The real season begins in week four as the Hawkeyes travel to Ann Arbor to play No. 18 Michigan.
Iowa is just ahead of Michigan in the rankings (No. 17) and should give the Wolverines all they can handle at home in week four. Both Iowa (55-0 win vs. UNI) and Michigan (52-17 win over UTEP) are coming off big wins, but the real test happens this weekend. It will be a defensive struggle with two top-tier units, and Iowa released its week four depth chart ahead of the pivotal game.
Week 4 Depth Chart \\ at Michigan pic.twitter.com/PvNyrwqohm
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) September 21, 2026
A few glaring omissions from the depth chart, and one important distinction is FINALLY gone before Iowa hits the road to Michigan.
Hank Brown has finally been given the keys to Iowa's offense
It really seemed like we would never get a starting quarterback decision, but before week four, we finally have one. Kirk Ferentz kept his word by extending the starting quarterback battle into the regular season, but it took even longer than most people anticipated. Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski were the top two options vying for the position, but after week two, it was clear who would win.
Brown started all three games for the Hawkeyes to start the season and wasn't removed from Iowa's week-two victory over Iowa State. Ferentz said he didn't take Brown out because of the game's flow, and it was clear that Brown gained an edge in the competition. He had a solid performance against the Cyclones, finishing with 191 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, and he was firmly in control of the competition heading into week three.
Brown followed his solid week-two performance with an even better performance against UNI, finishing with 153 passing yards and two touchdowns on a perfect 12/12. That was all the evidence we needed, and Ferentz obviously felt the same way. There is no longer an "OR" on the week four depth chart, with Hank Brown listed as the starting quarterback.
Starting RB Kamari Moulton is still absent from the depth chart
Starting running back Kamari Moulton missed week three with an injury, but the offense didn't miss him too much. Four Iowa running backs combined for 414 of Iowa's 422 rushing yards, with three gaining over 100 yards. The backfield was led by Xavier Williams (153 rushing yards), Braeden Jackson (125 rushing yards), and Nathan McNeil (111 rushing yards) as Moulton watched from the sidelines.
Ferentz was optimistic that Moulton would be ready for the trip to Ann Arbor, but he isn't listed in the two-deep. That doesn't mean Moulton won't suit up, but for now, Nathan McNeil OR Xavier Williams will start the game in the backfield. If Moulton misses another game, the Hawkeyes are still in good shape with their depth, which they showcased in week three against UNI. With Moulton and Phillips Jr. still out, the Hawkeyes will most likely use a similar combination of Jackson, McNeil, Williams, and O'Lantae Dean.
DJ Vonnahme could miss his second straight game with an injury
Iowa star TE DJ Vonnahme had a breakout 2025 campaign and was poised for another strong season. Unfortunately for the offense, Vonnahme picked up a late injury in the physical game against Iowa State, and he could miss another game. Ferentz said he expects Vonnahme to be ready for the Michigan game, but he was also not listed in the two-deep. Even though Vonnahme is a crucial part of the offense, the Hawkeyes have multiple weapons behind him.
Addison Ostrenga is currently listed as the starter, with Zach Ortwerth or Thomas Meyer backing him up. The Hawkeyes also have Mason Woods and Eli Johnson waiting in the wings. It would be a massive loss if Vonnahme can't go, but luckily the Hawkeyes are very deep at the tight end position and should manage one more game without him.
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