After years of subpar, disappointing quarterback play, Iowa fans got a glimpse of what the offense can look like with a competent signal-caller in 2025.
Mark Gronowski transferred in from South Dakota State and changed the perception around Iowa quarterbacks. While he got off to a slow start, Gronowski made big plays in big moments in the back half of the season. From leading a clutch late-game drive to take the lead against Oregon to his pristine bowl game performance against Vanderbilt, Gronowski gave the program everything he had.
With him now off to the NFL, the Hawkeyes are looking to find their quarterback of the future. There’s not much returning experience, but the upside is intriguing. Who’s going to be taking the starting snaps for Iowa in 2026? Or who are some exciting options for the future?
This is the first part of the Iowa football 2026 positional preview series. Without any further ado, here’s a look at the quarterback room.
Projected starter: Jeremy Hecklinski
2025 stats: 2-2 passing, 8 passing yards, 1 rushing TD
No one, not even Kirk Ferentz, knows who will be starting under center when Iowa takes the field for its season opener. This is a pure projection based on potential upside. Jeremy Hecklinski didn’t see much action last season, only throwing two passes, but his playstyle is similar to Gronowski’s. He’s got good mobility and the ability to extend plays. And he has a decent enough arm.
The biggest knock on Hecklinski is his size. It’s not often that you see 5-foot-11 quarterbacks have lots of success. If Tim Lester can scheme his way around that, Hecklinski can bring lots of enviable traits to the table. With multiple years of eligibility remaining, he’s a guy that Lester can mold over the next few seasons. Hecklinski is the riskier option, but his ceiling is very intriguing.
Projected backup: Hank Brown
2025 stats: 11-21, 107 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Hank Brown could easily win the starting job in the fall, but I’m projecting him to be the backup next season. He didn’t see much action last season, outside of the fourth quarter against Indiana. When Gronowski got hurt, Iowa turned to Brown against the eventual national champions.
While most fans only remember a pivotal overthrow on a screen late in the game, context is important. That was a tough spot for a young guy to play in. Brown wasn’t great in that game, but it’s hard to put too much blame on him.
Now, he’s competing for the starting role and has a decent chance to win it. Unlike Hecklinski, Brown is more of a prototypical pocket passer. Standing at 6-foot-4 with a strong arm, he has the physical traits you love.
However, in Iowa’s current offense under Lester, a mobile quarterback is a must. And Brown doesn’t quite fit that mold. There are things to like, but I think the Hawkeyes will opt for the mobile Hecklinski to open the season.
Other options
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: 2026 Iowa football positional preview: Quarterbacks
Reporting by Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
