Iowa vs Nebraska Prediction: The Big Ten’s Best New Rivalry
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It’s hard to call Iowa vs Nebraska a new rivalry, considering the first meeting was in 1899, but they haven’t played as often as you might think.
The two schools are only 300 miles apart – a driver and pitching wedge in college football matchup distance – but this is just the 47th meeting, and it’s only been a regular thing since the Huskers joined the Big Ten.
And wow, has it been good.
The two teams haven’t been playing at the highest of levels, but the last seven meetings since 2018 were each decided by one score. They’ve all been dramatic.
This time, both teams are bowl eligible, and they’re playing just for the fun of it.
Iowa vs Nebraska Preview
How To Watch Iowa vs Nebraska
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
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Why Iowa Will Win
All of a sudden, the Nebraska defense is having problems.
It was hardly anything amazing for most of the season, but it couldn’t come up with a stop against the Penn State running game and was eaten up by the UCLA passing attack.
Iowa isn’t going to do anything remotely crazy, but you know how this works.
The attack will run, control the clock, keep everything measured and conservative, and then hope for a big play from punt returner extraordinaire Kaden Wetjen, or a takeaway, or some moment when the other side breaks.
Why Nebraska Will Win
Iowa continues to do everything possible to keep both teams in the game.
When it’s rolling, it doesn’t take any chances and doesn’t change the plan. When it’s not rolling, it doesn’t take any chances and doesn’t change the plan.
It played with fire against Michigan State last week, didn’t throw enough in the close call win over Penn State, or in the loss to Oregon, and if the ground game isn’t rolling, there’s a problem.
The Huskers have to take the rushing fight to the Hawkeyes. Emmett Johnson dominated UCLA, was a bright spot against Penn State, and he’s on a run of four straight 100-yard games and in five of the last six.
This isn’t a team that cares a lot about the time of possession battle, but if Iowa wants to make this a grinding battle of ground games, let’s go.
Iowa vs Nebraska Prediction, Betting Lines
This has to be another thriller, right? It’s what these two do.
Husker quarterback TJ Lateef doesn’t have to be anything special, but as long as he’s hitting the midrange throws and keeping the chains moving, this will stay close throughout.
But the Iowa defense will hold up well in the second half, and the rest of the team’s playbook will go step by step. That includes another dramatic Hawkeye finish.
Iowa 24, Nebraska 16
Line: Iowa -6, o/u: 39.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 3
Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related: Indiana vs Purdue Prediction: Can the Boilermakers Make This a Game?
This story was originally reported by College Football News on Nov 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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