The transfer portal chaos has mostly ended, and the Hawkeyes signed some talented players during the only transfer portal window this season.
The Hawkeyes added 15 players from the transfer portal to fill specific holes in the roster, and are also adding 18 players in a talented 2026 recruiting class.
Rivals ranked Iowa's 2026 recruiting class as the No. 7 overall class in the Big Ten and the No. 23 overall class in college football.
With 33 new players coming in and eight going out, we take a way-too-early look at Iowa's roster next season.
Quarterback
Iowa has four returning quarterbacks next season, and Tradon Bessinger is joining via the 2026 recruiting class. Here's how the depth chart could look next season
- Starter: Jeremy Hecklinski (SO)
- Backup: Hank Brown (JR)
- Third-string: Tradon Bessinger (FR)
- Depth: Jimmy Sullivan (RS FS), Ryan Fitzgerald (RS FR)
This is very wishful thinking, with Bessinger earning the third-string position due to Kirk Ferentz's history of not playing true freshmen unless it is absolutely necessary.
There is almost no scenario where Iowa carries five quarterbacks, and Bessinger could be the odd man out with the most remaining years of eligibility and time to develop.
It is more likely that Bessinger redshirts this season and makes an immediate impact during his redshirt freshman season in 2027, but hey, we can dream, can't we?
Running back
The Iowa running backs room is one of the deepest in the program, and with the addition of former South Dakota running back L.J. Phillips, the group has the potential to be scary next season.
- Starter: Kamari Moulton (JR)
- Backup: L.J. Phillips (JR)
- Third-string: Xavier Williams (SO)
- Depth: Nathan McNeil (SO), Brevin Doll (SO)
After rushing for over 1,900 yards last season, L.J. Phillips will be an x-factor for the Iowa backfield next season.
If Brevin Doll can return to full health, and Williams and McNeil continue to progress, the Hawkeyes have a scenario where they could have at least five solid options next season
Wide receiver
Iowa's wide receiver corps got a huge boost from Tony Diaz after signing him from the transfer portal, and with Reece Vander Zee and Dayton Howard already on the roster, the wide receiver room is looking strong.
- Starters: Reece Vander Zee (JR), Tony Diaz (SO), Dayton Howard (JR)
- Slot: Evan James (SO) OR KJ Parker (SO)
This group is harder to predict with multiple talented players vying for snaps next season, but the three that are most likely locked into spots are Vander Zee, Diaz, and Dayton Howard.
KJ Parker could also surprise us next season after showing flashes next season, and incoming freshmen Xavier Stinson and Diondre Smith are also interesting prospects to keep an eye on.
Tight end
The strongest and deepest group of the Iowa offense is the tight ends. The Hawkeyes are returning starters Addison Ostrenga, DJ Vonnahme, and Zach Ortwerth, with three talented redshirt freshmen vying for more snaps.
- Starter: DJ Vonnahme (RS SO)
- Backup: Addison Ostrenga (SR)
- Third-string: Zach Ortwerth (SR)
This group is so deep that we shouldn't be surprised if talented redshirt freshmen Thomas Meyer, Eli Johnson, or Mason Woods make a strong push for more snaps.
Sophomore Michael Burt is also another talented tight end who could make a push.
Offensive line
This might be the hardest offensive group to predict with multiple holes to fill and unproven players on the roster. The only players who are locked in are Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, with Jack Dotzler most likely taking the other tackle position.
- Left tackle: Trevor Lauck (JR)
- Left guard: Leighton Jones (JR)
- Center: Michael Myslinski (GR)
- Right guard: Kade Pieper (JR)
- Right tackle: Jack Dotzler (SR)
This is all contingent on Pieper's ability to slide to the center position next season.
There have been reports that the Hawkeyes will test Pieper at the center during practices before the start of the 2026 season, and if he locks that spot down, that could create a three-person battle for the vacant right guard position.
If Pieper does move to center, Michael Myslinski and transfer Trent Wilson are projected to compete for the right guard spot.
If Pieper stays at guard, Myslinski and Cael Winter are projected to compete for the center spot.