With Big Ten play looming, Iowa football (3-0) wrapped up their 2026 nonconference play on Saturday with a dominant 55-0 shutout victory over Northern Iowa (1-2) from Kinnick Stadium.
The Hawkeyes scored early and often against the Panthers. Iowa registered 640 yards of total offense (218 passing, 422 rushing), while its defense limited Northern Iowa to just 155 yards alongside two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Hank Brown threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns on a perfect 12 of 12 day through the air. But, Iowa's offensive production on the ground was historic, too. For the first time since Nov. 19, 1983, Iowa had three 100-yard rushers in the same game.
Xavier Williams racked up 151 yards and three touchdowns on six carries, Nathan
McNeil had 111 rushing yards and two scores, and Braeden Jackson added 125 yards and one trip to the end zone.
As the Hawkeyes showcased their offensive firepower on Saturday afternoon, here's some of the best social media reactions to the game:
I know it's Northern Iowa but damn this is fun to watch
— 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓭™ (@hawkeyeinmd) September 19, 2026
Hank Brown is the guy
— 🐤 Hawkeye Hunz (@HawkeyeHunz) September 19, 2026
I’ve always believed in Hank Brown.
— Andrew Downs (@AndrewCDowns) September 19, 2026
Some people are talking about Hank Brown being in the Heisman conversation.
— ₿arrel Aged Hawk (@South_of_92) September 19, 2026
Your top 15 Iowa Hawkeyes!!
— Ben Stan (@HawkeyeBBFan) September 19, 2026
Iowa has more yards of total offense than punt yards in every game this season, folks. 🤯 It's a new era!
— Andy Behrens (@andybehrens) September 19, 2026
Rushing TDs for Iowa this season:
— Slater (@SlaterKinnick_) September 19, 2026
9
Rushing TDs allowed by Iowa this season:
0
Hard to have much to complain about heading into Big Ten play if you’re an Iowa fan.
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) September 19, 2026
You have your clear #1 QB
Your difference maker at WR
A deep backfield
Great OL
Your D/ST is better than many expected
And you’re going to be relatively healthy
Let’s go!
We have the best RB room in the country
— Barstool Iowa (@BarstoolUIowa) September 19, 2026
Quick reminder that UNI did NOT offer Braeden Jackson a scholarship. Only offer out of high school was the PWO from Iowa.
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) September 19, 2026
Every single FCS school whiffed.
Iowa finished with 640 yards. It’s the first time the #Hawkeyes have had multiple games of 500 or more total yards in a season since 2006.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) September 20, 2026
The last time Iowa scored touchdowns on its first five possessions was the 2019 Holiday Bowl against USC.
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) September 19, 2026
So we own the entire state of Iowa
— Barstool Iowa (@BarstoolUIowa) September 19, 2026
Nice
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Fans, media react to Iowa football shutout vs. UNI
