QB Options For 2026

[Lionhawk85]

I’ve heard some folks excited for Hecklinski, others super down on Brown, and others think we need a portal QB to come in and at least compete if not start.

For those that are hopeful on Hecklinksi, what gives you high expectations given he only threw 2 passes this season and we’ve not had any meaningful chance to evaluate what he can do? I see he’s listed at only 170 lbs (altho I’m sure he’s put on some weight), which makes me wonder if he could even make it through a BIG season healthy.

And for those down on Brown, his poor game turned out to be against the undefeated BIG champs and very good defense while coming off the bench cold.

I think I’m in the camp that QB is a HUGE question mark for next year and really unsure what direction the staff will/should go. curious everyone’s opinions/insights as I’ve seen some scattered through various threads but not yet combined into one focused thread topic. Thoughts?

 

[2D]

It may entirely depend on how Lester feels when Spring ball starts. If he feels that there is better talent out there, will we try and pursue it? I think Kirk will defect to Tim on that one.

I for one, think we should go in on Hecklinski and see how he does. He's been in the system for an entire year and will be present for Spring ball. I've heard reports that Brown has been doing well in practice lately, but that means nothing to me, personally. But having two QBs that have been here longer than a year will be a luxury considering that hasn't happened in who knows how long.

I'd like to see the funds we'd normally use to get a QB to instead go to getting more DLineman, CBs, LBs, and WRs.

 

[HawksRule73]

I’ve heard some folks excited for Hecklinski, others super down on Brown, and others think we need a portal QB to come in and at least compete if not start.

For those that are hopeful on Hecklinksi, what gives you high expectations given he only threw 2 passes this season and we’ve not had any meaningful chance to evaluate what he can do? I see he’s listed at only 170 lbs (altho I’m sure he’s put on some weight), which makes me wonder if he could even make it through a BIG season healthy.

And for those down on Brown, his poor game turned out to be against the undefeated BIG champs and very good defense while coming off the bench cold.

I think I’m in the camp that QB is a HUGE question mark for next year and really unsure what direction the staff will/should go. curious everyone’s opinions/insights as I’ve seen some scattered through various threads but not yet combined into one focused thread topic. Thoughts?

I’m excited for Heck because he came in late and still showed Lester enough to move up to #2. That tells me he’s got some promise. Doesn’t mean there’s not questions at the position, but it’s not like it’s Deacon and Marco battling it out.

I’m also in the camp that wants to stay away from a portal QB this cycle in order to use those funds to throw at a WR or 2.

 

[DuddyB]

We’ve been slow to come out of gates because we haven’t had a healthy QB1 in at least three seasons in spring ball. We need to be ready to roll from the jump.

Spend the money in either an elite wide receiver, or an elite pass rusher instead of the same money going to a modest upgrade at quarterback.

 

[JerseyCityHawk]

I’ve heard some folks excited for Hecklinski, others super down on Brown, and others think we need a portal QB to come in and at least compete if not start.

For those that are hopeful on Hecklinksi, what gives you high expectations given he only threw 2 passes this season and we’ve not had any meaningful chance to evaluate what he can do? I see he’s listed at only 170 lbs (altho I’m sure he’s put on some weight), which makes me wonder if he could even make it through a BIG season healthy.

And for those down on Brown, his poor game turned out to be against the undefeated BIG champs and very good defense while coming off the bench cold.

I think I’m in the camp that QB is a HUGE question mark for next year and really unsure what direction the staff will/should go. curious everyone’s opinions/insights as I’ve seen some scattered through various threads but not yet combined into one focused thread topic. Thoughts?

At this point he offers scrambling abilities unlike Brown… Iowa has to move from the statue qb’s as you see Iowa’s offense was much better this year with a qb that can move and not allow sacks like Petras ….

maybe the kid Sullivan will ramp up his game? IMHO I just think a running dual threat qb is best suited for Iowa’s offense, not to say to shut the door on the competition but I like him from the standpoint he is mobile like MG… but probably even faster not as powerful

 

[Graham84]

I don't think Brown is a statue. He seems like he can move. Had a bad game. I'm hopeful that both have potential. Lester spoke highly of them both the entire time, but coach speak is coach speak.... Petras was talked about in the same light. Just a reminder how excited we all were for Padilla when he came in against Northwestern and provided a spark. IMO we need to continue to hit the portal and create more competition.

 

[Bierhalter]

I don't think Brown is a statue. He seems like he can move. Had a bad game. I'm hopeful that both have potential. Lester spoke highly of them both the entire time, but coach speak is coach speak.... Petras was talked about in the same light. Just a reminder how excited we all were for Padilla when he came in against Northwestern and provided a spark. IMO we need to continue to hit the portal and create more competition.

