What Is 1913 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1913 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 1913 college football season, finishing with a 3–3–1 record under head coach Jesse Hawley. They played in the Western Conference and recorded notable wins over Coe College and Grinnell.

Key Facts

The 1913 Iowa Hawkeyes finished with a 3–3–1 overall record
Jesse Hawley was in his third season as head coach
The team played its home games at Iowa Field in Iowa City
They were part of the Western Conference, now known as the Big Ten
Notable victories included a 47–0 win over Coe College

Overview

The 1913 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa in the 1913 college football season, marking the 19th season of the program. Competing as a member of the Western Conference—now known as the Big Ten—the team was led by head coach Jesse Hawley, who was in his third year at the helm.

The Hawkeyes played their home games at Iowa Field in Iowa City, a venue that hosted the team for decades. Despite a losing record, the 1913 season included dominant performances against smaller colleges and laid groundwork for future improvements in the program.

Season Record: The team finished with a 3–3–1 overall record, reflecting a balanced but inconsistent season with three wins, three losses, and one tie.
Head Coach:Jesse Hawley served as head coach for the third consecutive year, guiding the team through a transitional period in college football.
Home Venue: Games were played at Iowa Field, an early on-campus stadium located in Iowa City before the construction of later facilities like Kinnick Stadium.
Conference Affiliation: Iowa competed in the Western Conference, the predecessor to the modern Big Ten Conference, which shaped its competitive schedule.
Notable Game: One of the most lopsided victories was a 47–0 win over Coe College, showcasing the team’s offensive potential against smaller opponents.

How It Works

The 1913 season operated under early 20th-century college football rules and structures, which differed significantly from today’s game. Understanding the context of coaching, scheduling, and competition helps explain the team’s performance and legacy.

Coaching Tenure:Jesse Hawley coached from 1911 to 1915, compiling a 13–18–1 record; the 1913 season was part of his mid-tenure rebuilding phase.
Game Rules: In 1913, the forward pass was still relatively new, and games featured fewer substitutions and different scoring values compared to modern football.
Scheduling: Teams scheduled opponents independently, leading to mixed competition levels, including games against local colleges and regional rivals.
Player Roles: Most players participated on both offense and defense, with minimal specialization and no separate coaching staffs for units.
Travel & Logistics: Long-distance travel was uncommon; most games were within Iowa or neighboring states, reducing fatigue and costs.
Scoring System: A touchdown was worth five points in 1913, and the extra point kick was one point, differing from today’s six-point standard.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1913 Iowa Hawkeyes to both earlier and later seasons reveals shifts in program strength and football evolution.

Season	Record	Head Coach	Conference	Notable Result
1911	4–1–1	Jesse Hawley	Western Conference	Beat Iowa State 14–6
1912	5–2	Jesse Hawley	Western Conference	Shut out Grinnell 20–0
1913	3–3–1	Jesse Hawley	Western Conference	47–0 vs. Coe College
1914	5–3	Jesse Hawley	Western Conference	Beat Minnesota 14–0
1916	6–1	Howard Jones	Western Conference	Undefeated season

The 1913 season stands as a dip in performance compared to 1912 and 1914, but it occurred during a period of coaching continuity. The team’s struggles against conference opponents contrasted with strong showings against smaller schools, a common trend in that era.

Why It Matters

The 1913 Iowa Hawkeyes season is a snapshot of early Big Ten football, illustrating the challenges and evolution of collegiate athletics in the early 20th century. Though not a championship year, it contributed to the long-term development of the program.

Historical Record: The 1913 season is preserved in official NCAA and university archives, contributing to Iowa’s all-time win-loss ledger.
Coaching Legacy: Jesse Hawley’s tenure laid groundwork for future success, including the rise of Howard Jones in the 1916 season.
Conference Evolution: As a Western Conference member, Iowa helped shape what would become the modern Big Ten Conference.
Game Development: The season reflects rule changes and growing popularity of the forward pass, influencing future strategies.
Local Rivalries: Games against Iowa State and regional colleges strengthened in-state athletic rivalries still active today.
Program Growth: Despite a losing record, the 1913 team contributed to increased student and community support for football.

While not a standout season by win count, the 1913 Iowa Hawkeyes remain part of the foundation upon which the modern football program was built, reflecting the sport’s early challenges and regional significance.