IOWA CITY — The Iowa football program enters the 2026 offseason with finding a new starting quarterback for the third time in four years as spring practices begin.
Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) runs on the field before an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, Saturday, Sept. 13, in Iowa City, Iowa.
However, for the first time since his arrival in January 2024, offensive coordinator Tim Lester gets the opportunity to pit a pair of quarterbacks — Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski — who have experience in his system against one another. Both Brown and Hecklinski joined the program last offseason as transfer portal additions from Auburn and Wake Forest, respectively, and each saw in-game action last season.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz said the pair split reps through the first four practices of the spring and will continue to do so — though Ferentz provided one caveat.
“Both guys are certainly more comfortable than a year ago,” Ferentz said. “That's the good news. They're both operating, I think, with a lot more confidence, familiarity. … We're just going to let it ride. They are splitting reps pretty much down the middle, and we'll probably do that — I mean there's no rush here, there's no benefit in making a call — unless it just becomes obvious. Then we'll do that.”
People are also reading…
Despite Ferentz’s comments, Hecklinski appears to be the frontrunner to replace outgoing senior Mark Gronowski under center after finishing the season as the second-string option at the position.
The former three-star prospect earned Georgia MaxPreps Player of the Year honors in 2023 after throwing for 3,835 yards and 50 touchdowns in his senior season.
In two games as a redshirt freshman last season, Hecklinski completed both of his pass attempts for eight yards and added a six-yard rushing touchdown in his lone scramble of the season.
Last year, Lester praised Hecklinski’s aggressiveness and his quick trigger in the pocket.
“One of the things that’s unique about him is his timing,” Lester said. “He gets rid of the ball quick now. He doesn’t have to get his feet set. He can just blink and the ball is gone, which is different than Mark. Mark gets his feet set, gets it underneath him, so it takes him sometimes a little bit longer.
“The biggest thing for him was time on task and understanding the play and where we’re trying to hit it because once he understands the play, then his skills really show. … He’s really coming along, which has been fun to see.”
While Lester characterized Hecklinski as a gunslinger, Ferentz shied away from that label some during his Tuesday presser — but not because it does not fit Hecklinski.
"The gunslinger term can connote recklessness or whatever," Ferentz said. "And I'm not trying to suggest that, but he's not afraid to throw it and throw it in there. And part of that, though, is knowing when and how. And as things change, game circumstances, all that kind of stuff.
"C.J. Beathard had a good feel for that. He'd try to throw it in some tight windows, but he knew when to do it. And when he did it, he usually was confident he could do it. I think part of that's learned a little bit. Not that I'm a quarterback expert, but I think part of that's learned and there's a time to do it."
On Tuesday, Iowa defensive backs and linebackers met with the media to discuss the first week of spring practices. According to junior defensive back Jaylen Watson, Hecklinski continued to show his quick trigger, aggressive style of play at quarterback during the first four practices of the offseason.
“It’s 1-2-3 (and) the ball is out most of the time,” Watson said. “He doesn’t really get affected by pressure much.”
Watson added Hecklinski, despite his first college touchdown coming on the ground, does not demonstrate a similar readiness to scramble like 2025 starter Mark Gronowski.
“He definitely has got some sneaky speed,” Watson said. “But, on thing I really like about Heck is he’s looking to throw the ball. Even when he has the opportunity (to run), he’s still got his eyes downfield, keeping us honest. He’s been really like a gunslinger so far. It’s been great seeing him come along.
“… Every quarterback has the ability, skills to get out and scramble, which he does have, but he's really looking to keep his eyes downfield and get the first down and keep throwing the ball.”
Ferentz said he does not expect the quarterback decision to be made before the end of spring practices in April as the program hopes to be prudent with its decision.
“But I really foresee these guys competing for quite a while,” Ferentz said. “The whole idea is not to make a decision fast, but to make the right decision. That's what we're going to try to do.”
Ethan Petrik is a University of Iowa beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at ethan.petrik@wcfcourier.com.
