The Iowa Hawkeyes enter the 2026 season with a quarterback situation that still feels unsettled, even as the roster has largely taken shape.
A depth chart that tells a story
Hank Brown, who has logged 55 snaps at quarterback for Iowa, brings a modest 21 pass attempts to the mix, while Jeremy Hecklinski has seen only nine snaps and two throws in his limited action.
Both players are slated to compete under the pressure of a packed Kinnick Stadium, where the mental and physical demands of gameday can separate contenders from pretenders.
Coach Kirk Ferentz has said the final decision will hinge on how the two handle that pressure, with the Week 1 matchup against Northern Illinois serving as the first real test.
Other battles shaping the offense
Cael Winter’s rise from walk‑on to starting center highlights the depth the line has acquired, while Caden Buhr secured the placekicking role after a competition that saw Eli Ozick replace the record‑setting Drew Stevens.
In the backfield, Boston Everitt emerged as the starter at punter after edging out Tanner Philpott, and Anthony Hawkins will patrol the secondary as the new starting strong safety, stepping into the spot vacated by injured Tyler Brown.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Jimmy Sullivan has been working with the first‑team reps in practice, showing flashes that could make him a third option on the depth chart.
What’s at stake
The competition is more than a roster decision; it shapes the narrative of Iowa’s offense heading into a season where both Brown and Hecklinski retain 2027 eligibility, allowing the staff to keep the evaluation window open.
If the Hawkeyes can find stability at quarterback, the rest of the pieces — center, kicker, punter, and secondary — are already falling into place, setting the stage for a potentially strong start.