ESPN dissects lingering Iowa football question entering 2026

Iowa football has a lot going for it next season. From a stout offensive line to an elite defensive coordinator, there's a lot to like about Kirk Ferentz's team. There's also a fair share of question marks, too.

>The Hawkeyes lost a lot of production to graduation and to the NFL. Mark Gronowski is no longer the quarterback, the defensive line will have new starters at basically every spot and the special teams unit lost two All-Americans and its coordinator. Those are big question marks that Iowa will have to answer this fall.

>But, which aspect of Iowa's roster is the most concerning? ESPN set out to answer that.

>A group of ESPN's college football writers dissected the biggest lingering question for each top 25 team entering next season. Jake Trotter said the Hawkeyes' biggest question is who will start at quarterback.

The battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski will carry on into the fall after the two split reps during the spring. Hecklinski transferred to Iowa last year after taking three total snaps his freshman season in 2024 at Wake Forest. Brown spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Auburn, starting twice for the Tigers, before joining Iowa. Brown is 6-4, 218 pounds with a big arm. But Hecklinski, who is just 5-11, can make plays with his feet. The Hawkeyes, coming off a nine-win season, figure to be stout again up front and on defense. But quarterback play will determine whether they can challenge in the Big Ten. - Jake Trotter, ESPN

It's not the most unique answer, but it's probably the correct one from Trotter. Iowa's success this season will come down to what happens with the quarterbacks. If one of Hank Brown or Jeremy Hecklinski can come in, settle things down, and play well, the Hawkeyes could be a dark-horse College Football Playoff team. If they can't, it could mean a disappointing season in Iowa City.

>A lot is riding on this quarterback battle as football season fast approaches. All eyes will be on the Hawkeyes to see who wins the job over the next month.

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>This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: ESPN dissects lingering Iowa football question entering 2026