History of Iowa–Nebraska football rivalry in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 16, 2026

The Iowa–Nebraska football rivalry, also known as the Heroes Game, is an annual American college football game played between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers. It is traditionally held on Black Friday, adding to its significance and visibility.

1979: Nebraska Defeats Iowa

In 1979, No. 7 Nebraska overcame a two-touchdown second-half deficit to beat unranked Iowa. The game concluded with a standing ovation from fans of both teams.

1990: Nebraska's Thanksgiving Rivalry Game

Since 1990, Nebraska has played a rivalry game on the day after Thanksgiving, initially against Oklahoma and later against Colorado.

2011: Iowa and Nebraska Become Black Friday Opponents

In 2011, Iowa became Nebraska's traditional Black Friday opponent when the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten Conference. The game was established as the "Heroes Game" to recognize individuals from both states for acts of heroism.

2014: Nebraska Fires Bo Pelini

In 2014, Nebraska fired Bo Pelini one day after a regular season-finale win over the Hawkeyes. Iowa has won ten of the eleven meetings since 2014.

2017: Big Ten Announces Change to Iowa-Nebraska Game

In 2017, the Big Ten announced that the Iowa–Nebraska game would not take place on Black Friday in 2020 or 2021, but the change was reverted after pushback.

2020: Iowa-Nebraska Game Controversy

In 2017, the Big Ten announced that the Iowa–Nebraska game would not take place on Black Friday in 2020 or 2021, but the change was reverted after pushback.

2021: Iowa-Nebraska Game Controversy

In 2017, the Big Ten announced that the Iowa–Nebraska game would not take place on Black Friday in 2020 or 2021, but the change was reverted after pushback.