QB Battle: Jeremy Hecklinski appears to have passed Hank Brown on the Depth Chart. QB was NOT a Transfer Portal Priority per KF on Dec 18

[Kceasthawk@77]

Spent “all the money on other players”…..

We got guys from the likes Villanova, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas Rio Grande Valley State Junior University.

If we didn’t have money past those guys…. There’s just no money. OR... Iowa football is very conservative (Would not be surprised the least bit) and is building up an account balance.

You have ZERO idea what your talking about. Many of "those guys" had multiple really good offers in the portal other then Iowa. The WR from TRGVJ had a lot of top schools after him. Show us what they paid for each player, or better yet what did Iowa pay for retention of some of their top returning players? If you don't know, (which you don't) then how can you justify that statement?

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Agree on Hawkeye fans needing to look past one errant pass when evaluating our quarterbacks.

I am reminded of another quarterback competition, back in 1987, when Iowa entered the season with Dan McGwire, Tom Poholsky, and Chuck Hartlieb all competing for the job. In the season opener, in the Kickoff Classic against Tennessee, all 3 were given an opportunity. Perhaps Hartlieb's most notable play was a ridiculously bad pitch-out that was snatched up by the Tennessee defensive player and returned for a 96-yard touchdown. At that point, it seemed like Hartlieb's moment in the QB competition was over. But the coaches knew Chuck had more to offer than he showed on the play. The next week, McGwire started the game against Arizona, but struggled. Hartlieb came off the bench to lead the team to a comeback win. Hartlieb then started the next two games, blowout wins over Iowa State and Kansas State. The rest is history, as Hartlieb went on to become one of the most prolific passers in Hawkeye history.

It's a good thing he wasn't judged solely by one very poor play.

I'm not saying Hank Brown should be our starter. Or that it should be Jeremy Hecklinski. (And folks shouldn't sleep on Tradon Bessinger, if you ask me.) All I'm saying is that it's stupid for fans to place too much emphasis on one play, particularly when there is so much happening in practices that we never see.

I'd agree with most of this until the part about the freshman. If we have to turn the offense over to a kid this season who probably just got to Iowa City in the last couple of weeks and has never been on the practice field, were probably in trouble. Hell maybe either Jimmy Sullivan or young Fitz. At least they've been with the team for a year+.

 

[HMB Trumpet]

Hank Brown is a poor man’s Nathan Stanley. He’s a statue in the pocket. If I am the opposing defense all you do is stack the box and blitz. Some will say “Oh, but we have receivers who can get separation.” Doesn’t matter when the blitz is in the QB’s face within seconds. Also what makes it more concerning is the Oline isn’t last years Oline which tells me we will have some growing pains. Hank is NOT the answer. We need someone with mobility and moxie. That is Heck all the way. This is strikingly similar to the Christensen and Stanzi situation. I hope Kirk has learned from that mess.

Lester says Brown has good mobility, but more to the edges rather than up the middle like Grono. So, definitely not like Nate.

Heck may indeed be the answer, but a big mobility difference wouldn't be the reason.

 

[Franisdaman]

Well it sounds like Lester will be picking the QB, so I'll wait and see.....

I hope it is Lester's choice. After all, you want the guy Lester feels most comfortable with in running his offense. Kirk needs to give input, but that's it (IMO)

 

[Franisdaman]

Lester says Brown has good mobility, but more to the edges rather than up the middle like Grono. So, definitely not like Nate.

Heck may indeed be the answer, but a big mobility difference wouldn't be the reason.

I like that Heck is a gun slinger. But we know Kirk is risk averse, so if Heck is throwing too many bad balls in practice, that won't be good for him. It will be interesting to see how this plays out....

 

[HMB Trumpet]

I like that Heck is a gun slinger. But we know Kirk is risk averse, so if Heck is throwing too many bad balls in practice, that won't be good for him. It will be interesting to see how this plays out....

According to one Lester interview, they're trying to get Heck to take fewer (smarter) risks and Brown to take more. Which ever guy gets closest to the Golden Mean is probably the game one starter.

 

[Franisdaman]

From yesterday:

 

[Franisdaman]

 

[Franisdaman]

 

[Franisdaman]

 

[Franisdaman]

 

[HawksRule73]

I don't know how much this matters anymore in the world of the transfer portal.....but the old adage was that if everything was equal, you go with the younger guy because you'll get him for longer. In this case, I still agree with that. If Heck and Hank end up even, go with Heck because you'll have him for 3 years instead of 2.

 

[DuddyB]

I don't know how much this matters anymore in the world of the transfer portal.....but the old adage was that if everything was equal, you go with the younger guy because you'll get him for longer. In this case, I still agree with that. If Heck and Hank end up even, go with Heck because you'll have him for 3 years instead of 2.