Spending less for the sake of competition would be fine. Iowa's portal QB strategy thus far, shelling out a ton of money which then creates an obligation to start the player, has been shown not to work.

 

[Graham84]

I'd rather have options. May the best man win. Imo not every option we bring in needs to be a 2 million dollar man... tho that man won us a bunch of games late wed likely lost if he wasn't on the team. We just disagree, but I say keep chasing the portal and let the best man win. Helinski and Brown both came knowing they'd have to battle. Same with Sullivan and Hill the year before. Imo, if a kid is worth it than get him here.

 

[UIAlumFireFighter]

We’ve been slow to come out of gates because we haven’t had a healthy QB one in at least three seasons in spring ball. We need to be ready to roll from the jump.

Spend the money in either on an elite wide receiver, or an elite pass rusher instead of the same money, going to a modest upgraded quarterback.

We are not going to get an “elite” receiver, or anything close, to come to Iowa City. Stop teasing yourself.

Wide receivers die at Iowa. Then they transfer.

 

[Hawkfan_08*]

I'd rather have options. May the best man win. Imo not every option we bring in needs to be a 2 million dollar man... tho that man won us a bunch of games late wed likely lost if he wasn't on the team. We just disagree, but I say keep chasing the portal and let the best man win. Helinski and Brown both came knowing they'd have to battle. Same with Sullivan and Hill the year before. Imo, if a kid is worth it than get him here.

I get your point but I agree with the other posters that it is time to stop chasing QBs in the portal. We need some consistency and I don't believe Iowa is a plug and play system for QB. I think having some consistency is key and I feel like we have good options already to let them battle it out. I still believe Brown leaves and it will be between Heck and Sullivan.

I think we really need the extra cash at OL, DB, DL, probably a WR and LB too. To compete with what we have, we need the QBs we have to pan out and spend the money on those guys. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Palmerhawk]

Lester is a QB guy. I am going to trust him on this position. If we do pursue a QB,that tells me that Lester is not totally confident in our current QB room. If not, then he feels good about our guys..let's go Hawks!

 

[DuddyB]

We are not going to get an “elite” receiver, or anything close, to come to Iowa City. Stop teasing yourself.

Wide receivers die at Iowa. Then they transfer.

Maybe not the top of the top but the quality of WRs will increase if that’s where you focus your investment. IMO, WR and DTs are where the greatest investments should be made.

 

[squeezebox_1]

It is the one position that Iowa shouldn't view as incumbent, IMO. I liked what I have seen out of Hecklinski and even Sullivan (in the spring), but Iowa should be targeting a difference maker right now. Aidan Chiles, Marcus Stokes, Colton Joseph (Gronk 2.0). They need to sell Iowa's line play.

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

I've been a fan my entire life, not seeing the backup/new starting QB until they are actually starting is not a new or scary feeling for me. Before NIL, the last Iowa starting QB that we got any truly meaningful look at before they were the starter was Vandenberg.

My faith in Hecklinski is moreso blind faith in Lester.

 

[hawkandroll]

It may entirely depend on how Lester feels when Spring ball starts. If he feels that there is better talent out there, will we try and pursue it? I think Kirk will defect to Tim on that one.

Spring will be far too late to find someone who moves the needle.

 

[squeezebox_1]

I've been a fan my entire life, not seeing the backup/new starting QB until they are actually starting is not a new or scary feeling for me. Before NIL, the last Iowa starting QB that we got any truly meaningful look at before they were the starter was Vandenberg.

My faith in Hecklinski is moreso blind faith in Lester.

Nate Stanley?

 

[r_desihawk]

It may entirely depend on how Lester feels when Spring ball starts. If he feels that there is better talent out there, will we try and pursue it? I think Kirk will defect to Tim on that one.

I for one, think we should go in on Hecklinski and see how he does. He's been in the system for an entire year and will be present for Spring ball. I've heard reports that Brown has been doing well in practice lately, but that means nothing to me, personally. But having two QBs that have been here longer than a year will be a luxury considering that hasn't happened in who knows how long.

I'd like to see the funds we'd normally use to get a QB to instead go to getting more DLineman, CBs, LBs, and WRs.

putting the eggs in hecklinski's 170lb basket is helluva risk and brown unfair or not could not step up at a time when he could've changed the (hawkeye) world-- if he's a difference maker i believe he would've made a play. so i continue to think that if we can get a qb who's shown ability to produce under pressure we should take him
that said acquiring talent at other building block spots is also a reasonable approach...after all some of our best records were with remarkably ****** qbs at the helm.

