Iowa vs UAlbany Prediction, Game Preview & Betting Lines: College Football 2025

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 12:09 AM ET

Is Iowa really about to have a big-time passing game and open up the attack? No, but it has more weapons, more playmakers, and it's all about to be showcased in an FCS tune-up before dealing with Iowa State.

UAlbany struggled last year in a 4-8 season, but it has enough of a defense to at least hang around a little bit if Iowa stays Iowa and keeps the score low and the game slow. This is the only FBS game this season for the Great Danes.

College Football 2025 Week 1: Iowa vs UAlbany Odds, Prediction & Preview

Iowa vs UAlbany How To Watch
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA

Why UAlbany Will Win

The offense knows how to slow games down.

If Iowa wants to control the clock and keep things moving, fine. UAlbany doesn't have too many playmakers, but leading rusher Jojo Uga is back, the linebacking corps should be okay, and Iowa has a whole lot of good veterans to replace.

The starting linebackers are relatively new, the offensive backfield has to replace RB Kaleb Johnson, and ...

Why Iowa Will Win

Mark Gronkowski. That's who the fan base is coming to see.

One of the best players in the nation over the last few years - he won the 2023 Walter Payton Award at South Dakota State - he's a big-time passer who gives the Hawkeyes a downfield bombing threat they haven't had in a while.

The Hawkeyes have the passer, and they have their best receiving corps in years. It's deep, talented, and this game is supposed to unleash the potential.

Throw in the talent on the offensive line and a secondary loaded with veterans - the corners should be fabulous - and ...

Iowa vs UAlbany Who Will Win

No pressure or anything, Iowa, but this is where you announce to the world that the "punt, baby, punt" style is over.

It's Iowa. There might be more of a passing attack with a star like Gronkowski handling things now, but the team has to work on getting the ground game into a lather.

This won't be 40-0 like it was against Illinois State to kick off last season, but it might not be too far off.

Iowa vs UAlbany Prediction, Betting Lines

Iowa 45, UAlbany 6
Consensus Line: Iowa -38.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Must See Rating: 1.5

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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