Brown is 16th or 17th best BIG QB

[jhoosh43]

The irony of saying someone is not a good person (presuming you don’t know him personally) and then calling him simple-minded is pretty hilarious.

I have enough personal experience with people that use the same very specific language he uses in every player interview to know some of his character. Those ppl do not make good leaders, only manipulators. They twist things that I take very seriously and use it to hurt other ppl.

It concerns me that he is in a position of leadership on the team. Most of the players probably see through his bs and don’t connect with him. If he continues to struggle and keep the starting spot, I don’t think the team will stay together.

 

[DuddyB]

I have enough personal experience with people that use the same very specific language he uses in every player interview to know some of his character. Those ppl do not make good leaders, only manipulators. They twist things that I take very seriously and use it to hurt other ppl.

It concerns me that he is in a position of leadership on the team. Most of the players probably see through his bs and don’t connect with him. If he continues to struggle and keep the starting spot, I don’t think the team will stay together.

So you don’t like that he is front facing Christian essentially and that makes him not a good person?

 

[Trakker]

So you don’t like that he is front facing Christian essentially and that makes him not a good person?

We all know how terrible of a leader Tim Tebow was at Florida.

 

[DuddyB]

We all know how terrible of a leader Tim Tebow was at Florida.

You have to go all the way back to 2025 find a vocal Christian leading their team to a national championship.

 

[93hawkeye]

This is on Lester, team is good enough for a playoff run, but we came into the year without a legit QB talent

based on what? 12 team playoff means you think the Hawks are one of the 12 best and can 'make a run', meaning win playoff games. I don't understand where you're getting that.

 

[Stoopsbrother]

Seems like there were a lot of Brown supporters prior to the OSU game and now they have switched. I posted earlier that the OL is unfortunately part of the problem. Lets see what happens Friday, got a feeling Hawks rebound back with a W. And yes I know the West coast jinx.

the o line can only hold their blocks for so long! #9 takes forever to get the ball out.

 

[Jonesy5960]

But, does Lester REALLY have the necessary autonomy to get the job done?

He's not operating in a vacuum if that's what you're asking. I think if Iowa had unlimited funds you'd probably see someone else playing QB, but they don't and were hoping they had enough juice and experience in the room to get by.

 

[Jonesy5960]

Im sure he would have excelled against NIU and UNI as well.

This Heck fever dream is crazy. Heck played in both of those games and he was bad in both.

NIU
7-16 76 yards 1TD,1 INT 92 Passer Rating 10.5 QBR

UNI
6-11 65 yards 1 sack 104 Passer Rating 9.6 QBR

 

[Smigamorski]

Lesters scheme works, receivers are constantly getting open. Whichever qb can process and hit the open targets should play. Hank has the better arm but you don't need a strong arm to be successful in this system. I do worry this system it too much for college players though. It takes NFL players years to master a pro system and even some of the most talented young NFL QBs are not developing at the rates they should.

 

[HawksRule25]

This Heck fever dream is crazy. Heck played in both of those games and he was bad in both.

NIU
7-16 76 yards 1TD,1 INT 92 Passer Rating 10.5 QBR

UNI
6-11 65 yards 1 sack 104 Passer Rating 9.6 QBR

 

[jhoosh43]

So you don’t like that he is front facing Christian essentially and that makes him not a good person?

Front facing Christian is not what I have a problem with. If you aren’t familiar with the type of ppl that use the very specific language he uses, then you’re fortunate.

I’m not surprised he has trouble making reads against decent defenses. Someone with his mindset typically can’t operate in chaos. They also can’t relate to most human beings. I don’t see him getting past panicking in the pocket and locking onto his first read.

 

[UIAlumFireFighter]

Front facing Christian is not what I have a problem with. If you aren’t familiar with the type of ppl that use the very specific language he uses, then you’re fortunate.

I’m not surprised he has trouble making reads against decent defenses. Someone with his mindset typically can’t operate in chaos. They also can’t relate to most human beings. I don’t see him getting past panicking in the pocket and locking onto his first read.

This is absolutely, 1,000% F’ing stupid.

 

[jhoosh43]

This is absolutely, 1,000% F’ing stupid.

I’ll simplify it for those of you that think Christianity is one thing (I am a Christian btw). He’s evangelical. It’s religious extremism, and it’s a problem.

 

[DuddyB]

I’ll simplify it for those of you that think Christianity is one thing (I am a Christian btw). He’s evangelical. It’s religious extremism, and it’s a problem.

At the risk of derailing the thread, I don’t know how any Christian can not be pro-evangelizing. It’s not religious extremism, it’s a core belief and what God and Jesus Christ ask us to do. I can understand why that might bother some nonbelievers but I’ve literally never met a Christian who wants another Christian to stop witnessing.

 

[jhoosh43]

At the risk of derailing the thread, I don’t know how any Christian can not be pro-evangelizing. It’s not religious extremism, it’s a core belief and what God and Jesus Christ ask us to do. I can understand why that might bother some nonbelievers but I’ve literally never met a Christian who wants another Christian to stop witnessing.

