What Is 1960 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1960 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa in the 1960 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 5–4–1 record under head coach Forest Evashevski.

Key Facts

The 1960 Iowa Hawkeyes finished with a 5–4–1 overall record.
They played in the Big Ten Conference and finished with a 3–3–1 conference record.
Head coach Forest Evashevski led the team in his final season before retiring.
The Hawkeyes played their home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
They were ranked in the AP Poll for part of the season, peaking at No. 14.

Overview

The 1960 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 1960 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Big Ten Conference, the team was led by head coach Forest Evashevski, who announced his retirement at the end of the season. The Hawkeyes played their home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, a venue that has hosted Iowa football since 1929.

Despite a modest overall record, the 1960 season marked a transitional period for the program. The team showed flashes of competitiveness in conference play, finishing with a 3–3–1 mark in Big Ten games. This performance followed two consecutive Rose Bowl appearances in 1957 and 960, signaling a shift as Iowa moved into a new era without Evashevski on the sidelines.

Final record: The 1960 Hawkeyes finished with a 5–4–1 overall record, including three wins, three losses, and one tie in Big Ten play.
Head coach: Forest Evashevski coached his final season in 1960, retiring after leading Iowa to national prominence in the late 1950s.
Stadium: The team played home games at Kinnick Stadium, which had a capacity of approximately 60,000 at the time.
Rankings: Iowa was ranked in the AP Poll during parts of the season, reaching as high as No. 14 before falling out following mid-season losses.
Key players: Quarterback Randy Duncan, a two-time All-American, had graduated, but the team relied on emerging talent like running back Larry Ferguson.

Season Performance

The 1960 season featured a mix of competitive performances and missed opportunities for the Hawkeyes. While they managed to defeat notable opponents like Minnesota and Wisconsin, losses to teams such as Ohio State and Northwestern limited their postseason prospects.

September 24: Iowa opened the season with a 22–14 win over Oregon State, showing promise early with a strong defensive effort.
October 1: A 14–7 victory over Minnesota highlighted the team’s ability to win close, physical games in conference play.
October 8: The Hawkeyes suffered a 20–14 loss to Northwestern, a setback that dented their national ranking and momentum.
October 22: A 20–7 win over Wisconsin demonstrated resilience, with Iowa’s defense forcing three turnovers in the victory.
November 5: A 20–7 loss to Ohio State proved pivotal, as the Buckeyes went on to win the Big Ten and play in the Rose Bowl.
November 12: Iowa tied Michigan 10–10 in a hard-fought game, a result that ultimately cost them a better conference standing.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 1960 Iowa Hawkeyes to their previous two seasons, highlighting changes in performance and leadership.

Season	Overall Record	Big Ten Record	Final AP Rank	Postseason
1958	8–1–1	5–1–1	No. 2	Rose Bowl (W)
1959	5–4	3–3	Unranked	None
1960	5–4–1	3–3–1	Unranked	None
1961	5–4	3–3	Unranked	None
1962	6–3	4–2	Unranked	None

The data shows a clear decline in performance from the dominant 1958 season to the 1960 campaign. While the team remained competitive, the absence of postseason play and consistent national ranking reflected the challenges of rebuilding after a golden era. The 1960 season served as a bridge between the Evashevski dynasty and the rebuilding years that followed.

Why It Matters

The 1960 Iowa Hawkeyes season holds historical significance as the end of an era for one of college football’s most respected programs. It marked the final year of Forest Evashevski’s tenure, a coach who elevated Iowa to national prominence.

End of an era: Evashevski’s retirement concluded a transformative decade in which Iowa won three Big Ten titles and two Rose Bowls.
Player development: The season helped groom future leaders like coach Hayden Fry, who later revitalized the program in the 1980s.
Stadium legacy: Kinnick Stadium continued to grow in stature, becoming a symbol of Iowa’s football tradition.
Conference competitiveness: The close games against Ohio State and Michigan reflected the high level of Big Ten football.
Media coverage: The team received national attention, with games broadcast on regional television networks.
Historical context: The 1960 season occurred during a period of change in college football, with evolving strategies and recruiting practices.

Though not a championship season, the 1960 Hawkeyes remain a key chapter in Iowa football history. They represent a transitional moment that underscores the cyclical nature of collegiate sports, where legacy and renewal coexist.