The University of Iowa football team earned a three‑place climb in the Associated Press Top 25, landing at No. 18 after a hard‑fought 16‑13 win over in‑state rival Iowa State on Saturday night. The Hawkeyes entered the Cy‑Hawk game ranked No. 21, and a late‑game heroics by senior kicker Caden Buhr secured the victory and the Cy‑Hawk Trophy.
Game‑winning drive
Trailing 13‑10 with just under a minute left, Iowa drove deep into Cyclone territory. With 15 seconds remaining, Buhr slotted a 42‑yard field goal, giving the Hawkeyes a 13‑13 tie. After a defensive stop, Iowa forced a turnover and set up a second chance. Buhr again delivered, this time from 42 yards out, putting Iowa ahead 16‑13. The final 25 minutes of the game saw Iowa State shut out, allowing the Hawkeyes to protect the lead and claim the trophy.
Impact on the rankings
The win propelled Iowa from No. 21 to No. 18 in the AP poll, joining a list that includes Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Indiana at the top. Iowa now shares the same 2‑0 record as several other powerhouses, reinforcing the team’s early‑season momentum.
Looking ahead
Following the triumph, Iowa will host Northern Iowa on Saturday, offering another opportunity to build on the early success. The Hawkeyes aim to continue their unbeaten streak and climb further in the national rankings.
AP Top 25 snapshot
Below are the top 20 teams in the latest AP poll:
- Texas (2‑0)
- Georgia (2‑0)
- Notre Dame (2‑0)
- Indiana (2‑0)
- Miami (FL) (2‑0)
- Ohio State (2‑0)
- LSU (2‑0)
- Ole Miss (2‑0)
- Texas A&M (2‑0)
- Alabama (2‑0)
- BYU (2‑0)
- USC (3‑0)
- Texas Tech (2‑0)
- Penn State (2‑0)
- Tennessee (2‑0)
- SMU (2‑0)
- Utah (2‑0)
- Iowa (2‑0)
- Michigan (2‑0)
- Missouri (2‑0)
Other teams receiving votes include Washington, Florida, Boise State, and Oklahoma State, among others.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
