Iowa released its updated depth chart on Monday, but the document stopped short of naming a single starter at quarterback for the season opener against Northern Illinois. Instead, Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski are listed as co‑starters, with Brown’s name appearing first in the order.
A practice that tipped the scales
During the recent Kids Day practice on August 15, Hecklinski appeared to outperform Brown, drawing praise for his arm strength and poise. Head coach Kirk Ferentz, however, cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions from a single session, emphasizing that the competition remains fluid as the team prepares for the first game of the 2026 season.
Brown, a fourth‑year transfer from Auburn, saw limited action last year, appearing in only three games for the Hawkeyes. In contrast, Hecklinski, a third‑year transfer from Wake Forest, logged two appearances in the previous season. Both players are looking to capitalize on the limited opportunities they have had to prove themselves under Ferentz’s watchful eye.
The depth chart also fills out other key offensive slots. Caden Buhr is slated as the starting place‑kicker, Boston Everitt will handle punting duties, and the receiving corps features Reece Vander Zee, Tony Diaz and Evan James as the projected starters. At tight end, DJ Vonnahme and Addison Ostrenga share the top spot, though Ostrenga’s season‑ending Achilles injury in the second game against Iowa State adds a note of uncertainty.
The offensive line will be anchored by five starters, including third‑team All‑Big Ten selections Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper. Defensively, Iowa replaces all four line starters from a year ago, with Cam Buffington and Jayden Montgomery taking over at middle linebacker and defensive line respectively. In the secondary, Deshaun Lee and Jaylen Watson are set to start at cornerback, while Zach Lutmer and Anthony Hawkins will man the free and strong safety positions.
Zach Lutmer, a second‑team All‑Big Ten honoree, will also serve as the team’s punt returner, adding another dimension to his versatile skill set. The upcoming matchup against Northern Illinois is scheduled for 3:16 p.m. on Saturday and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, giving the Hawkeyes a national platform to open the season.
Kirk Ferentz, now in his 28th year as head coach, brings a stellar 24‑3 record in season openers and remains the longest‑tenured coach in college football. Iowa enters the game ranked 22nd in preseason polls and will field eight returning starters, five on offense and three on defense. The contest will also feature a ‘Gold Out’ promotion, encouraging fans to wear gold apparel and create a sea of school colors in Kinnick Stadium.