 

[Max Rebo]

I don't think Brown is a statue. He seems like he can move. Had a bad game. I'm hopeful that both have potential. Lester spoke highly of them both the entire time, but coach speak is coach speak.... Petras was talked about in the same light. Just a reminder how excited we all were for Padilla when he came in against Northwestern and provided a spark. IMO we need to continue to hit the portal and create more competition.

I agree in thinking that Brown might have more to offer than we have seen. He did play poorly coming off the bench against the #1 team in the country, but that might not have been the best scenario on which to base our evaluation. Prior to the Indiana game, he had looked sharp in limited action, completing 75% of his passes, throwing for one TD and running for another -- better numbers than most of the backups we have played over the past several years (even if it was against weak competition).

Honestly, the fact that Hecklinski passed Brown on the depth chart is a big part of what makes me feel good about Hecklinski. That, and the Drew Tate comparisons. I am interested in seeing what a Tim Lester offense looks like with a quarterback at the helm who has been with the team for more than a few months. Both Brown and Heck will give us that.

With all this said, I will also echo others in stating that a QB with mobility is an absolute must. It doesn't have to be a guy who runs for 40/50 yards every game, but it needs to be a guy who can evade the rush -- and pick up a 3rd-and-5 with his legs when needed.

 

[Heathen Raider]

I hope Iowa goes after the Old Dominion QB and has a real QB competition because I am not feeling going into 2026 with a starting QB with no real game experience unless He wins that job against a QB who has actually played and is just too good to keep off the field , Iowa is not a directional School and having real options at the most important position on the field is a no brainer .

 

[BigOHawk1]

Is there any smoke that Iowa is interested in the Old Dom QB at this point or ???

 

[squeezebox_1]

Is there any smoke that Iowa is interested in the Old Dom QB at this point or ???

They might have reached out, but he has been in contact with Tennesee, Stanford, Indiana, LSU, Miami, FSU, and UF. I don't see him as a legit option.

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

Nate Stanley?

He threw 9 passes his freshman year before starting his sophomore year. Not what I would call a meaningful look.

 

[squeezebox_1]

Just glancing at some of the transfers Barnes is following

Jayson Platt (would be a solid get)
Jonathan Bibbs
Corey Scott (put up big numbers with Marcus Stokes)
Kenyon Concepcion

 

[squeezebox_1]

He threw 9 passes his freshman year before starting his sophomore year. Not what I would call a meaningful look.

Yeah, ya got me. Vandenberg's 9-27 against Northwestern really showed us. Stanley saw action in blow outs of 7 games.

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

Yeah, ya got me. Vandenberg's 9-27 against Northwestern really showed us. Stanley saw action in blow outs of 7 games.

Let me get this straight.

You’re gonna sit here and tell me that you think Stanley throwing 9 passes in garbage time across 6 games is a more meaningful look at how good a player is or isn’t than Vandenberg starting 2 complete games with a Big Ten championship, NY6 bowl birth, and potentially a BCS championship appearance on the line?

 

[squeezebox_1]

Let me get this straight.

You’re gonna sit here and tell me that you think Stanley throwing 9 passes in garbage time across 6 games is a more meaningful look at how good a player is or isn’t than Vandenberg starting 2 complete games with a Big Ten championship, NY6 bowl birth, and potentially a BCS championship appearance on the line?

Na, I think seeing action as a backup is generally good, the more game time experience is a good. I know Stanley’s time wasn’t as meaningful, but he saw a decent amount of time to move to the starting spot in 2017. Just as I don’t think Browns time playing for virtually the same spot as vandeberg wasn’t beneficial.

 

[Jonathan Assbutt Jr.]

Lester noted in a media session this past season that Hecklinski had an advantage on Brown when it came to off-schedule plays. Which says a bit. That comment coupled with the acknowledgement that Hecklinski is a bit of 'gun-slinger' tells me Hecklinski likely has some real play making ability. Finds a way. If you watch his tape from HS this would be confirmed. Lots of creative throws, off balance throws, etc. Seemed really accurate though.

His negatives are A) size, B) not a huge arm. (Seems more like a Purdy/Brecht arm to me)

Brown, as we've seen, has a bigger arm. Has some real velocity on his throws and can likely fit it into windows that Hecklinski couldn't. Better size. But doesn't move as well and isn't the creator his Hecklinski is. Sounds like a guy that has some real arm talent, can look really good in practice... but questions remain on level of play on game day. Can he put it all together?

