What Is 1927 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1927 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 1927 college football season, finishing with a 5–2 record under head coach Burt Ingwersen. They played their home games at Iowa Stadium and were part of the Western Conference, now known as the Big Ten.

Key Facts

The team finished the 1927 season with a 5–2 overall record
Burt Ingwersen was in his second year as head coach
The Hawkeyes played home games at Iowa Stadium in Iowa City
They were members of the Western Conference (now Big Ten)
Notable win: defeated Minnesota 13–7 on November 5, 1927

Overview

The 1927 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 1927 college football season, competing as a member of the Western Conference, which later became the Big Ten. Led by second-year head coach Burt Ingwersen, the team achieved a modest 5–2 overall record, marking a slight improvement from the previous season.

The Hawkeyes showcased a balanced effort on both offense and defense, with standout performances in key conference matchups. Though not a national powerhouse that year, the season contributed to the growing tradition of Iowa football during the early 20th century. The team played its home games at Iowa Stadium, a venue that had been in use since 1924.

Final record: The 1927 Iowa Hawkeyes finished the season with a 5–2 overall record, including 2–2 in Western Conference play.
Head coach: Burt Ingwersen was in his second season as head coach, having taken over after the departure of legendary coach Howard Jones.
Home venue: The team played at Iowa Stadium in Iowa City, which had a capacity of approximately 50,000 and was later renamed Kinnick Stadium.
Conference affiliation: As members of the Western Conference, the Hawkeyes competed against teams like Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan.
Key victory: A notable 13–7 win over Minnesota on November 5, 1927, highlighted the team’s ability to compete with stronger conference opponents.

Season Performance

The 1927 season demonstrated incremental progress for the Hawkeyes under Ingwersen’s leadership, with wins over Kansas, Indiana, and Minnesota. Despite setbacks against Illinois and Chicago, the team showed resilience in close games and developed key players for future seasons.

September 24, 1927: Opened the season with a 14–0 shutout victory over Simpson College, a strong start that boosted team morale.
October 8: Defeated Kansas 13–0, showcasing a dominant defensive performance early in the season.
October 15: Lost to Illinois 13–0, a setback that revealed gaps in offensive consistency against top-tier conference teams.
November 5: Secured a pivotal 13–7 win over Minnesota, one of the season’s most significant victories.
November 12: Fell to Chicago 13–7 in a tightly contested game, reflecting the competitive nature of Western Conference play.
November 19: Closed the season with a 21–0 win over Indiana, finishing strong despite earlier losses.

Comparison at a Glance

Performance of the 1927 Iowa Hawkeyes compared to adjacent seasons and conference peers:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Notable Result
1925	5–3	3–2	Howard Jones	Won 1926 Rose Bowl
1926	4–3–1	1–3–1	Burt Ingwersen	Lost to Illinois 14–0
1927	5–2	2–2	Burt Ingwersen	Beat Minnesota 13–7
1928	4–4	2–3	Burt Ingwersen	Lost to Iowa State 14–7
1929	3–5	1–4	Burt Ingwersen	Lost to Minnesota 20–7

The 1927 season stands out as one of the better years during Ingwersen’s tenure, which ultimately spanned from 1925 to 1931. While not as successful as the Rose Bowl-winning 1925 team, the 1927 Hawkeyes showed improvement over 1926 and laid groundwork for future development. Their win over Minnesota remained a highlight, and the team’s 5–2 record was the best since the championship-caliber 1925 season.

Why It Matters

The 1927 Iowa Hawkeyes season is a snapshot of a transitional era in college football, reflecting both the challenges and progress of a developing program. Though overshadowed by earlier Rose Bowl success, this season helped maintain competitive presence in the Western Conference.

Program continuity: The 1927 season maintained Iowa’s reputation as a competitive team despite the departure of star coach Howard Jones.
Player development: Key athletes gained experience that contributed to future team performance under Ingwersen’s leadership.
Conference relevance: Wins over teams like Minnesota and Kansas kept Iowa visible in Big Ten discussions.
Historical context: The season occurred during a time when college football was growing in popularity and media coverage.
Stadium legacy: Games at Iowa Stadium helped solidify fan traditions that continue today at Kinnick Stadium.
Coaching trajectory: Ingwersen’s tenure, though ultimately ending in 1931, provided stability during a rebuilding phase.

In summary, the 1927 Iowa Hawkeyes football team may not be remembered for national accolades, but it played a meaningful role in sustaining the program’s momentum. Their 5–2 record, notable win over Minnesota, and steady coaching presence under Burt Ingwersen reflect a season of modest success with lasting historical value in Iowa football history.