The Iowa Hawkeyes' offense underwhlemed in 2024-2025. The Iowa offense struggled with injuries and inconsistency at the quarterback position. Iowa starter Cade McNamara returned from a season-ending injury in 2023-2024, but was ineffective and had another season-ending injury.
Backup Brendan Sullivan reignited the Iowa fanbase with his ability to throw an accurate pass. McNamara was so ineffective that Sullivan's dual-threat ability was a welcome sight for Hawkeye fans. He also spent multiple weeks on the sidelines with an injury.
Third-string quarterback Marco Lainez never took the field after an injury, and fourth-string QB James Resar redshirted. The starting job fell to fifth-string Jakson Stratton. He filled in admirably, but did not set the world on fire.
Iowa limped to the finish line as the offense struggled. The Hawkeyes were No. 17 of 18 teams in the Big Ten in passing yards (1,711), passing yards per game (131.6), and passing touchdowns (10).
The 2025-2026 Iowa offense will look vastly different from the previous year. The Hawkeyes added quarterbacks Mark Gronowski (South Dakota State), Hank Brown (Auburn), and Jeremy Hecklinski (Wake Forest) from the transfer portal.
Former star running back Kaleb Johnson also went to the NFL after the 2025 NFL Draft.
Expectations are high for the Hawkeyes' offense entering the second year under Tim Lester. On Saturday, the Hawkeyes showcased some of their talent during an open spring practice. Lester's offense was carving up a young and inexperienced Iowa defense.
Most of the first-string players did not participate in the practice, and two wide receivers stood out.
Reece Vander Zee
Reece Vander Zee showed flashes of talent as a freshman wide receiver on the Iowa offense. Vander Zee started eight games for the Hawkeyes last season, but was plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
In nine appearances, Vander Zee tallied 14 catches for 176 yards and three touchdowns. He had a season-high five catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns in the Hawkeyes' opening game against Illinois State.
Vander Zee has the size (six-foot-four, 207 pounds) and the strength to succeed in the Big Ten. On Saturday, Vander Zee was impressive, working with the second-team offense. He started the seven-on-seven drills with a big catch down the left sideline from QB Jackson Stratton.
He followed that up with a touchdown in tight coverage during the 11-on-11 drills.
During Saturday's open practice, Vander Zee showcased his hands and pass-catching abilities and will look to carve out a significant role on the Iowa offense.
Kaden Wetjen
The reigning Jet Award winner, Kaden Wetjen, also had a solid performance at Saturday's open practice. After starting primarily on special teams during his career, Wetjen is looking to play an expanded role for the Iowa offense.
Wetjen led the Big Ten and the NCAA with 1,055 combined kick return yards and also added two touchdowns.
During Saturday's practice, Tim Lester used Wetjen as a receiver and in special packages. Wetjen scored a touchdown on a trick play, taking an end-around running play to the house. He also caught multiple passes in space and made things happen.
Wetjen looks undersized, but his speed and vision can be a huge asset to the Hawkeyes.
Iowa continues to fine-tune its roster ahead of the 2025-2026 season. The open spring practice provided a window into the potential roster before week one on August 30.
The depth chart still needs to be finalized, but the open practice is a great chance for the fans to venture to Kinnick Stadium to view the talent ahead of the season.