If one were a Jr and one were a Sr, I’d agree. I’d go with whichever has the higher upside though.

 

[WeBeHerkin]

I saw a KCRG article regarding Tom Moore sitting in the meetings and showed them a play or two he loved.

 

[Franisdaman]

@RagnarLothbrok , it really appears to be neck and neck.

However, Hecklinski might have a slight edge.

From yesterday:

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

I listened to the Swarmcast on lunch today and Eickholt mentioned something along the lines of “based off things I’ve been told Hecklinski has a slight edge, but it’s like 51/49, where 6 months ago I would have said 65/35”

 

[Franisdaman]

I listened to the Swarmcast on lunch today and Eickholt mentioned something along the lines of “based off things I’ve been told Hecklinski has a slight edge, but it’s like 51/49, where 6 months ago I would have said 65/35”

Interesting. Did Hank just work his butt off or any idea how he closed the gap?

 

[Franisdaman]

Lester says Brown has good mobility, but more to the edges rather than up the middle like Grono. So, definitely not like Nate.

Heck may indeed be the answer, but a big mobility difference wouldn't be the reason.

I really hope someone is standing out.

I hate hearing that it might not be decided until after the season starts.

 

[r_desihawk]

I listened to the Swarmcast on lunch today and Eickholt mentioned something along the lines of “based off things I’ve been told Hecklinski has a slight edge, but it’s like 51/49, where 6 months ago I would have said 65/35”

there’s a podcast video from a few weeks back in which lester seemed very positive about brown and didn’t make any mention of hecklinksi. at all. made me wonder if brown will be the guy.

 

[Wobmam Rulez!]

Brown must've figured out how to complete a wide open screen pass.

 

[Franisdaman]

Chad's top 4 Wide Receivers:

Reece Vander Zee
Tony Diaz
Evan James
Dayton Howard

KJ Parker might be the #5 WR option.
Jarriett Buie is another good WR option (missed all of last year).

Or. Lester could go with a 12 formation (one RB, two tight ends).

Reece Vander Zee - Football 2026-27

Reece Vander Zee - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Tony Diaz - Football 2026-27

Tony Diaz - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Evan James - Football 2026-27

Evan James - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Dayton Howard - Football 2026-27

Dayton Howard - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

KJ Parker - Football 2026-27

KJ Parker - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Jarriett Buie - Football 2026-27

Jarriett Buie - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Tight End options:

DJ Vonnahme - Football 2026-27

DJ Vonnahme - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Addison Ostrenga - Football 2026-27

Addison Ostrenga - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Zach Ortwerth - Football 2026-27

Zach Ortwerth - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Thomas Meyer - Football 2026-27

Thomas Meyer - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Michael Burt - Football 2026-27

Michael Burt - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

 

[Franisdaman]

The Tony Diaz hype continues.

Bob Sanders, Marshall Yanda, and...Tony Diaz???

Now as long as we have a QB who can get him (and the other receivers) the ball.

Watch:

 

[Franisdaman]

Brown must've figured out how to complete a wide open screen pass.

what could have been....

 

[Franisdaman]

According to one Lester interview, they're trying to get Heck to take fewer (smarter) risks and Brown to take more. Which ever guy gets closest to the Golden Mean is probably the game one starter.

Jeremy has up to 3 more years of playing time; Hank has 2.

If Jeremy wins the job, we might finally have some long term stability at the QB position.

Jeremy Hecklinski - Football 2026-27

Jeremy Hecklinski - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

Hank Brown - Football 2026-27

Hank Brown - Football 2026-27

hawkeyesports.com

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

Interesting. Did Hank just work his butt off or any idea how he closed the gap?

They did not mention anything specific in regard to on the field other than that he has been more willing to take risks downfield. They did spend an abnormal amount of time talking about how he “talks/carries” himself more like the #1 QB to the media. Not sure what to make of that. It could be that he feels he has pulled ahead but it could also just be his personality.

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

there’s a podcast video from a few weeks back in which lester seemed very positive about brown and didn’t make any mention of hecklinksi. at all. made me wonder if brown will be the guy.

Yes, the ANF podcast. I recall him hyping up Browns athleticism/speed, but that was more in comparison to how the media portrays him. And they make it seem like he’s a statue with the speed of a glacier, so I’m not sure that’s saying much. He did say that Brown has a stronger arm.

 

[Franisdaman]

They did not mention anything specific in regard to on the field other than that he has been more willing to take risks downfield. They did spend an abnormal amount of time talking about how he “talks/carries” himself more like the #1 QB to the media. Not sure what to make of that. It could be that he feels he has pulled ahead but it could also just be his personality.

