The 1899 Iowa Hawkeyes football team was an American football team that represented the State University of Iowa ("S.U.I."), now commonly known as the University of Iowa, as an independent during the 1899 college football season. In their second year under head coach Alden Knipe, the Hawkeyes compiled an 8âÂÂ0âÂÂ1 record, shut out eight of nine opponents, and outscored all opponents by a total of 221 to 5. The Hawkeyes concluded their season with a 58âÂÂ0 victory over Illinois, the worst defeat suffered by an Illinois football team up to that time. Other highlights included a 5âÂÂ5 tie with Chicago and a 30âÂÂ0 victory over Nebraska. The 1899 defense still holds Iowa single-season records for fewest points allowed (five), fewest touchdowns allowed (one), and fewest points allowed per game (0.6).
Against Illinois, fullback John G. Griffith returned a punt 85 yards as Iowa won, 58âÂÂ0, to cap its undefeated season. After the game, referee R. T. Hoagland of Princeton said, "The dodging run of Griffith down the field for a touchdown was the best piece of individual playing that I ever saw. The men (of the 1899 Hawkeyes) are all stars; they make the best team I ever saw."
Quarterback Clyde Williams was later inducted into the Iowa Letterwinners Club Hall of Fame. Tackle Moray Eby was the team captain.
The team played its home games at Iowa Field in Iowa City, Iowa.