Iowa vs Minnesota: Matchup Breakdown

Iowa vs Minnesota head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 8, Saturday, October 24, 2026.

The Breakdown

  • Minnesota's 62 composite edges #22 Iowa's 56; the Gophers' 3.5★ D-line is the difference.
  • When Iowa has the ball: The 3.0★ O-line faces Minnesota's 3.5★ D-line, led by 4★ Anthony Smith and Jaxon Howard.
  • When Minnesota has the ball: Even fight: the 3.4★ O-line versus Iowa's 3.3★ D-line, with Darius Taylor behind it.
  • Swing factor: Iose Epenesa is the field's only 5★, one year in, rushing off Iowa's D-line.
  • X-factor: Late-October Saturday in Minneapolis; the ranked visitor has to win this one on the road.