The Iowa Hawkeyes find themselves at a crossroads as the 2026 season approaches, following the departure of Mark Gronowski, who finished his career as the winningest quarterback in college football history. His exit leaves a void of 2,000 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns that the program must replace.
Coach Kirk Ferentz's staff has turned to a pair of redshirt juniors to lead the competition. Hank Brown, who saw limited action with 107 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception in three games, brings a solid arm and a traditional drop‑back approach. Across the field, Jeremy Hecklinski, a self‑described gunslinger, offers mobility and escapability despite having thrown only two passes in game situations.
Both players are in their second year with the program, giving them a familiarity that could prove decisive. Brown’s experience in the system contrasts with Hecklinski’s knack for extending plays, creating a tactical dichotomy that offensive coordinator Tim Lester hopes to exploit.
A Clash of Styles
Behind the two front‑runners, a trio of younger arms is quietly making progress. Redshirt freshman Jimmy Sullivan, a mobile quarterback who amassed 718 rushing yards and over 2,000 passing yards in high school, is joined by walk‑on Ryan Fitzgerald, son of former Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald, who led his high school to three consecutive state titles. True freshman Tradon Bessinger, a four‑star recruit from Utah, set state records for passing yards and touchdowns and is already turning heads.
The outcome of this quarterback battle will ripple through the Hawkeyes’ schedule, influencing not only their offensive identity but also the expectations of a fan base eager for a return to prominence. With Lester’s recent tweaks to the playbook, the competition is more than a personnel decision; it is a test of the program’s ability to adapt and thrive.