Sorry I was wrong and used the wrong term. He’s a Christian fundamentalist.

Although there are plenty of Christians not classified as evangelicals.

I personally would like them to stop witnessing in many situations because it turns ppl away from faith. Oftentimes it’s performative and closed minded.

 

[UIAlumFireFighter]

I’ll simplify it for those of you that think Christianity is one thing (I am a Christian btw). He’s evangelical. It’s religious extremism, and it’s a problem.

You’re connecting his Christianity (or whatever the f*** it is) to his football decision-making. That is really, really dumb.

 

[Franisdaman]

But he's better than most QBs we've recently had. That's kinda pathetic.
Almost ZERO offense vs the 3 P4 opponents we've played. He very rarely throws a clean ball. Usually too long, behind receiver, or too far in front of receiver. We got very lucky with bounces and penalties vs Mich on both possessions we actually scored on offense.

ESPN has him #9

2026 Big Ten Season Leaders Total QBR | ESPN

Visit ESPN to view Big Ten Conference Total QBR for the current and previous seasons

www.espn.com

 

[Rambler Hawk]

ESPN has him #9

2026 Big Ten Season Leaders Total QBR | ESPN

Visit ESPN to view Big Ten Conference Total QBR for the current and previous seasons

www.espn.com

Thanks for posting - confirms that he is (literally) a middle of the road BT QB to this point...not great, but not as horrible as some make him out to be. He is definitely not in the same bottom of the barrel quad as Hill, Petras, and Padilla. I'd put him in the same quad as other former QBs like Sherman, McCann, and Vandenberg. Too lazy to compare stats though.

Edit: Anyone else jealous that ILLinois seems to be pulling in savy, experienced QBs of late without a problem?!?! Deeper pockets maybe?

 

[doughuddl2_rivals]

I’ll simplify it for those of you that think Christianity is one thing (I am a Christian btw). He’s evangelical. It’s religious extremism, and it’s a problem.

So you are a bigot and a college football expert. Gotcha.

 

[J.Hawkeye]

JFC.

 

[BringBackBradBanks]

Anybody’s stats would be inflated after playing teams like NIU and UNI. The real question is against power 5 competition. He was ok against ISU. And below average (and extremely lucky) against Michigan and bad against Ohio State.

 

[Palmerhawk]

Thanks for posting - confirms that he is (literally) a middle of the road BT QB to this point...not great, but not as horrible as some make him out to be. He is definitely not in the same bottom of the barrel quad as Hill, Petras, and Padilla. I'd put him in the same quad as other former QBs like Sherman, McCann, and Vandenberg. Too lazy to compare stats though.

Edit: Anyone else jealous that ILLinois seems to be pulling in savy, experienced QBs of late without a problem?!?! Deeper pockets maybe?

Saw an article that indicated that the average compensation for power 4 QBs is 2-3 million.

I am sure Illinois is paying at least that much for their QBs.
What are we paying for hank? Or Jeremy?
Much less,I suspect.

The Iowa program is constrained at qb due to the budget.


.

 

[85Bears]

Saw an article that indicated that the average compensation for power 4 QBs is 2-3 million.

I am sure Illinois is paying at least that much for their QBs.
What are we paying for hank? Or Jeremy?
Much less,I suspect.

The Iowa program is constrained at qb due to the budget.


.

very true, people that demand undefeated Cignetti results and turn their nose up at 9-4 have no idea how small Iowas nil budget is. They don’t realize with average coaching results Iowa could easily be Rutgers or Maryland or Minnesota.

 

[squeezebox_1]

This Heck fever dream is crazy. Heck played in both of those games and he was bad in both.

NIU
7-16 76 yards 1TD,1 INT 92 Passer Rating 10.5 QBR

UNI
6-11 65 yards 1 sack 104 Passer Rating 9.6 QBR

NIU: should have been 10-16 with three drops that would have been first downs, DJ, Diaz and RVZ were hit in the hands on 3 of those passes. I won't count James as that ball was low, but again he had his hands on it. One glaring miss was the missed shot to Diaz in the 3rd.

UNI: He was 5 for 6 with the starters, not including Diaz on his second drive. Second half was all second string including OL, WRs/TEs. I don't think it's as clear as you point it out to be.

 

[Jonesy5960]

NIU: should have been 10-16 with three drops that would have been first downs, DJ, Diaz and RVZ were hit in the hands on 3 of those passes. I won't count James as that ball was low, but again he had his hands on it. One glaring miss was the missed shot to Diaz in the 3rd.

UNI: He was 5 for 6 with the starters, not including Diaz on his second drive. Second half was all second string including OL, WRs/TEs. I don't think it's as clear as you point it out to be.

I deal in numbers and facts. Not what fans think should have happened . Statistically speaking, Brown has been far superior to Hecklinski. That statistical advantage has been achieved with the vast majority of Brown's snaps coming against ISU, Michigan, and OSU. The vast majority of Heck's snaps have come vs NIU and UNI.

