Nebraska returned home to Memorial Stadium for the 2025 regular-season finale, facing Iowa in their traditional Black Friday matchup. The Huskers entered the game at 7–4 after a tough loss to Penn State, while the Hawkeyes arrived at 7–4 following a close win over Michigan State. Despite Nebraska’s historic 30-22-3 lead in the series, Iowa once again took control. The Hawkeyes led throughout the second half, with Mark Gronowski contributing 166 passing yards, 64 rushing yards and three total touchdowns.

Nebraska’s hopes faded in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a costly goal-line fumble recovered by Iowa. From that moment on, the game slipped fully out of reach. Iowa closed the regular season at 8–4 with a 40–16 victory — their 10th win over Nebraska in the last 11 meetings — while the Huskers were left with a difficult end to Senior Day and their home schedule.