Iowa football reportedly decides on starting QB vs. Northern Illinois

All offseason long, one question has swirled around the Iowa football program: who will be the starting quarterback? On the morning of the season opener, it appears there is finally an answer to that question, at least in the short run.

Fourth-year Hank Brown and third-year Jeremy Hecklinski have battled all summer for the starting quarterback role. It's been a back and forth competition, with both guys earning small victories throughout the process. Despite that, head coach Kirk Ferentz didn't name a starter for the 2026 season opener against Northern Illinois.