Iowa Hawkeyes vs Florida Gators Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/22/26

The Iowa Hawkeyes will get ready to take on the #1 seed Florida Gators on Sunday in the second round. Iowa managed to escape with a 67-61 win over Clemson, shooting 38.3% from the floor and out-rebounded the Tigers 40-27. For the Gators, they dominated Prairie View 114-55, shooting 64.3% from the floor and out-rebounded them 54-20. Florida has looked like the best #1 seed so far in the tournament, and as they get ready to take on the Hawkeyes, the Gators should have no problem dominating this matchup. 

Iowa is not a strong rebounding team, and going up against Rueben Chinyelu, who is averaging 11.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, will put a ton of pressure on them inside. The Hawkeyes have 6’ 9” Cam Manyawu to work inside, but he hasn’t shown the same level of physicality or production, averaging just 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Florida can beat you in multiple ways – they rebound at a high level, defend well, and have one of the most efficient offenses in the country. While Iowa has kept games close against teams like Michigan and Nebraska, they’ve also struggled against elite competition such as Purdue and Wisconsin. Unless Iowa can control the tempo and limit second-chance opportunities, this matchup heavily favors Florida. The Gators should be able to dominate inside, push the pace, and ultimately wear Iowa down as the game drags on. Look for Florida to win big and move on to the Sweet 16. 

Iowa vs Florida prediction: Florida -10.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.