College football never really sits still, does it? Now that the transfer portal chaos has died down, the Iowa Hawkeyes land at No. 8 in the 2026 Big Ten power rankings from CBS Sports.
With rosters a bit more settled than usual, teams are already eyeing spring ball. Iowa, true to form, is right in the thick of things—but, honestly, there are real questions swirling around the quarterback spot.
The Hawkeyes’ Consistency and Challenges
Iowa’s been all about consistency for years. They’ve built their name on tough defenses, heavy-hitting offensive lines, and a ground game that just doesn’t quit.
But that quarterback situation? It’s been a revolving door. After Mark Gronowski sparked a real offensive uptick last season, he’s now gone, and that leaves the Hawkeyes with a gap to fill.
They didn’t grab a new quarterback in the transfer portal, which feels like a gamble. That means it’s down to Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown, who together have tossed just 75 passes in their careers.
It’s hard to overstate how much their performance could swing the Hawkeyes’ season.
Strengths of the Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa’s defense and offensive line? Still the backbone. Those units have been steady for ages, and there’s no real reason to think that’ll change soon.
The defense just won’t quit. Even when the offense sputters, they keep Iowa in games.
The O-line gives the running backs room to work, and that ground game is always there to lean on.
- Strong Defense: Iowa’s defenders play with grit, forcing turnovers and keeping scores low.
- Robust Offensive Line: The line sets up the run and gives the QB time—at least, as much as possible.
- Reliable Ground Game: Running backs thrive behind that line, piling up yards and points.
Quarterback Conundrum
The quarterback spot is still the big unknown. With Mark Gronowski out and no transfer coming in, Iowa’s banking on Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown to step up.
Neither guy has much experience, and that’s a bit unnerving. Their learning curve could make or break the season.
Potential Candidates
Hecklinski and Brown both have upside, but their inexperience is tough to ignore. Hecklinski’s got a cannon for an arm, while Brown brings mobility that might open up some options.
The coaches have a lot to sort through this spring. It’s not clear who’ll win the job, and honestly, it might stay that way for a while.
- Jeremy Hecklinski: Big arm, can throw it deep—maybe a bit of a gunslinger.
- Hank Brown: More mobile, moves well, could keep plays alive with his feet.
Looking Ahead to Spring Ball
Spring ball feels huge for Iowa this year. The staff needs to figure out the quarterback, tweak the offense, and keep the defense and O-line sharp.
This stretch will really shape the season. Can they get the right guy under center and keep everything else humming?
Key Areas of Focus
There are a few main things on the to-do list for Iowa’s spring:
- Quarterback Evaluation: Picking the starter is job one—no way around it.
- Offensive Scheme: Adjust the playbook to play to the QB’s strengths, whoever that ends up being.
- Defensive Consistency: Keep that defense nasty and relentless.
- Offensive Line Cohesion: Make sure the line stays tight and effective.
Conclusion
The Iowa Hawkeyes look set to keep doing what they do best—staying steady in the Big Ten. But honestly, the quarterback situation feels like a cloud hanging over them. It could mess with their whole season if they don’t figure it out.
Their defense? Still tough. The offensive line? Solid as ever. That gives them a real shot, but let’s be real, it’s all going to hinge on what happens in spring ball. Will Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown step up? That’s the big question for 2026.
Want more updates or just need a Hawkeyes fix? Check out the CBS Sports 2026 Big Ten Power Rankings.
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