Kirk hates turnovers so hopefully Jeremy has adjusted accordingly. Lol

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

Kirk hates turnovers so hopefully Jeremy has adjusted accordingly. Lol

Now that you say that I remember them saying something about Lester showing him some charts of stats at practice (a couple months ago, not recently) and Heck had more yards and a better completion % but twice as many interceptions. Then they said something about how Heck looked like he was trying to prove he could reel it in during the spring game and Brown looked like he was trying to unleash it during the spring game.

I included tagged the YouTube link. I’m not gonna rewatch the whole thing, but 7:15 is an interesting statement. “If Tim Lester was adamant about one guy over the other, I think Kirk starts who Tim wants. And I think he made that clear when we were talking to him at the Big Ten media day when he said nobody has more influence than Tim Lester.”

 

[MAXIMUSHAWKEYE]

I don't know how much this matters anymore in the world of the transfer portal.....but the old adage was that if everything was equal, you go with the younger guy because you'll get him for longer. In this case, I still agree with that. If Heck and Hank end up even, go with Heck because you'll have him for 3 years instead of 2.

Pre NIL days, i would agree. But if a guy blows up, then you have every school with deep pockets looking to poach him. No longer can you count on a player staying around.

 

[Franisdaman]

Yes, the ANF podcast. I recall him hyping up Browns athleticism/speed, but that was more in comparison to how the media portrays him. And they make it seem like he’s a statue with the speed of a glacier, so I’m not sure that’s saying much. He did say that Brown has a stronger arm.

do you think they will be rotating QBs in the first game?

 

[Franisdaman]

Now that you say that I remember them saying something about Lester showing him some charts of stats at practice (a couple months ago, not recently) and Heck had more yards and a better completion % but twice as many interceptions. Then they said something about how Heck looked like he was trying to prove he could reel it in during the spring game and Brown looked like he was trying to unleash it during the spring game.

I included tagged the YouTube link. I’m not gonna rewatch the whole thing, but 7:15 is an interesting statement. “If Tim Lester was adamant about one guy over the other, I think Kirk starts who Tim wants. And I think he made that clear when we were talking to him at the Big Ten media day when he said nobody has more influence than Tim Lester.”

I really would hope that Kirk gives his input BUT Lester makes the choice.

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

do you think they will be rotating QBs in the first game?

All signs point to yes, but they have all camp for someone to separate themselves. We’ll see what happens.

 

[Franisdaman]

All signs point to yes, but they have all camp for someone to separate themselves. We’ll see what happens.

Never did like rotating QBs....I guess you can do that in the opener, when we will be heavily favored....

 

[Franisdaman]

Kirk, postgame, on Jeremy Hecklinski moving into the 2nd-string QB spot after Mark Gronowski:

“The way he’s practiced. … It’s really close. Hank has done a really good job. … It’s going to be ongoing — the competition. We like how those guys operate.”

Jeremy vs Hank has been a close race since this Oct 12, 2025 quote from Kirk.

 

[Franisdaman]

Well, he did something Hank couldn’t do - complete a screen pass. (I think) What could have been vs Indy….

Apparently Hank has that particular pass down now.

 

[Franisdaman]

Thankfully Eyes isn't ruining this thread like he is the other ones!

 

[Franisdaman]

I don't know how much this matters anymore in the world of the transfer portal.....but the old adage was that if everything was equal, you go with the younger guy because you'll get him for longer. In this case, I still agree with that. If Heck and Hank end up even, go with Heck because you'll have him for 3 years instead of 2.

I agree.

And injuries happen so you can't have enough good QBs on your roster....

I just hope whoever ends up QB2 doesn't hit the transfer portal

 

[Franisdaman]

If one were a Jr and one were a Sr, I’d agree. I’d go with whichever has the higher upside though.

I guess I would go with the gunslinger (Hecklinski).

 

[BunchofAholes]

Thankfully Eyes isn't ruining this thread like he is the other ones!

No, that task has fallen to the guys who can't stop talking about one screen pass.

That aside, I think it's easier to coach a guy up on managing his risk a little more than getting a guy to make a throw he's hesitant to.

 

[hawkeyebob1962]

I agree.

And injuries happen so you can't have enough good QBs on your roster....

I just hope whoever ends up QB2 doesn't hit the transfer

I agree.

And injuries happen so you can't have enough good QBs on your roster....

I just hope whoever ends up QB2 doesn't hit the transfer portal

<<I just hope whoever ends up QB2 doesn't the transfer portal>>

Like saying, "I hope the second-hottest chick stays at the bar after the guy she wanted picked her friend instead". It's the norm now. Only question is whether or not QB2 stays out the season so QB2 is actually available...