The outside perception of the Iowa passing game is a poor one. Everyone knows the Hawkeyes have struggled to move the ball through the air, and when they are forced to throw it, defenses can take advantage.
The Iowa passing attack has not averaged more than 200 yards per game since 2020, a very low bar to achieve. Most major college programs achieve this easily, but Iowa cannot seem to put together any semblance of a passing game.
After another abysmal passing season last year, where the Iowa offense averaged only 131.4 passing yards per game, the Hawkeyes completely revamped their quarterback room.
Both starting quarterbacks from last season, Brendan Sullivan and Cade McNamara, transferred to different programs.
Third-string quarterback Marco Lainez also transferred, leaving only Jackson Stratton from last season.
The Iowa program addressed the issue by adding transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski as the projected starter, and Hank Brown (Auburn), Jeremy Hecklinski (Wake Forest), and Jimmy Sullivan (recruit) to compete for backup roles.
Gronowski is a talented, dual-threat quarterback that is a massive improvement under center, but he will need players to throw the ball to.
One of the biggest issues plaguing the Iowa offense, outside of poor quarterback play, is getting receivers involved. This season, transfer receiver Sam Phillips is confident the Hawkeyes will prove people wrong.
During Iowa Football Media Day, Phillips spoke reporters about his health and the strength of the receiver room next season.
In a portion of his media day availability that was posted by Hawkeye Report, Phillips was adamant that the receivers have been making tough plays and will change the perception of the Iowa passing attack as a group.
They are learning from their mistakes, and there has been a lot of good competition between them in camp.
Last season, Phillips was a solid contributor for Chattanooga, tallying 803 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 49 receptions. His 803 receiving yards would have led the Hawkeyes last season by a wide margin.
With a more veteran receiving room and a massive upgrade at the quarterback position, the Iowa offense is poised to take a big step forward this season.