Iowa Quarterback Battle Remains Unsettled as Ferentz Evaluates Offense

Transfers Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown competing for starting job as Hawkeyes rebuild offensive line and add new coaching staff.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:33am

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The Iowa football team is in the midst of spring practices, but head coach Kirk Ferentz has yet to name a starting quarterback as sophomore Jeremy Hecklinski and junior Hank Brown continue to split first-team reps. The Hawkeyes lost several key offensive linemen to the NFL draft, and Ferentz says the entire line is a work in progress. Iowa also brought in two wide receiver transfers, Tony Diaz and Evan Jones, that Ferentz is excited about. Additionally, the Hawkeyes made several changes to their coaching staff, including new hires at running backs, quarterbacks, special teams, and analyst roles.

Why it matters

Iowa is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and reclaim its spot as a Big Ten contender. The quarterback battle and offensive line rebuilding will be crucial as the Hawkeyes implement a new-look offense under Ferentz's leadership.

The details

Sophomore Jeremy Hecklinski and junior Hank Brown, both transfers, are splitting first-team reps at quarterback as Ferentz evaluates the position. The Hawkeyes lost several key offensive linemen, including projected high draft picks Gennings Dunker, Logan Jones, and Beau Stephens. The line will feature some new faces, with junior Trevor Lauck returning at left tackle and juniors Leighton Jones and Kade Pieper potentially shifting to guard and center, respectively. Iowa also brought in wide receiver transfers Tony Diaz from Texas Rio Grande Valley and Evan Jones from Furman to bolster the receiving corps.

  • Iowa began spring practices one week ago.
  • The Hawkeyes lost several offensive linemen to the NFL draft.

The players

Kirk Ferentz

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team, who is evaluating the quarterback competition and overseeing the rebuilding of the offensive line and coaching staff.

Jeremy Hecklinski

A sophomore quarterback transfer from Wake Forest who is competing for the starting job.

Hank Brown

A junior quarterback transfer from Auburn who is competing for the starting job.

Gennings Dunker

A former Iowa offensive lineman who is projected to be a second-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

Tony Diaz

A wide receiver transfer from Texas Rio Grande Valley who Iowa is excited about.

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What they’re saying

“We'll let the battle play itself out until someone emerges as the number one guy.”

— Kirk Ferentz, Head Coach

“The whole line is a work in progress.”

— Kirk Ferentz, Head Coach

“We brought in some guys via the transfer portal that we're excited about.”

— Kirk Ferentz, Head Coach

What’s next

Ferentz will continue to evaluate the quarterback competition and offensive line throughout the remainder of spring practices, with the goal of naming a starting QB and solidifying the offensive front before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Iowa faces significant questions on offense as it looks to rebound from a down year, with the quarterback battle and offensive line rebuild being the top priorities for Ferentz and his staff this spring. The additions of transfer talent at key positions provide optimism, but the Hawkeyes have work to do to get their offense back on track.