IOWA CITY — Fall camp has arrived with a clear headline: who will lead the Iowa Hawkeyes at quarterback? But the drama runs deeper than that single roster spot. With several starters from the 2025 team no longer in place, the coming weeks of practices and preseason work will determine not only a starter under center but how the roster fills holes across all three phases — offense, defense and special teams.
Quarterback race takes center stage
The most immediate and public battle is the competition for the starting quarterback job. Two returning players, Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, enter fall camp as the primary contenders. Both have shown enough in previous work to keep the position open, and the coaching staff has allowed the competition to play out without naming a clear frontrunner.
“They’re different guys, different individuals, but they’re both, I think, totally capable of leading a football team,”
The comment from coach Kirk Ferentz, made during July, underscores the coaching staff’s view that the decision will be performance-driven. Ferentz also left open the possibility that the competition could persist beyond camp and into the season, a caution that highlights the program’s emphasis on readiness rather than urgency.
Behind the top two, the quarterback room contains players who could become key contributors if injuries or inconsistency arise. Jimmy Sullivan and Ryan Fitzgerald return for their second seasons with Iowa, offering continuity. New to the roster is freshman Tradon Bessinger, a four-star prospect who could develop into a future option.
Camp watchers will also recall how quickly depth became critical in 2024, when preferred walk-on Jackson Stratton started multiple games. That experience places extra value on the quarterbacks who are not in the immediate spotlight; being prepared to step in this year could prove decisive.
Defensive line labeled a 'wild card'
On the other side of the ball, Ferentz has described the defensive line as “the biggest wild card.” The unit lost significant production from 2025 and will depend heavily on internal development and additions from the transfer portal to regain stability and pass-rush punch.
Among the names associated with Iowa’s defensive front are Kenneth Merrieweather and Iose Epenesa. Their roles, alongside younger and newly arrived players, will shape how the Hawkeyes defend against power runs and opposing quarterbacks. Until those roles are settled in camp, defensive consistency remains an open question.
Position battles across the roster
The quarterback and defensive line storylines are only the most prominent of multiple position competitions expected to play out. With starters from last season departed, returning Hawkeyes have openings to expand their responsibilities, and incoming players have chances to make immediate impacts.
- Quarterback depth — Brown vs. Hecklinski with Sullivan, Fitzgerald and Bessinger providing backups and developmental upside.
- Defensive line — A mix of returning names and new faces tasked with replacing lost production and creating a consistent pass rush.
- Special teams and other areas — As with past seasons, competition for specialist roles and rotational spots will continue to matter for game-day rosters.
How these battles resolve will determine the team’s identity heading into nonconference play and Big Ten matchups. If the Hawkeyes can find clarity at quarterback and generate pressure up front, they can mask inexperience in other areas. If not, the season could hinge on how quickly younger players adapt.
What to watch in the coming weeks
Practices, scrimmages and conditioning work will be the laboratory where answers emerge. Observers should note which quarterbacks handle the huddle, who makes late-game drives in scrimmages, and which defensive linemen consistently win one-on-one matchups.
| Position | Key names to watch |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski, Jimmy Sullivan, Ryan Fitzgerald, Tradon Bessinger |
| Defensive line | Kenneth Merrieweather, Iose Epenesa, plus returning and transfer additions |
For fans who gather at practices or follow reporting from inside Kinnick Stadium, fall camp will provide a steady stream of indicators. Expect the coaching staff to emphasize fundamentals, communication and situational preparedness — all tested against the clock as game week approaches.
The next few weeks will clarify whether the Hawkeyes can quickly replace lost starters with ready-now performers or whether the season will be a longer rebuilding task. Either way, the players who make the most of every snap in practice will define how this Iowa team looks come September.
