The Dirty Terps are traveling to Iowa City for their third conference series away from College Park, this season, where they will play the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Maryland won its first Big Ten series this season against Indiana last weekend, and used that momentum to beat Towson 15-7 this week. 

During the game against the Tigers, the Dirty Terps recorded 15 RBIs, with David Mendez and Ty Kaunas recording home runs. Maryland had its best inning in the eighth, when the Dirty Terps scored eight times, with five runs coming from walks. 

Now on a three game win streak, the Dirty Terps are hungry from another series win. Here’s what Maryland needs to know about Iowa before traveling there.

Iowa Hawkeyes (19-15, 5-10 Big Ten)

Last Season

Iowa had a good season in 2025.

The Hawkeyes finished 33-22-1 with a conference record of 21-9. Iowa was consistent both at home having a 16-7 record, and on the roading finishing 14-7. The Hawkeyes season ended after back-to-back losses against Indiana and UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament.

Ben Wilmes was a bright spot for Iowa in 2025, with the infielder having a batting average of .310 and an OPS .906. Wilmes also hit seven home runs, and had a slugging percentage of .508.

This Season

The Hawkeyes 2026 season hasn’t been as good as 2025 especially in conference play, as Iowa is five games below .500 in the Big Ten. 

Iowa won the series this season against Penn State and Minnesota, but lost the series against Michigan State.

The Hawkeyes were also swept twice this season by Big Ten opponents, first No. 1 UCLA at home, and then to No. 14 USC on the road. Iowa is currently 12th in the Big Ten standings.

Hitters to Watch

Caleb Wulf is one of Iowa’s main hitters. The utility player has started in 34 games this season, and has a batting average of .377. Wulf has recorded 30 RBIs and has an OPS of .888. Wulf isn’t a big home run hitter though, as he’s only recorded one home run this season.

Another Hawkeye Maryland should focus on is Kooper Schulte. Schulte is Iowa’s home run leader this season, having five homers in 2026. Schulte has started in 34 games this season for Iowa and has recorded 27 runs and 41 hits.

Pitchers to Watch

Maddux Frese has the lowest ERA out of any Hawkeyes pitcher with 3.40. Frese has pitched 39.2 innings for Iowa and has recorded 25 strikeouts on the season, and has only given up 16 runs and 34 hits. 

Jaron Bleeker is another pitcher the Hawkeyes have relied on this season. Bleeker has appeared in 10 games this season and started five of them, while having pitched 38 innings. He’s given up 25 runs and 43 hits this season, and has the most strikeouts by an Iowa pitcher with 32.

Probable Pitchers

Jake Yeager vs. Jason Bleeker

Evan Smith vs. Maddux Frese

TBD vs. Logan Runde

Other Notable Points

Maryland is eager to win the series. The Dirty Terps are going to Iowa one game below .500 and are desperate for a winning record. Maryland has the momentum right now after winning its first Big Ten series of the year against Indiana, and winning a mid-week game against in-state rival Towson.