Oregon Ducks Catch a Scheduling Break For Iowa Game

The No. 6 Oregon Ducks will face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes in a crucial road game at Kinnick Stadium. The start time has been announced for the Ducks' week 11 matchup. Why did Oregon catch a break with the kickoff time?

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning looks on as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 25, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The kickoff time for the No. 6 Oregon Ducks' week 11 road matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes has officially been announced. The Ducks and Hawkeyes will kick off at 12:30 p.m. PT on CBS from Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Oregon Catches a Break With Kickoff Time Against the Hawkeyes

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass before the game as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 25, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Having the kickoff at 2:30 p.m. CT, rather than 11:00 a.m. CT, benefits the Ducks in their matchup against Iowa. Playing a game at 12:30 p.m. body clock time will be much easier for coach Dan Lanning's Oregon team to prepare for compared to an 8:00 a.m. PT game.

The matchup against Northwestern in the 34-14 week 3 win was the one 8 a.m. body clock kickoff for the Ducks this season. Oregon's other road wins against Penn State and Rutgers were night games.

Oregon enters the matchup against the Hawkeyes fresh off a bye week with a 7-1 record on the season. Before the bye, the Ducks beat the Wisconsin Badgers 21-7 in an ugly rainy environment at Autzen Stadium.

Oregon Aims to Move One Step Closer to College Football Playoff

Oregon running back Jordon Davison celebrates a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 25, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Entering the matchup against the Hawkeyes, there is much on the line for the Ducks as they look to strengthen their chances at the College Football Playoff. The matchup against Iowa is the first of four challenging games down the stretch for the Ducks, which also include three other games against Minnesota (Nov. 14), No. 23 USC (Nov. 22) at home, and Washington on the road on Nov. 29.

If you bleed green and yellow, this newsletter’s for you. Get the latest Ducks updates, storylines, and exclusive insights before anyone else by SIGNING UP HERE! 

MORE: ESPN's College GameDay Could Make Surprise Stop at Oregon Ducks

MORE: Oregon Ducks Eyeing Recruiting Flips From Ohio State Commits 

The Ducks look to avoid an upset against Iowa, as Kinnick Stadium has always been a place where top-10 teams have fallen in past seasons, especially in November. Iowa's last home win over a top-10 team came against No. 4 Penn State in 2021, where they won 23-20.

Iowa's College Football Playoff Hopes On The Line

Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jonah Pace (91) and defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) carry off the Floyd of Rosedale trophy after their victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

There is much at stake for the Hawkeyes as well in the game, as Iowa will also be coming off a bye week. Iowa enters with a 6-2 record on the season and still has hopes of making a run at the CFP. A win over a top-10 Oregon team at home will strengthen Iowa's playoff resume.

Iowa comes into the game with momentum, following a dominating 41-3 win over Minnesota before the bye week. The biggest key for the Hawkeyes to pull off the upset over the Ducks will ultimately be their defense's ability to create turnovers and stall Oregon's high-powered offense.

Following the week 11 matchup against the Ducks, Iowa will have one remaining home game against Michigan State on Nov. 22 and two pivotal road matchups against USC (Nov. 15) and Nebraska (Nov. 28).

The Nov. 8 meeting between the Ducks and Hawkeyes will be the first time the two play as Big Ten opponents. It will also be the first time since 1994 that Oregon will play Iowa, when they beat the Hawkeyes 40-18 in Eugene.