Off-Script Ohio: Buckeyes head to Kinnick for top-15 showdown with Iowa

COLUMBUS, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 26: Julian Sayin #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws the ball during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) | Getty Images Ohio State is 3-1 and heads to Iowa City for one

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What is the story about?

Ohio State is 3-1 and heads to Iowa City for one of its biggest tests of the early season, taking on an undefeated Iowa team in a top-20 matchup at Kinnick Stadium.

The Hawkeyes are coming off one of the most dramatic wins in college football this season, beating Michigan 20-19 on a last-second touchdown from Hank Brown to Reece Vander Zee. Iowa trailed 19-14 with less than two minutes remaining before Brown led a 91-yard game-winning drive, capped by a fourth-down touchdown with two seconds left.

Brown has been one of the biggest surprises for Iowa this season. He has completed 68% of his passes without throwing an interception, giving the Hawkeyes a level of consistency through the air that Ohio State will have to account for. On the ground, Kamari Moulton has provided balance in the backfield and gives Iowa another way to control the tempo.

But the defense is what makes this Hawkeye team dangerous. Iowa has allowed just 8.0 points per game and currently leads the nation in scoring defense, setting up a major test for an Ohio State offense that has been rolling early in the season. This will also be Ohio State’s first trip back to Kinnick Stadium since 2017, adding another layer to what should be one of the toughest environments the Buckeyes face all season.

What needs to go well for the Buckeyes

Joey: Control the line of scrimmage. Ohio State cannot let Iowa dictate the pace of this game. The Buckeyes need to establish the run, win first and second down and force Iowa to throw the football early and often.

Cole: The other key will be getting production from the wide receivers outside of Jeremiah Smith. If Ohio State can consistently win those matchups, it will make life much easier for Julian Sayin and the entire offense.

Predictions

Joey: Ohio State 27, Iowa 14

Cole: Ohio State 31, Iowa 14

Ohio State and Iowa kick off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET from Kinnick Stadium, with the game airing on CBS. College GameDay will also be in Iowa City for the matchup.