Wisconsin to Face Iowa at Kinnick on October 31
The Big Ten has set an 11 a.m. kickoff for the rivalry game as the Hawkeyes defend their 5-1 season record.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Is following your local college football team an important part of your community's identity?
The Big Ten has scheduled the Wisconsin-Iowa football game for October 31 at 11 a.m. CT at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The teams will face off in competition for the Heartland Trophy.
Why it matters
Iowa enters the matchup with a 5-1 record and a defense that ranks in the top-10 nationally for both scoring and run defense. Wisconsin will look to overcome a 0-3 record against Iowa under head coach Luke Fickell.
Iowa holds a 5-1 record and averages 194.0 rushing yards per game. The Hawkeyes currently rank in the top-20 nationally for total yards allowed per game.
The players
Luke Fickell
He is the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers football team.
Hank Brown
He is a quarterback who has accumulated 832 passing yards and five touchdowns this season.
Jeremy Hecklinski
He is a quarterback who recorded 202 passing yards and three touchdowns in his recent performance against Washington.
The details
Iowa's defensive unit ranks in the top-10 nationally for scoring and run defense as they prepare to defend Kinnick Stadium. Quarterback Hank Brown has recorded 832 passing yards and five touchdowns with a 62.9% completion rate leading up to the matchup.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: Wisconsin and Iowa kick off at 11 a.m. CT
November 7, 2026: Iowa plays at Northwestern
Season Trajectory
This game represents a critical test for Wisconsin as they attempt to break a winless streak against Iowa under Luke Fickell. A win for Iowa would maintain their strong position within the conference standings before their upcoming road game against Northwestern.
Fans should monitor the status of the Iowa defense, which ranks in the top-10 for run defense and scoring. The result of this game will directly influence Iowa's path toward their November 7 contest against Northwestern.
The takeaway
The game serves as a pivotal point for both programs as they balance conference aspirations against established rivalry histories. Wisconsin must find a way to revitalize its offense to compete against a statistically elite Hawkeye defense.
Further reading
For more on the team's upcoming schedule, visit the /sports/football/ section.
Live Poll
Is following your local college football team an important part of your community's identity?