Now if you want to argue that the body of work isn't yet sufficient or that Heck has improved over the course of the last several weeks, then have it because that's a legitimate question. He looked comfortable and effective in garbage time vs OSU. We'll find out this week how much he's improved in a true live game environment with a lot at stake. Hopefully it's a lot.

 

[squeezebox_1]

I deal in numbers and facts. Not what fans think should have happened . Statistically speaking, Brown has been far superior to Hecklinski. That statistical advantage has been achieved with the vast majority of Brown's snaps coming against ISU, Michigan, and OSU. The vast majority of Heck's snaps have come vs NIU and UNI.

Now if you want to argue that the body of work isn't yet sufficient or that Heck has improved over the course of the last several weeks, then have it because that's a legitimate question. He looked comfortable and effective in garbage time vs OSU. We'll find out this week how much he's improved in a true live game environment with a lot at stake. Hopefully it's a lot.

Not sure what point exactly you are trying to make, football is not an analytics based sport because the sample sizes are low enough that you cannot run a power analysis with the variability associated with individuals. This is why reflecting on the film is what coaches rely on rather than just the numbers. Now in practice where the variables are nearly identical, you can rely on those numbers, so if Heck was turning the ball over in practice or not playing well, it's understandable. However, the stats that you utilized are a nothing burger.

 

[Jonesy5960]

Not sure what point exactly you are trying to make, football is not an analytics based sport because the sample sizes are low enough that you cannot run a power analysis with the variability associated with individuals. This is why reflecting on the film is what coaches rely on rather than just the numbers. Now in practice where the variables are nearly identical, you can rely on those numbers, so if Heck was turning the ball over in practice or not playing well, it's understandable. However, the stats that you utilized are a nothing burger.

People who's opinions aren't supported by numbers always feel that way.

 

[squeezebox_1]

People who's opinions aren't supported by numbers always feel that way.

27 passes is one hell of a sample size, and I already gave credit for why Hank is starting. Even if Heck goes off this week (assuming he gets the keys), I won't be going off about it.

 

[Rambler Hawk]

Saw an article that indicated that the average compensation for power 4 QBs is 2-3 million.

I am sure Illinois is paying at least that much for their QBs.
What are we paying for hank? Or Jeremy?
Much less,I suspect.

The Iowa program is constrained at qb due to the budget.


.

Stating the obvious, but Illinois might seriously be a major force in both Basketball AND Football going forward....for years they can't seem to get out of their own way regarding their football program. Mostly due to a lot of head scratching hires the past 25 years. With all their rich alumni, I foresee them widening the gap vs a school like Iowa.

 

[Rambler Hawk]

Nm

 

[ajdl]

4-1

With wins over
A god awful northern Illinois team
An even worse UNI team
Barely beating totally rebuilt, Iowa State roster
Needing a miracle to beat a team that should’ve lost to WMU and got handled by Minnesota.

Going to be a loooong year with Hank at the helm

 

[eyesofhawk]

With wins over
A god awful northern Illinois team
An even worse UNI team
Barely beating totally rebuilt, Iowa State roster
Needing a miracle to beat a team that should’ve lost to WMU and got handled by Minnesota.

Going to be a loooong year with Hank at the helm

Then we can assume you wouldn't have been ok with 4-1 at this point, going into the season?

I don't give two ***** about who is QB, and how they rank amongst big ten QBs

 

[TRHawkeye28]

I agree with Eyes on this. We probably would be 4-1 with MG at QB. So....record wise ... We are good

More concerning thing is our lack of running game and Hank missing "the make-ables". Hank or Heck don't need to be great .... just need to hit the open guys to keep the chains moving. If we can fix those 2 things ...the back half of schedule is more than doable

To the "Michigan handled Minnesota" point.... Minnesota was only in that game once Michigan muffed a punt deep in Minnesota territory and Underwood started being Underwood. I'll give Minnesota credit for taking advantage and making him uncomfortable but it isn't like Minnesota is some juggernaut. Their defense was way more aggressive than Phil was. But dline does look better tho

 

[squeezebox_1]

I agree with Eyes on this. We probably would be 4-1 with MG at QB. So....record wise ... We are good

More concerning thing is our lack of running game and Hank missing "the make-ables". Hank or Heck don't need to be great .... just need to hit the open guys to keep the chains moving. If we can fix those 2 things ...the back half of schedule is more than doable

To the "Michigan handled Minnesota" point.... Minnesota was only in that game once Michigan muffed a punt deep in Minnesota territory and Underwood started being Underwood. I'll give Minnesota credit for taking advantage and making him uncomfortable but it isn't like Minnesota is some juggernaut. Their defense was way more aggressive than Phil was. But dline does look better tho

Minnesota is solid on both lines this year. Holding Michigan to 180 total yards is really solid. They pretty much controlled that game after the Lindsey pick 6.

 

[TRHawkeye28]

Minnesota is solid on both lines this year. Holding Michigan to 180 total yards is really solid. They pretty much controlled that game after the Lindsey pick 6.

Yeh probably not giving them as much credit as I should - they definitely have great lines on both sides