Iowa Nebraska Rivalry And Football Series History

The Iowa–Nebraska rivalry is more than just a football game—it’s a battle of pride, tradition, and regional dominance. 

This annual Big Ten clash, often scheduled on Black Friday – Iowa Nebraska game – pits the Iowa Hawkeyes against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in what has become one of college football’s most anticipated matchups. 

Known today as the Heroes Game, the contest also symbolizes the community spirit of both states, awarding the Heroes Trophy to the victor each year.

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How it Began

The Iowa-Nebraska rivalry is one of the oldest in the history of college football. The two Big Ten stalwarts first squared off against one another all the way back on November 26, 1891. It would be the first of 53 meetings (and counting) between the two.

Despite 131 years of history between the two programs, they have not been a year-in, year-out competitor. There have been several gaps in the series throughout the year to illustrate that.

The first gap, a four-year gap from 1899-1903, wasn’t much and there would be another four-year gap to follow beginning in 1909. After the 1919 matchup, an 18-0 shutout by the Hawkeyes, they would not play again until 1930.

Other major gaps would follow, the longest being a hiatus in the series starting after the Iowa win on October 10, 1946, and ending when the Huskers, then 7th in the nation, won a close one in Iowa City on September 22, 1979.

There would be a 17-year gap from 1982-999 and the final gap from 2000-2011. The two have played every year since 2011 with no end to the streak in sight as the two are now division mates within the Big Ten. 

The Biggest Matchups in the Series

September 12, 1981

Nebraska was one of the powerhouse programs of the 1980s. Though they had not won a national championship at that point under head coach Tom Osbourne, they were one of the most feared teams in the nation.

Heading into Kinnick Stadium for the 1981 matchup, it was supposed to be business as usual for the high-powered Husker rushing attack. Instead, what ensued was one of the biggest upsets of the 1981 season.

Considering the previous year Iowa lost a whopping 57-0, there weren’t many who thought the Iowa Hawkeyes would be much of a threat. But the black and gold defense came to play on the day, holding Nebraska to just 231 yards and forcing five turnovers.

Iowa grabbed all the points they would need by early in the second quarter, going up 10-0. Despite a late push from Nebraska, Iowa held on and claimed a stunner of a victory, arguably the biggest in the history of the Iowa Nebraska rivalry.

November 28, 2014

The “Heroes Game” has had its share of heroes throughout the series and the 2014 edition may have found its hero in Tommy Armstrong Jr.

For three quarters, it looked as though Iowa would walk through the game and come out with a victory. Iowa led 24-7 in the third, controlling possession in a quiet but efficient football game.

Armstrong put the Huskers on his back starting with a late third-quarter touchdown pass, his second of four on the day. Things got crazy to begin the fourth quarter. Armstrong threw his third touchdown pass almost immediately before De’Mornay Pierson-El electrified the crowd with an 80-yard punt return touchdown to give Nebraska the lead.

It looked as though Iowa would steal the win after a Jake Ruddock touchdown pass with just 1:49 to go, but Drew Brown made a chip shot field goal to tie things with 0:08 left. Armstrong connected on his final touchdown pass in overtime to seal the thrilling victory.

November 27, 2020

For a bit, it looked as though Nebraska would finally end its losing streak against the Hawkeyes. The streak was up to five games entering the 2020 matchup and remained tight throughout, heading into the half with both sides tied at 13.

Iowa needed a late push from its defense and the leg of kicker Keith Duncan to get the job done. After tying the game at 20-20 near the end of the third quarter, the Hawkeye defense shut down Nebraska and allowed Duncan to kick a pair of field goals, including one from 48 yards, to give Iowa the 26-20 victory.

The win would be Iowa’s sixth-consecutive win in the Iowa Nebraska series and a particular point of frustration for the Huskers.

Inside the Numbers of the Series

The Iowa Nebraska rivalry has had it all: blowout wins, comebacks, and nail-biting finishes.

Longest Iowa Win Streak: From 2015 to 2021, Iowa won seven straight games, nearly overtaking Nebraska’s longest run in the series.

Longest Nebraska Win Streak: From 1931 to 1941, Nebraska leads with an eight-game win streak. Most were close, including three 14-13 victories.

Biggest Iowa Victory: On November 24, 2017, Iowa dominated Nebraska with a 56-14 win, rushing for 313 yards and six touchdowns.

Biggest Nebraska Game Win: The biggest win in the series came in 1980, when Nebraska trounced Iowa 57-0 in Lincoln.

Series Records and Statistics

• Total games played: 55
• Series record: Nebraska leads 30–22—3
• Longest Iowa win streak: 7 games (2015–2021)
• Longest Nebraska win streak: 8 games (1931–1941)
• Largest Iowa victory: 56–14 (2017)
• Largest Nebraska victory: 57–0 (1980)

Infographic: Dominance by Decade

(Insert visual: Wins per decade by Iowa and Nebraska from 1890s to 2020s, illustrating how Nebraska dominated early and Iowa surged recently.)

Players Who Defined the Rivalry

• Akrum Wadley (Iowa): 159 rushing yards, 3 TDs in 2017.
• Tommy Armstrong Jr. (Nebraska): 4 TDs in 2014’s Heroes Game.
• Emmett Johnson (Nebraska): A rising star, instrumental in recent meetings.

Iowa and Nebraska in the Big Ten Landscape

Since Nebraska joined the Big Ten, the Iowa Nebraska rivalry has intensified. Iowa has been a consistent force, reaching multiple Big Ten Championship Games. The Hawkeyes continue to be known for disciplined football and defensive dominance.

Nebraska, under new head coach Matt Rhule, hopes to reclaim its place among Big Ten contenders. With the season nearing its end, the Huskers are looking to finish strong and spoil Iowa’s Big Ten West ambitions.

Venue Highlights

• Memorial Stadium (Lincoln): The iconic home of the Huskers, often referred to as the “Sea of Red.”
• Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City): Renowned for its swarm entrance and tough environment.

The Emotional Weight of the Heroes Trophy

The Heroes Trophy is more than just a symbol of victory. It honors one “hero” from each state, celebrating those who embody courage and community spirit.

“When we play for the Heroes Trophy, it means something bigger than ourselves,” Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson said during a recent press conference.

What’s at Stake in 2025?

As the 2025 regular season wraps up, both teams find themselves with a lot to prove. The Iowa Hawkeyes are eyeing another trip to Indianapolis, while the Huskers want to end on a high note and demonstrate progress under Coach Rhule.

This year’s Black Friday showdown at Memorial Stadium could decide divisional standings, bowl eligibility, or even postseason momentum. It’s more than a rivalry game; it’s a defining battle.

Final Thoughts: A Rivalry Forged in Tradition

The Iowa Nebraska rivalry has become one of the most compelling matchups in all of college football. From the scrimmages of the 1890s to modern-day battles for the Heroes Trophy, this series brings out the best in both schools.

As fans tune in to CBS on Friday, they won’t just be watching a football game—they’ll be witnessing a clash rich with history, intensity, and heart.

The victor walks away with more than bragging rights; they take home the Heroes Trophy and the pride of their state.