We are just hours away from kickoff for Iowa's first game of the 2026 season against Northern Illinois.
The Hawkeyes enter the game ranked No. 22 overall by the AP and coaches poll, but they have some things to iron out in week one to live up to that ranking. The offense is still a question mark for the program, but with talent across the board, the program has a chance to open some eyes this season. For that to happen, they have to take care of business in week one against the Huskies and not let them hang around longer than they should. We have three important keys to victory for the Hawkeyes to earn their first win of the season before a heated rivalry game against Iowa State in week two.
No. 1: Find ways to seamlessly navigate the two-quarterback system
Kirk Ferentz named Hank Brown the starter earlier this morning, but also revealed that both he and Jeremy Hecklinski will split reps. Brown will start and play a few possessions before Hecklinski does the same, giving both players the opportunity to show what they can do. While this game will likely serve as an experiment for who can earn the starting quarterback job, that doesn't make it any easier on the offensive line and the rest of the offense. Trevor Lauck admitted to us that they won't change their game plan regardless of who's under center, but it will be difficult to establish a rhythm with two quarterbacks subbing in and out. For it to succeed, the offense will have to be even more focused and locked in.
While the offensive line likely won't be an issue, the chemistry and timing with the skill positions could be. The Hawkeyes have a lot of talent on the outside at wide receiver and tight end, and even though everyone has been working hard on timing, it will be difficult to maintain. The skill players must find ways to lock in early, regardless of who the quarterback is, and if they can make some big plays early, it will go a long way.
No. 2: Establish the ground game early
Everyone knows that Iowa has traditionally been a run-first offense, and especially with two quarterbacks getting reps in this game, it will be even more important to establish the run game. Iowa is returning only two starters (Kade Pieper, Trevor Lauck) on the offensive line, but has plenty of talented players ready to step up. Cael Winter played so well this offseason that he pushed Pieper back to right guard, and veterans Leighton Jones and Jack Dotzler claimed the other two starting spots. While replacing three starters with over 50 combined career starts won't be easy, the unit has the talent to be successful.
It will be critical for the line to get a good push and create holes for the running backs early and often to relieve pressure on the quarterback. Hank Brown has two career starts, both at Auburn, but he hasn't started a game yet for the Hawkeyes. If they can establish the ground game early, that will open up the passing game, especially play-action passes. If the running game can create some easy throws for Brown and Hecklinski when he enters the game, it will make the two-quarterback system a lot easier to manage.
No. 3: Get heavy pressure on the quarterback from the start
The defensive line was one of the hardest-hit position groups after last season, with all four starters gone. We now know the starting four up front, including Iose Epenesa, Bryce Hawthorne, Will Hubert, and Kenneth Merrieweather. All four are system veterans, but have limited starting experience. For the defense to succeed and stay on schedule, the line must get pressure on the quarterback early and often. Northern Illinois revealed that it might use three quarterbacks, but Taron Dickens presents the biggest challenge for the defense.
Dickens transferred to NIU after tallying 3,508 passing yards and 38 touchdown passes last season at Western Carolina. Dickens has a great arm, and it wouldn't be surprising if they let him sling it early and often. The Huskies also have a good running back in Jay'Shon Thomas, but Dickens is clearly the most talented offensive player. If the defensive line can pressure Dickens early, forcing him into off -schedule throws, Iowa can take advantage of their stellar linebackers and secondary. The defense has to make Dickens hear steps and force the offense to be one-dimensional. If they can disrupt the offense's timing, there is no doubt they can easily win this game.
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