Kirk Ferentz made a much quicker quarterback decision this week, revealing that Hank Brown will get his second start for the Hawkeyes in week two.
Ferentz didn't reveal who was taking the first snaps under center in week one until the morning of the game, and he got out ahead of it this week. It is a new week with new expectations during rivalry week against Iowa State, but Ferentz isn't changing his strategy. Even before he knew who would start, Jeremy Hecklinski wanted another chance to prove what he can do, and it looks like he'll get it.
Heklinski has been waiting for another chance to truly show what he can do
Iowa's week-one win over Northern Illinois wasn't a true test of who should win the starting quarterback role, even though the offense put up 507 total yards. The 507 yards the offense put up are the most the unit has tallied in a game since 2019, and while Hecklinski was part of it, he didn't feel like he truly showcased what he is capable of. After Ferentz's unsurprising decision before week two, we learned that Hecklinski has been waiting for another chance to showcase his ability.
What we expected, makes total sense. Hecklinski said this week he was itching to get another chance to show what he can do, sounds like that will come early. https://t.co/thiNqFM6e4
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) September 11, 2026
According to the Des Moines Register's Chad Leistikow, Ferentz's decision for Saturday's Cy-Hawk rivalry game makes sense. However, when the media spoke with Hecklinski earlier this week, he said he has been "itching" to get another chance to show what he can do. Hecklinski is reportedly "expected" to receive early playing time, and while it doesn't sound as certain as it did in week one, it looks like he will get an early chance to show what he's got.
Hecklinski flashed some brilliant moments against Northern Illinois, showcased by a throw to Jarriett Buie on the sidelines while he was getting crunched by a Huskies defender. He also showed his ability and willingness to throw downfield, and while he was a little bit unlucky, he showed his aggressive nature. He made one careless mistake when he attempted to force the ball to Dayton Howard in the end zone, but he didn't play that poorly. Brown simply had a little more success, but wasn't as aggressive in pushing the ball downfield.
If Brown struggles early, Hecklinski should get a shot, and he has been waiting for that opportunity. Even though Ferentz revealed that Brown was going to be the starter a little earlier this week, Brown and Hecklinski have both been preparing the same, getting reps with the first team offense. There is no doubt Hecklinski will be ready to go against the Cyclones whenever he is subbed into the game.
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