Iowa Names Hank Brown Starting QB for 2026 Opener as Jeremy Hecklinski Also Set to Play
Updated
Updated · KSR · Sep 5
Iowa Names Hank Brown Starting QB for 2026 Opener as Jeremy Hecklinski Also Set to Play
3 articles · Updated · KSR · Sep 5
Summary
Hank Brown will take Iowa’s first snap Saturday against Northern Illinois, with Jeremy Hecklinski also expected to see action in the 2026 opener, according to On3.
The decision follows an offseason competition between Brown and Hecklinski after 2025 starter Mark Gronowski left for the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent.
Brown, an Auburn transfer, appeared in three games for Iowa last season and completed 11 of 21 passes for 107 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Iowa enters the season off a 9-4 finish in 2025, capped by a ReliaQuest Bowl win over Vanderbilt, making the quarterback call a key step into Week 1.