That's the sense I get on these two.

 

[doughuddl2_rivals]

I’m excited for Heck because he came in late and still showed Lester enough to move up to #2. That tells me he’s got some promise. Doesn’t mean there’s not questions at the position, but it’s not like it’s Deacon and Marco battling it out.

I’m also in the camp that wants to stay away from a portal QB this cycle in order to use those funds to throw at a WR or 2.

How do you attract 2 quality WRs with a QB1 that completed 2 passes the prior season?

Answer: Your don't

 

[HawksRule73]

How do you attract 2 quality WRs with a QB1 that completed 2 passes the prior season?

Answer: Your don't

$$

 

[doughuddl2_rivals]

Spending less for the sake of competition would be fine. Iowa's portal QB strategy thus far, shelling out a ton of money which then creates an obligation to start the player, has been shown not to work.

How'd it work for Indiana?

 

[Bierhalter]

How'd it work for Indiana?

They hit on one, we've missed on several. I will say, if they're going to shell out more $ for QB1, they should bring in one with more than a year of eligibility.

 

[eyesofhawk]

Spending less for the sake of competition would be fine. Iowa's portal QB strategy thus far, shelling out a ton of money which then creates an obligation to start the player, has been shown not to work.

You must referring to the obligation to start guy that gives the team the best chance to win

 

[Iron Doc]

Just so our Brain Trust doesn't repeat the idiocy of bringing in YET ANOTHER damaged goods QB.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

I’d like to see both battle it out in fall camp. But if coaches aren’t sold on either after bowl practices then go portal again if they truly believe a better option to win more games. I know MG will play in the bowl but last year after bowl practices and games was apparent Sullivan wasn’t the guy and they hit the portal or even Labas when he played vs kentucky in music city and we went out and got McNamara and deacon….

as others said I’d hope they don’t use $ on a qb and can focus on other positions as qbs are 7 figue players anymore. As for brown to be fair I’d say IU game little unfair as a measuring stick. Thrown in 2nd half vs top 5 D with multiple all Americans. After seeing how that D did against heisman finalist osu qb Sayin and his future nfl wr speaks volumes. But I’d prefer a qb who is elusive like hecklinski. Give me a Drew tate or beathard qb who is a passer first but when asked to can make plays with his legs.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

I'd rather have options. May the best man win. Imo not every option we bring in needs to be a 2 million dollar man... tho that man won us a bunch of games late wed likely lost if he wasn't on the team. We just disagree, but I say keep chasing the portal and let the best man win. Helinski and Brown both came knowing they'd have to battle. Same with Sullivan and Hill the year before. Imo, if a kid is worth it than get him here.

I think with the Freshman we brought in last year, and this upcoming we'll be fine with Heck , (especially if young Fitz stays). Bringing in a couple of guys every year is fine, BUT the flip side is you also have guys, or multiple guys leaving every year, and you just keep starting over in their development.

 

[squeezebox_1]

They hit on one, we've missed on several. I will say, if they're going to shell out more $ for QB1, they should bring in one with more than a year of eligibility.

They've hit on 2, Kurtis Rourke was also great at Indy. With that said, I'm not sure the Iowa NIL can handle a multi year starter in the portal. They were outbid for Pribula last year, and holy hell would he have been a monster in Iowa's offense.

 

[Blair Sanderson]

It may entirely depend on how Lester feels when Spring ball starts. If he feels that there is better talent out there, will we try and pursue it? I think Kirk will defect to Tim on that one.

I for one, think we should go in on Hecklinski and see how he does. He's been in the system for an entire year and will be present for Spring ball. I've heard reports that Brown has been doing well in practice lately, but that means nothing to me, personally. But having two QBs that have been here longer than a year will be a luxury considering that hasn't happened in who knows how long.

I'd like to see the funds we'd normally use to get a QB to instead go to getting more DLineman, CBs, LBs, and WRs.

The only portal window is January 2-16 now, so you can't really wait until the spring to evaluate things. Has to be done during bowl prep.

 

[QChawks]

I've gotten to the point where it really doesn't matter

Iowa can win 7-8 games with a QB that literally never throws and just hands the ball off.

Until the WR rooms improves it's probably better to just run the triple option

 

[2D]

The only portal window is January 2-16 now, so you can't really wait until the spring to evaluate things. Has to be done during bowl prep.

I had forgotten they eliminated the spring portal window. Tim and Co. have their work cut out for them.

 

[Bierhalter]

You must referring to the obligation to start guy that gives the team the best chance to run the ball

Fixed that for you