The modern era of college football is dominated by the transfer portal and NIL, leading many programs to build rosters through high‑priced acquisitions.
A Different Philosophy
The Iowa Hawkeyes stand out as one of the few programs that still prioritize recruiting straight out of high school and developing players within the system.
This strategy means the 2026 roster will be built largely around athletes who have spent multiple seasons in the program, even as the team loses several key starters.
Among the departures are the starting quarterback and multiple linemen, creating both a challenge and an opportunity for younger players to step up.
To guide the squad through this transition, Iowa has announced a Leadership Council composed of 17 players.
The council includes at least one representative from each position group on offense and defense, ensuring broad input across the team.
Quarterbacks Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown are among the council members, placing them directly in the quarterback battle that will shape the offense.
Beyond the council, Iowa will still name four weekly captains for each game, blending traditional leadership with the council’s policy‑making role.
The council’s responsibilities extend to helping formulate team policies and being involved in decision‑making throughout the season, a model that differs from the captain‑only structure at many schools.