Iowa QB Jeremy Hecklinski battles for starting job

Redshirt sophomore looks to take over as Hawkeyes' top signal-caller in 2026 season

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an Iowa football quarterback dropping back to pass, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's colors of black, gold, and crimson.Iowa's quarterback competition heats up as redshirt sophomore Jeremy Hecklinski battles for the starting job with his confident, 'gunslinger' mentality.Iowa City Today

Jeremy Hecklinski, a redshirt sophomore at the University of Iowa, is competing with Hank Brown for the starting quarterback job this spring ahead of the 2026 season. Hecklinski has been described as a 'gunslinger' who likes to 'throw the ball around a lot' as he tries to win the top spot on the depth chart.

Why it matters

The Iowa football program is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign, and the quarterback battle between Hecklinski and Brown will be a key storyline to watch as the Hawkeyes prepare for the upcoming season. Whichever player emerges as the starter will have the opportunity to lead the offense and try to get Iowa back to the top of the Big Ten West division.

The details

Hecklinski, a redshirt sophomore, is competing with fellow quarterback Hank Brown for the starting job this spring. The two players are vying to take over the reins of the Hawkeyes' offense ahead of the 2026 season. Hecklinski has been described as a 'gunslinger' who likes to air the ball out, in contrast to the more traditional pocket passer style of Brown.

  • The quarterback battle is taking place this spring, ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Jeremy Hecklinski

A redshirt sophomore quarterback at the University of Iowa who is competing for the starting job.

Hank Brown

A quarterback at the University of Iowa who is also competing with Hecklinski for the starting quarterback position.

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What they’re saying

“I throw the ball around a lot.”

— Jeremy Hecklinski, Redshirt sophomore quarterback

The takeaway

The quarterback battle between Hecklinski and Brown will be a key storyline to watch as Iowa looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. Whichever player emerges as the starter will have the opportunity to lead the Hawkeyes' offense and try to get the program back to the top of the Big Ten West division.