler, holds a 13-6 overall record (5-4 Big Ten) and is preparing to host Penn State on January 26. The Iowa Hawkeyes, under new head coach Ben McCollum, are 14-5 overall and 4-4 in conference play, with a home game against USC scheduled for January 28.
Key Offseason & Current Developments
Ohio State Football: The Buckeyes’ offseason has been active, highlighted by the hiring of Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator and safety Caleb Downs declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Early rankings for the 2026 season already project Ohio State as a national title contender.
Iowa Football: The Hawkeyes announced Chris Polizzi as the new special teams coordinator. Former Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell won the 2025 NFL Butkus Award, and return specialist Kaden Wetjen claimed the Jet Award for the second time.
Head-to-Head Note: The most recent football meeting between these teams was a 35-7 Ohio State victory during the 2024 season on October 5. They did not meet during the 2025 regular season.
Women’s Basketball Showdown
Adding to the rivalry, the No. 12 Ohio State women’s basketball team (18-2, 7-1 Big Ten) faced the No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes (17-2, 8-0 Big Ten) on January 24, 2026, in a top-15 conference clash. Official results from the game were not immediately available in data feeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ohio State and Iowa play football in 2025?
No. During the 2025 Big Ten season, Ohio State and Iowa did not face each other in the regular season schedule. Their last meeting was in the 2024 season.
What are the upcoming games for Ohio State and Iowa men’s basketball?
Ohio State hosts Penn State on Monday, January 26, at 7:00 PM ET on FS1. Iowa’s next game is at home against USC on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 PM ET on BTN.
Is Iowa men’s basketball ranked?
As of January 25, the Iowa Hawkeyes are not ranked in the AP or Coaches Polls but are receiving votes and are ranked No. 20 in the NET rankings.