Ferentz Stands Alone: Iowa Time Machine September 13, 2025

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On September 13, 2025, with Iowa’s 47–7 victory over UMass at Kinnick Stadium, Kirk Ferentz earned his 206th win as Hawkeyes head coach and passed Ohio State’s Woody Hayes for the most victories by a coach while leading a Big Ten program.

Ferentz arrived in Iowa City in 1999, inheriting a program that had gone 1–10 in its final season under the celebrated Hayden Fry. His connection to Iowa ran deeper than a new hire’s résumé. Ferentz coached Iowa’s offensive line from 1981 through 1989 before becoming head coach at the University of Maine from 1990 to 1992, then working in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.

Over time, Ferentz led Iowa to Big Ten championships in 2002 and 2004, while building a reputation for physical line play, player development, and teams that could contend despite the recruiting and financial advantages enjoyed by many conference rivals.

The record-setting win came on a clear Saturday night in Iowa City. Iowa defeated Massachusetts 47–7, outgaining the Minutemen 435 yards to 119, and Ferentz’s 206th victory gave him sole possession of the Big Ten’s career coaching-wins record. Quarterback Mark Gronowski threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another score, while Kaden Wetjen scored twice. Ferentz moved past Hayes, whose Ohio State teams won 205 games between 1951 and 1978, along with 13 Big Ten titles and multiple national championships. Ferentz’s achievement placed him atop a list that also includes foundational figures from the conference’s long past, including Amos Alonzo Stagg and Bo Schembechler. #Iowa #OTD #History #CollegeFootball #Hawkeyes