Penn State starting left guard Vega Ioane was listed as out for the Iowa game Saturday as the Nittany Lions lost, 25-24. The reason was undisclosed. Texas A&M transfer TJ Shanahan Jr. started in his place and handled all 76 snaps, according to PFF.

After falling to Notre Dame, No. 21 USC fell out of the top 25, though it still 52 votes. Iowa earned 17 votes after its win against Penn State. Washington is still clinging onto three votes despite a 24-7 loss to Michigan. Northwestern won its fourth straight game and snuck in with one vote in this week's poll.

Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith lamented a "very disappointing loss" on Saturday to Iowa in the Nittany Lions' first game after James Franklin's firing.

The Nittany Lions wore T-shirts that read 'IF' to their game vs. the Hawkeyes. But the motto couldn't lead them to victory.

The Iowa Hawkeyes (4-2) take on a conference opponent when they host the Penn State Nittany Lions (3-3) on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in a Big Ten clash. The two teams are tied ATS (1-1) in those meetings while the scoring has gone over the total on one occasion.

The Penn State Nittany Lions play their first game after coach James Franklin was fired when they visit Iowa City to face the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday.

Four in a row. The ceiling has fallen in on the Penn State football program, once ranked No. 2 in the country. Four consecutive losses has the Nittany Lions sitting at 3-4 heading into its second bye week.