Just days away from the start of the season, and the Hawkeyes are still without a starting quarterback.
Kirk Ferentz has consistently stated that both projected starting quarterbacks have played equally throughout the offseason, and recently claimed that there's no "right" decision to make at this point. The first depth chart of the season validated what Ferentz said, placing an "OR" designation on both quarterbacks. With time winding down until week one, Ferentz made some interesting revelations just before NIU comes to Iowa City.
Ferentz confirmed both quarterbacks will play and split reps
During his media availability this week, Ferentz admitted that he wanted to have a decision by Wednesday at the earliest and Friday at the latest, and knowing Ferentz, it likely won't come until the last possible second. Ferentz is doing his due diligence in deciding who will take the first snaps against NIU, and he isn't revealing much about who has the edge. While he didn't name a starter, Ferentz made some other interesting revelations that have people talking. He admitted that both quarterbacks will play on Saturday, further complicating the starting quarterback dilemma.
After stating that both quarterbacks will play against Northern Illinois, Ferentz also revealed how he will divvy up the reps. He said that each quarterback will be on a "pitch count," with each quarterback playing 2-3 possessions before changing. This is vastly different from Ferentz's past strategies, which favored one starter and switching the starter only if necessary. A two-quarterback system has rarely worked in the past, but Brown and Hecklinski haven't separated themselves enough to earn the job outright. It will be interesting to see how Ferentz uses both quarterbacks and whether he rides the hot hand, but for now, there is still no "starting" quarterback, complicating any long-term outlook.
The quarterback spot is still very much in question, and the only thing working in Iowa's favor is that they have an easy three-game stretch to start the season before Big Ten play begins.
Not knowing the starting QB is frustrating, but it isn't necessarily a bad thing
Fans are split on Ferentz's indecision about naming one quarterback, and with two options still in play, it makes sense that he is waiting until absolutely necessary. With games against Northern Illinois, a rebuilding Iowa State, and FCS program Northern Iowa in the first three games, Ferentz can take his time. The first three games will be a good barometer for who should win the job, and the decision can't linger past then. With games against Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to start the Big Ten Conference schedule, Ferentz and the offense can't afford to let the decision last longer than three games.
If the decision isn't clear by then, the offense and the program overall are in much worse shape than we originally thought. At the end of the day, the decision should be based on whoever best helps the team win, regardless of all the outside noise. The decision has been a hot topic around the program since the season ended in December 2025, and it will stretch until Ferentz is absolutely sure he has made the right decision. This is one of Ferentz's latest decisions, but it's calculated, and all we can do is wait to see what Saturday brings and let the decision sort itself out.
Add us as a preferred source on Google