What Is 2018 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 9-4 record under head coach Kirk Ferentz and winning the Outback Bowl 27-20 against Mississippi State on January 1, 2019.

Key Facts

The 2018 Iowa Hawkeyes finished the season with a 9-4 overall record
They competed in the Big Ten Conference's West Division
Head coach Kirk Ferentz was in his 20th season leading the team
Iowa defeated Mississippi State 27-20 in the 2019 Outback Bowl
Quarterback Nate Stanley threw for 2,852 yards and 26 touchdowns

Overview

The 2018 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa in the 129th season of the program's history. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the team was led by head coach Kirk Ferentz, who was in his 20th year at the helm. The Hawkeyes played their home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, a venue known for its passionate fan base and electric atmosphere.

During the 2018 campaign, Iowa finished with a 9-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big Ten Conference play, placing second in the West Division. The team capped its season with a victory in the Outback Bowl, defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 27-20 on January 1, 2019. This win improved Iowa’s all-time bowl record and marked their 18th bowl victory in program history.

Quarterback Nate Stanley threw for 2,852 yards and 26 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the Big Ten’s top passers.
The defense ranked 18th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 19.5 points per game on average.
Iowa opened the season with a 24-21 win over Northern Illinois on September 1, 2018, setting a positive tone early.
The team’s toughest loss came on November 3, 2018, when they fell 26-6 to No. 4 Michigan in a defensive showdown.
Running back Mekhi Sargent contributed 792 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, providing a reliable ground attack.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2018 season showcased Iowa’s trademark physicality and disciplined play, hallmarks of Kirk Ferentz’s coaching philosophy. The team demonstrated consistency on both sides of the ball, with standout performances in key conference matchups and a resilient bowl effort.

Week 4 matchup against Iowa State: The Hawkeyes won 17-17 in overtime, securing the Cy-Hawk Trophy with a 3-0 record in overtime games since 2017.
Defensive end A.J. Epenesa: Recorded 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, emerging as a dominant force on the defensive line.
Special teams: Kicker Keith Duncan made 19 of 23 field goals, including a game-winner in the Outback Bowl.
Outback Bowl victory: Iowa’s 27-20 win over Mississippi State was their first New Year’s Day bowl win since 2005.
Third-down efficiency: The Hawkeyes converted 44% of third downs, ranking 42nd nationally in that category.
Red zone defense: Held opponents to a 76% scoring rate in the red zone, one of the best marks in the Big Ten.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 Iowa Hawkeyes against key Big Ten rivals in win-loss record, scoring offense, and defensive performance.

Team	Overall Record	Points Per Game	Points Allowed Per Game	Bowl Result
Iowa Hawkeyes	9-4	24.5	19.5	Won Outback Bowl
Wisconsin Badgers	8-5	28.2	17.8	Lost Pinstripe Bowl
Michigan Wolverines	10-4	26.7	14.8	Lost Peach Bowl
Ohio State Buckeyes	13-1	47.6	20.4	Lost to Clemson in CFP
Minnesota Golden Gophers	7-6	25.8	22.5	Won Quick Lane Bowl

The table illustrates that while Iowa didn’t lead the conference in scoring, their balanced performance and strong defense kept them competitive. Their 9-4 record tied for the second-most wins in the Big Ten West, behind only Wisconsin’s 8-5 mark when considering bowl results. The Outback Bowl win provided a strong finish to a season defined by resilience and defensive discipline.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was significant for Iowa as it reinforced the program’s consistency under long-tenured coach Kirk Ferentz. Despite not winning the Big Ten West, the team’s bowl victory and top-25 defensive rankings highlighted their national relevance.

Sustained success: The 9-win season marked Iowa’s fifth consecutive year with at least eight victories, a program benchmark.
Player development: A.J. Epenesa and Nate Stanley both improved their NFL Draft stock during the season.
Bowl prestige: Winning the Outback Bowl boosted Iowa’s visibility and recruiting appeal in key regions.
Defensive identity: The team’s top-20 national ranking in scoring defense reaffirmed their traditional strength.
Conference competitiveness: Iowa remained a factor in the Big Ten West race, keeping pressure on Wisconsin and Nebraska.
Program stability: Ferentz’s leadership through transitions in personnel underscored Iowa’s organizational strength.

The 2018 Iowa Hawkeyes season exemplified the program’s core values—toughness, discipline, and consistency. While not a championship contender, the team delivered a winning record, a bowl victory, and continued development of future NFL talent, reinforcing Iowa’s respected place in college football.