What Is 1917 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1917 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 1917 college football season, finishing with a 3–2–1 record under head coach Howard Jones. They played in the Western Conference and were outscored 87–78 by opponents.

Key Facts

The 1917 Iowa Hawkeyes had a final record of 3 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie (3–2–1)
Howard Jones was the head coach in his third season with the team
They played as members of the Western Conference (now Big Ten)
The team was outscored 87–78 over the course of the season
Home games were played at Iowa Field in Iowa City

Overview

The 1917 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 1917 college football season, competing as part of the Western Conference, which later evolved into the Big Ten. Under the leadership of head coach Howard Jones, who was in his third year at the helm, the team posted a modest 3–2–1 overall record.

The Hawkeyes showed competitive spirit but struggled to dominate their opponents, being outscored 87–78 across six games. Despite the narrow scoring margin, the season reflected a transitional period in Iowa football history, as college athletics adapted during World War I.

Season Record: The team finished with a 3–2–1 win-loss-tie record, indicating a slightly above-average performance for the era.
Head Coach:Howard Jones led the team in his third consecutive season, eventually becoming one of Iowa’s most influential early coaches.
Conference Play: As members of the Western Conference, the Hawkeyes faced regional rivals such as Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Scoring Totals: Iowa was outscored 87–78 for the season, suggesting tight, closely contested games throughout the year.
Home Field: Games were played at Iowa Field, the university’s on-campus stadium in Iowa City before Kinnick Stadium was built.

Season Performance

The 1917 season featured a mix of conference matchups and non-conference opponents, with Iowa showing flashes of strength but lacking consistency. World War I influenced college football across the nation, with travel restrictions and enlistments affecting team rosters and scheduling.

September 29, 1917: The season opened with a 13–7 win over Simpson College, a regional in-state rival, setting a positive tone.
October 6: A 10–7 loss to Minnesota highlighted the challenge of competing against stronger Western Conference teams.
October 13: The Hawkeyes bounced back with a 13–0 shutout of Iowa State, showcasing defensive strength.
October 27: A tough 20–0 loss to Illinois revealed gaps in depth and preparation against top-tier conference opponents.
November 10: Iowa secured a 14–7 win over Indiana, demonstrating resilience in conference play.
November 24: The season concluded with a 7–7 tie against Missouri, a result that underscored the team’s inconsistency.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is how the 1917 Iowa Hawkeyes compared to other Western Conference teams that season, based on win-loss records and scoring data:

Team	Conference Record	Overall Record	Points For	Points Against
Michigan	5–0	8–2	206	51
Illinois	4–1	6–1	135	50
Iowa	1–2	3–2–1	78	87
Minnesota	2–2	4–2–1	88	41
Wisconsin	1–2	3–3	108	82

The table shows that while Iowa’s overall record was comparable to Wisconsin and Minnesota, their scoring differential was less favorable. Michigan and Illinois stood out as dominant forces, both defensively and offensively. Iowa’s single conference win placed them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, reflecting the challenges they faced against elite programs.

Why It Matters

The 1917 season is a notable chapter in the evolution of Iowa football, illustrating the program’s early development amid national upheaval. Though not a championship contender, the team laid groundwork for future success under Howard Jones, who would later lead Iowa to greater achievements.

Historical Context: The season occurred during World War I, affecting college sports through enlistments and reduced fan attendance.
Coaching Legacy: Howard Jones later gained fame at USC, making his Iowa years a formative phase in his career.
Conference Evolution: The Western Conference was a precursor to the modern Big Ten, giving historical weight to these matchups.
Player Development: Despite limited records, the 1917 team contributed to Iowa’s growing football tradition.
Home Field Legacy: Iowa Field was the precursor to Kinnick Stadium, linking this season to Iowa’s long stadium history.
Sports Resilience: The continuation of football during wartime demonstrated the cultural importance of college athletics.

While the 1917 Iowa Hawkeyes did not achieve national prominence, their season remains a valuable piece of the university’s athletic heritage, reflecting perseverance and the early stages of a storied football program.