What Is 1959 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 9-1-0 1959 Iowa Hawkeyes football team, coached by Forest Evashevski, won the 1960 Rose Bowl and was named national champions by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

Key Facts

The 1959 Iowa Hawkeyes finished the season with a 9-1 record
Head coach Forest Evashevski led the team to a #3 final AP ranking
Iowa defeated California 38-12 in the 1960 Rose Bowl on January 1, 1960
The team was named national champions by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA)
Quarterback Randy Duncan was a consensus All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up

Overview

The 1959 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 1959 NCAA University Division football season. Under the leadership of head coach Forest Evashevski, the team achieved national prominence with a dominant 9-1 overall record and a Big Ten Conference co-championship. Their season culminated in a decisive victory in the 1960 Rose Bowl, cementing their legacy as one of college football’s elite programs that year.

Despite losing only one game during the regular season—to the #1 ranked Iowa Pre-Flight team in a non-conference matchup—the Hawkeyes remained resilient and finished ranked #3 in the final AP Poll. Their success was driven by a balanced offense and a disciplined defense, both hallmarks of Evashevski’s coaching philosophy. The team’s performance earned them recognition as national champions by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), a title they share with other selectors.

Record: The Hawkeyes finished the season with a 9-1 overall record, including a 5-1 mark in Big Ten play.
Coach: Forest Evashevski, in his eighth season, guided Iowa to its second consecutive Rose Bowl appearance.
Rose Bowl: On January 1, 1960, Iowa defeated the California Golden Bears 38-12 in Pasadena, California.
National Title: The FWAA named Iowa national champions, marking the program’s first recognized national title.
Heisman Contender: Quarterback Randy Duncan finished second in Heisman Trophy voting behind LSU’s Billy Cannon.

How It Works

The success of the 1959 Iowa Hawkeyes was built on a foundation of disciplined coaching, strategic recruiting, and strong leadership. Key roles, systems, and performances combined to create a championship-caliber team that excelled both offensively and defensively.

Offensive Scheme: Iowa ran a pro-style offense emphasizing ball control and timing passes, led by All-American quarterback Randy Duncan.
Defensive Strategy: The defense utilized a 5-2 alignment, focusing on line pressure and tight coverage to disrupt opponents’ timing.
Recruiting Pipeline: Evashevski prioritized Midwestern talent, particularly from Iowa and neighboring states, building team cohesion and loyalty.
Leadership: Senior quarterback Randy Duncan provided calm, efficient play, throwing for 1,095 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Strength & Conditioning: Iowa implemented one of the first structured weight-training programs in college football, enhancing player durability.
Game Management: Evashevski’s conservative yet effective clock and risk management were key in close conference games.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1959 Iowa Hawkeyes compare to other top teams of the era:

Team	Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank	Championship Claim
1959 Iowa Hawkeyes	9-1	W 38-12 vs. Cal (Rose)	#3	FWAA
1959 LSU Tigers	11-0	W 7-0 vs. Clemson (Sugar)	#1	AP, UPI
1959 Syracuse	11-0	W 15-14 vs. Texas (Cotton)	#4	none
1959 Texas	9-2	L 14-15 vs. Syracuse (Cotton)	#7	none
1959 California	7-4	L 12-38 vs. Iowa (Rose)	unranked	none

The table highlights Iowa’s elite status in 1959, finishing with the third-highest final AP ranking and the only major national title awarded by the FWAA. While LSU claimed the AP and UPI championships with an undefeated record, Iowa’s Rose Bowl dominance and conference success earned them a unique place in college football history.

Why It Matters

The 1959 season was a landmark for Iowa football, elevating the program to national prominence and setting a standard for future teams. Its impact extended beyond wins and losses, influencing college football culture and Big Ten representation in major bowls.

Historic Achievement: It marked Iowa’s first recognized national championship in football, a milestone still celebrated today.
Big Ten Representation: Iowa’s Rose Bowl win reinforced the conference’s strength in postseason play during the era.
Coaching Legacy: Forest Evashevski became a legendary figure, later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Player Development: Randy Duncan became Iowa’s first consensus All-American and a first-round NFL draft pick.
Program Momentum: The success led to increased recruiting visibility and fan support for decades.
Cultural Impact: The team united the state of Iowa and boosted morale during a period of national transition.

The 1959 Iowa Hawkeyes remain a symbol of excellence, discipline, and Midwestern pride in college athletics, remembered for their resilience, leadership, and historic championship recognition.