It was an exciting season of Iowa football this year, despite the 8-4 record at the end of it all.While it was disappointing and heartbreaking to lose four games to ranked opponents by a combined 15 points, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Hawkeyes in 2025. There were some truly exciting and electric plays and moments for Iowa this season. All three phases carried their weight to help lead the Hawkeyes to eight wins, and there were plenty of big plays throughout 2025.But which plays stand above the rest for Iowa football in 2025? I’ve narrowed it down to the five best plays this season by the Iowa football team. Some of these plays are great individual efforts. Others may not seem as extraordinary, but they played huge roles in some Iowa wins this year. Without any further ado, here are the top five plays from Iowa’s 2025 regular season.Kaden Wetjen takes it to the house in PiscatawayIn Week 3, Kaden Wetjen housed a punt. Friday, he took the opening kick back 100 yards 💥 pic.twitter.com/FZHz7rJryO— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 22, 2025You could make an entire list of just Kaden Wetjen plays from this season, but I’m going to limit myself to just one return touchdown from the two-time Big Ten return specialist of the year. And I’m picking his lone kickoff return for a score against Rutgers. Wetjen took the opening kickoff of the game 100 yards to the house, scoring Iowa’s first conference points of the season in style.It was a big play, as the Hawkeyes needed all the points they could get in a wild 38-28 win over Rutgers to open up Big Ten play. The blocking was great, and Wetjen showed an amazing ability to read the field as he raced up the sideline to score. This play was consequential in the game and helped lead Iowa to a win, which is why it deserves a spot on this list.Mark goes 67 yards against Penn StateGronowski picks up 67 yards 💨 @HawkeyeFootball📺: Peacock pic.twitter.com/50EpA1JnE2— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 19, 2025Iowa’s longest rush of the 2025 season came from quarterback Mark Gronowski against the Nittany Lions. With the Hawkeyes down five with under five minutes to play, Gronowski and the offense took the field looking to take the lead. It didn’t take them long. Gronowski kept the ball on a read option on the first play play and the drive and took it 67 yards before being tackled inside the Penn State 10-yard line. The very next play, Iowa scored the game-winning touchdown.It was an incredible play from Gronowski, who ran over defenders and somehow kept his balance to get into the secondary and almost scored on his own. This was probably the signature win for the Hawkeyes this season, and they wouldn’t have done it without Gronowski’s legs on that play. He’ll be missed.Defense continues pick-six streakA Pick-6️⃣ by number 6️⃣! 🗣️🎙️Zach Lutmer houses the INT to increase @HawkeyeFootball’s early lead over Minnesota.📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/a1Wk40njAn— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 25, 2025Heading into the Minnesota game, the Iowa defense had at least one interception returned for a touchdown in 17 straight seasons. Sophomore defensive back Zach Lutmer made sure that streak made it to 18 years with a pick-six against the Gophers. He found himself in the right place at the right time to grab the pick and return it 34 yards for a score, increasing Iowa’s lead to 17-0.The Hawkeyes went on to win the game 41-3, so while this play didn’t single-handedly clinch the win, it helped keep the early momentum going, which led to Iowa burying Minnesota. And it kept one of the more impressive defensive streaks you’ll see alive, which more than makes it worthy for inclusion on this list.Iowa City SpecialThe Iowa Special?!Reece Vander Zee to Mark Gronowski for the touchdown! pic.twitter.com/uSLAdA3jPY— Hawkeyes Wire (@HawkeyesWire) November 15, 2025Offensive coordinator Tim Lester reached deep into his bag of tricks in the first half against USC. With the Hawkeyes up 14-7 and nearing the end zone again, Lester drew up his version of the Philly Special. The ball was handed off to Kaden Wetjen, who flipped it to wide receiver Reece Vander Zee. The sophomore receiver threw a perfect pass to Gronowski, who had leaked out of the backfield. He made the catch, and Iowa doubled its lead in highlight fashion.Unfortunately for the Hawks, that would be the final touchdown they scored that day, as they went on to lose to the Trojans 28-21. Despite the loss, this play makes the list because it’s the most creative offensive play that’s worked for Iowa in years. Seeing Lester have the confidence to call that play and the players executing it is a great sign for the future. This offense should continue to make significant strides next season.Drew Stevens walks it offClutch. 🙌@DrewTS7 x #Hawkeyespic.twitter.com/Uque8syniT— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) November 23, 2025Of course, I had to include Iowa’s only walk-off field goal of the season over Michigan State. This was a frustrating afternoon, as the Hawkeyes struggled mightily with the Spartans, who were winless in conference play at the time. Even with the struggles, Iowa staged a furious fourth-quarter rally, scoring the final 13 points of the game to pick up the win.The last three points came off the toe of senior kicker Drew Stevens, whose 44-yarder got Iowa the win on Senior Day. It was a great moment for Stevens, who’s no stranger to pressure kicks. He calmly kicked the ball through the uprights to ensure the seniors got a win in their final game at Kinnick Stadium. It was a great way to end the home schedule and a special moment for Stevens.Honorable mentionsThere are plenty of plays that deserve some extra love, so here are a few honorable mentions that almost found their way onto this list.Kaden Wetjen’s 95-yard punt return vs UMASSZach Lutmer’s interception vs IndianaAaron Graves’ near pick-six vs WisconsinReece Vander Zee’s touchdown grab vs MinnesotaIowa’s safety vs NebraskaReece Vander Zee’s one-handed catch vs NebraskaContact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hineyThis article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Top five Iowa football plays from 2025 regular season