Iowa quarterbacks Brown, Hecklinski show growth in second year under Lester

Both QBs have a better grasp of the offense after a year in the system.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:19am

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting an Iowa football quarterback in the midst of a passing play, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in the team's colors of black, gold, and white.Iowa's quarterbacks showcase their growth and development in Tim Lester's offense through a cubist, geometric interpretation.Iowa City Today

Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, the two quarterbacks for the University of Iowa football team, are showing growth in their second year under head coach Tim Lester's offense. Both players were new to the system last year but now have a better understanding of the playbook and are making strides in their development.

Why it matters

The quarterback position is crucial for the Hawkeyes, who are looking to build on a strong season and compete for a Big Ten title. The continued growth and improvement of Brown and Hecklinski will be key to the team's success.

The details

Brown, who has experience in critical games, said he felt 'thrown into it' last year but has grown a lot from that experience. Hecklinski, who is listed at 5-foot-11, says he has to work on knowing the defense before the snap and limiting the risks he takes. A starter is not expected to be announced until after spring ball.

  • Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski were new to Tim Lester's offense last year.

The players

Hank Brown

A quarterback for the University of Iowa football team who has experience in critical games, including against Indiana.

Jeremy Hecklinski

A quarterback for the University of Iowa football team who is listed at 5-foot-11 and is working on limiting the risks he takes.

Tim Lester

The head coach of the University of Iowa football team.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I was kind of thrown into it last year, which I loved and enjoyed. I think I grew a lot from that. I was still obviously learning the offense and learning the system.”

— Hank Brown, Quarterback

“Less risks I would say. I take a lot of risks at practice. It pays off a lot, and then there's sometimes where it doesn't. So I'm trying to find that happy medium where I'm throwing touchdowns, but not throwing interceptions as well.”

— Jeremy Hecklinski, Quarterback

What’s next

A starter is not expected to be announced at earliest until after spring ball.

The takeaway

The continued development of Iowa's quarterbacks Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski will be crucial for the team's success this season as they look to build on their experience in Tim Lester's offense.