
Iowa’s 2026 Gauntlet
A look at the five standout players set to challenge Iowa's football team in 2026, from Nebraska's rising star Justin Evans to Ohio State's dynamic duo of Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Jeremy Hecklinski across Football, Basketball.

A look at the five standout players set to challenge Iowa's football team in 2026, from Nebraska's rising star Justin Evans to Ohio State's dynamic duo of Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin.

Iowa’s football program is navigating a transitional 2026 season, losing numerous starters on both sides of the ball while emphasizing player development and continuity under head coach Kirk Ferentz.

EA Sports' College Football 27 releases detailed player ratings that spotlight Iowa Hawkeyes' quarterback competition, standout running back, and fortified offensive line, shaping expectations for a competitive season.

The Hawkeyes’ rushing attack will see a major transformation in 2026, with transfer portal star L.J. Phillips Jr. joining returning backs Kamari Moulton and Xavier Williams to reshape Tim Lester’s offense.
Following a bleak end to the 2024 campaign, Iowa's football program has assembled a promising quarterback group, featuring returning veterans and new faces, as they prepare for the upcoming season.

With the 2026 campaign on the horizon, Iowa's coaching staff is navigating a series of high‑stakes competitions that will determine the starting lineup across offense, defense and special teams.

At the Big Ten Media Day, Kirk Ferentz outlined his vision for the upcoming season, emphasizing roster changes, playoff expansion, and concerns about the sport's evolving structure.
Coach Kirk Ferentz discusses the evolving quarterback race, the potential of the secondary and linebackers, and the challenges facing the defensive line and special teams.
Ferentz discusses the quarterback duel between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, the potential extension of the race into the season, and the challenges facing the defensive line, while highlighting the promise of the secondary, linebackers, and special teams.

With the 2026 season looming, Iowa’s coaching staff remains undecided on who will lead the offense, as two transfer quarterbacks battle for the top spot.
With the 2026 season approaching, teams from Alabama to Iowa are locked in intense quarterback battles that will shape early‑season expectations.

As the Hawkeyes prepare for the 2026 season, five narrative threads — quarterback competition, kicker evolution, offensive line reshaping, safety transitions, and the future of head coach Kirk Ferentz — define the conversation around Iowa football.

As the 2026 college football season approaches, teams across the Power 4 are finalizing their quarterback plans, blending established starters, high‑profile transfers and promising newcomers.
Spring practice has turned into a quarterback showdown in Iowa City, with offensive coordinator Tim Lester and head coach Kirk Ferentz evaluating Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski for the 2026 starting role.
With fall camp looming, Iowa’s offensive coordinator Tim Lester is still undecided on the starting quarterback, weighing Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski against the demands of the new system and the need for mental toughness.

With the starting quarterback spot still undecided, the Hawkeyes' offense faces both challenges and opportunities. Historical trends and early performance data suggest a favorable outlook for passing yardage and touchdowns, while completion rates may dip.

Sophomore receiver Tony Diaz chooses Iowa over multiple Power 4 suitors, drawn by offensive coordinator Tim Lester’s vision and a culture that emphasizes growth and playmaking opportunities.

On July 15, 2026, the Iowa Football team opened its training doors to reporters, offering a glimpse into the mental and technical work that will shape the upcoming campaign.
Iowa’s 2026 class gains a highly touted quarterback in Tradon Bessinger, who will develop behind established starters while competing for a third‑string role.
Freshman quarterback Tradon Bessinger arrives in Iowa City with a strong arm, extensive high school production and a background that includes a prior commitment to Boise State. His arrival adds depth to a room that already features returning signal‑callers and emerging talent.
Two high‑profile transfers bring speed, experience and a fresh outlook to Iowa football, aiming to lift a program that has struggled to find its offensive rhythm.

Seasoned coach Tom Moore, who once quarterbacked Iowa and later worked with NFL icons, is now shaping the Hawkeyes' quarterback competition, offering guidance to both Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown as they vie for the starting role.

The Hawkeyes' 2025 season hinges on who emerges from a tightly contested quarterback battle, a question that could determine whether Iowa becomes a dark‑horse College Football Playoff contender or falls short of expectations.

From July 28 to 30, the Big Ten will host Media Days in Chicago and Madison, featuring Iowa's coach Kirk Ferentz, key players, and a deep dive into the quarterback competition and playoff aspirations.