Iowa Hawkeyes are entering fall camp with a clear eye on the upcoming 2026 season, looking to fill the gaps left by departed starters.
Quarterback battle
The starting quarterback spot is contested between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, while Jimmy Sullivan, Ryan Fitzgerald and Tradon Bessinger are among those vying for backup roles.
A major focus is the defensive line, where the loss of key contributors has left the unit in flux. Transfer Kahmari Brown, who recorded 16.5 sacks at Elon, arrives to bolster the front, alongside veterans Will Hubert and Luke Gaffney. Veterans Devan Kennedy and Drew Campbell, now in their third season, are expected to take additional steps forward.
Special teams punting duties are also unsettled, with former AFCA Division III All‑American Tanner Philpott facing competition from Boston Everitt, a first‑time collegiate kicker.
The offensive line features Kade Pieper, who can operate at guard or center, while Cael Winter, Michael Myslinski and Lucas Allgeyer round out a pool of seven to nine candidates competing for starting spots.
Coach Kirk Ferentz has called the defensive line the "biggest wild card" and emphasized that the outcomes of these battles will define Iowa’s performance in the coming season.