Iowa's starting quarterback dilemma is murkier than ever as the competition stretches into its third week.
Hank Brown took a massive step toward claiming the starting role after a stellar performance in Iowa's week-two win over Iowa State, but he still didn't get it. Brown finished the Iowa State game with 191 passing yards, 22 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown, but Kirk Ferentz has kept him and Jeremy Hecklinski in the dark. Now, shortly before a week three matchup against Northern Iowa, there is still no clarity.
Ferentz claimed that Hank Brown will 'probably' start against Northern Iowa
The situation remains extremely frustrating, as Ferentz continues withholding information. Brown said earlier this week that he hasn't been given a "clear answer" on who will start this week, and even after back-to-back solid performances, he hasn't earned the job. Although all signs point the other way, Jeremy Hecklinski is still in the mix, but it looks like Brown will be the guy once again.
Kirk Ferentz: "As I stand here right now, probably yeah, Hank will start [against UNI]."
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) September 15, 2026
In one of the more obvious statements you will hear from Ferentz this week, he recently said that Brown will "probably" get the start this week. The word "probably" matters because it leaves the door open for Ferentz and the coaching staff to change their minds. After starting the first two games, it would be very surprising if Hecklinski started in week three, but Ferentz hasn't completely closed the door on that. Since week one, Hecklinski has been itching for another chance to get back on the field and show what he can do, but he didn't get a chance in week two. Against a weaker UNI squad, this could be his chance.
You have to feel bad for Hecklinski, who really hasn't gotten an equal chance to show what he's capable of, and if this were truly a competition, he would have gotten a chance against Iowa State. Instead, Brown has gotten a majority of the snaps, and the numbers show it. In two games (two starts), Brown has tallied 320 passing yards and one touchdown, adding 34 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Hecklinski has attempted fewer than half as many passes as Brown, completing 7/16 for 76 yards and a touchdown.
Nothing is guaranteed in college football, but if Ferentz continues claiming there is a quarterback competition and Hecklinski is still involved, how can he evaluate him if he is on the bench? It would make more sense for Ferentz to name Brown the starter and move on. All the secrecy is making it worse, and while it makes sense that Ferentz wants to get it right, he isn't helping either player by continually dangling the starting job in front of them. It will be interesting to see who is named the week three starter and who ultimately wins the "competition" before the Big Ten schedule begins.
Brown clearly has the edge in the competition, and he has benefited from a much higher snap count. This should be the last week we hear about a quarterback competition, but Ferentz won't reveal anything until he is absolutely sure.
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