Iowa vs. Rutgers prediction, odds, start time: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights picks, predictions. Game 4: Football vs. Iowa.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights prediction, odds, Game 4
The Iowa Hawkeyes and Rutgers Scarlet Knights faced off on September 19, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, in a highly anticipated Big Ten college football Week 4 matchup. The game kicked off at 8 p.m. ET and was broadcast on FOX, with streaming options also available on fuboTV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream.
Team Overview and Season Records
Iowa Hawkeyes (2-1)
Coached by Kirk Ferentz, Iowa aimed to continue their defensive dominance after a resounding 47-7 win over UMass. Key players include quarterback Mark Gronowski, who brings both passing and running ability, and running backs Xavier Williams and Jaziun Patterson.
The defense is led by Ethan Hurkett (top pass rusher), Max Llewellyn, and defensive backs Xavier Nwankpa and Zach Lutmer, helping hold opponents to just over 9 points per game this season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0)
Under Greg Schiano, Rutgers entered the game undefeated, coming off a 60-10 victory over Norfolk State. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis stands out with 820 yards and seven touchdowns so far. Offensive weapons KJ Duff, Ian Strong, and DT Sheffield support Kaliakmanis, while Antwan Raymond boosts the running game.
Rutgers' defense has shown improvement, and their special teams have scored multiple touchdowns off blocked punts this year.
Key Details
- Iowa played Rutgers in a college football game on September 19, 2025.scarletknights+2
- The game started at 8 p.m. ET.
- The match took place at SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey.
- Iowa entered the game with a 2-1 record; Rutgers was 3-0.
- The game was broadcast on FOX and streamed on fuboTV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream.
- Iowa was favored by about 1.5 to 2.5 points before the game.
- The over/under for total points was set at 46.5.
- This was the first Big Ten conference game of the season for both teams.
Game Atmosphere
Friday night at SHI Stadium featured a "Blackout Game" with students and fans sporting black gear, a synchronized light show, and special performances including "Light Up The Knight."
It was the tenth home sellout for Rutgers since 2022, with pre-game festivities like pep rallies, parade, and giveaways to build local enthusiasm.
Historical Matchups
The teams have met five times, with most games featuring strong defensive showings— particularly Iowa’s. Rutgers has struggled offensively in past matchups, but comes into 2025 with renewed confidence and an improved roster.
Notable past results:
- 2023: Iowa defeated Rutgers 22-0
- 2022: Iowa won 27-10 at SHI Stadium
- 2019: Iowa won 30-0 at home
How to Watch
Fans could tune in on FOX or stream through fuboTV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream. Additional highlights and live scores were available via ESPN and CBS Sports throughout the evening.
Betting and Picks
SportsLine expert Tom Fornelli gave his analysis, leaning "Over" on the total points and tipping a key X-factor in the matchup, with Iowa entering as the narrow favorite according to the odds. Fornelli’s picks have been profitable in Rutgers games, making his advice sought-after among bettors.
In summary, the Iowa vs. Rutgers game in Week 4 of the 2025 college football season was a primetime Big Ten clash, highlighting two well-coached, explosive teams with major implications for conference standings, fan engagement, and sports bettors across the country.

