Joel Klatt reveals why he’s betting on Iowa as top 25 team in preseason rankings

Iowa is a fascinating team heading into 2025, at least in Joel Klatt’s view. The FOX Sports analyst ranked the Hawkeyes at No. 22 in his Top 25, but there’s room for growth.

Klatt even believes he might be selling Iowa short at No. 22. With their steady defense and an improved offense in 2025, he’s thinking the Hawkeyes can make some noise this season. 

“So what do I trust about No. 22? Defense. Iowa. Give me Iowa at No. 22,” Klatt stated, via the latest episode of The Joel Klatt Show. “You’re trying to find these teams at the back end of the Top 25, these are the eight, nine win teams during the course of the year. Do we think that Iowa can do that? Yeah. Do we think they could do more? Probably. 

“This might even be a bit under-rating the Hawkeyes. The offense improved last year for Kirk Ferentz. They didn’t need to do much to improve. Remember Tim Lester? He was the offensive coordinator that they brought in a year ago. Now, he’s going to be in Year Two.”

One reason Klatt is a fan of Iowa is transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski, and his potential inside the Hawkeyes’ offense: “Here’s what I’m most excited about for Iowa. It’s not just that it’s Kirk Ferentz or Phil Parker, the defensive coordinator, that defense and the consistency of what they bring. It’s this new quarterback that they’ve got, Mark Gronowski,” Klatt explained.

“He’s a guy that I think could turn them around. I get it, you might be thinking to yourself, ‘Joel, we’ve heard this song and dance before. It just doesn’t happen at Iowa.’ I understand if that’s where you’re at. However, this guy might be a little different now.

“Gronowski transfers in from South Dakota State, which has been one of the premier Division II, FCS programs around. He’s won the FCS Heisman back in 2023. He was a finalist again last year. He’s won two, not one, but two national championships at that level. He started 55 games. In the modern era of college football, this is the type of guy that could absolutely pop. Experience over talent.”

While Klatt thinks Iowa will be a force, their schedule provides some pause. However, the home-field advantage that Kinnick Stadium provides has him thinking a huge upset or two could come true, and that could propel the Hawkeyes to contenders inside the Big Ten.

“They lost three close games by three points or less a year ago. They’ve got to replace some guys on defense, but like, should we care? No. The system under Phil Parker has been as good as anywhere in the country,” Klatt added. “I can’t wait for early in the year, we’re actually going to do that Cy-Hawk game. I will be on the call for Iowa-Iowa State. That one’s going to be a very good football game. 

“Their two toughest games are against Oregon and Penn State. Both of those teams are at home in Kinnick. Remember now, what do we know about Kinnick? This is where top ten teams go to die. Someone’s going to lose in Kinnick. I think Oregon or Penn State is going to get beat by Iowa. I don’t know which one. 

“I think both of those teams are incredible teams, but like I could see that happening because of what we trust about their defense, as well as the quarterback Mark Gronowski. So, watch out for them.”

Joel Klatt’s backing of Iowa will cause some to roll their eyes, but it remains to be seen if the Hawkeyes prove him right. It all begins Sat. Aug. 30 against Albany for Iowa, but their top test will come on Oct. 18 at home against Penn State.