Iowa Football Depth Chart: Projecting Hawkeyes' Week 1 Offense
As the Iowa Hawkeyes prepare for their Week 1 showdown against Northern Illinois, the offensive starting lineup remains a puzzle with several moving pieces. While the quarterback battle has dominated headlines, other position groups are also facing uncertainty as head coach Kirk Ferentz and offensive coordinator Tim Lester finalize their plans.
The running back and tight end positions appear settled barring injury, but the offensive line offers versatility that could shuffle players around, and the wide receiver corps may operate as a rotational group. Here's our projection for the Hawkeyes' starting offense in Week 1.
Who will be Iowa's starting quarterback?
QB: Jeremy Hecklinski
Jeremy Hecklinski has held the inside track for much of the offseason, despite Hank Brown closing the gap during spring ball. Sources suggest Hecklinski is a more natural fit for Lester's offensive scheme, giving him the edge for the starting nod, though potentially on a short leash.
This remains a genuine competition. Camp reports indicate the two are neck and neck, and fans shouldn't be surprised to see both quarterbacks see significant playing time in the opener.
Running back: Kamari Moulton's job to lose
RB: Kamari Moulton
Kamari Moulton is the clear starter at running back. While Iowa will likely rotate backs as they did last season, and L.J. Phillips could carve out his own workload, Moulton is the guy the Hawkeyes will lean on in Week 1.
Offensive line: Experience and versatility up front
LT: Trevor Lauck
LG: Leighton Jones
C: Cael Winter
RG: Kade Pieper
RT: Jack Dotzler
Trevor Lauck and Jack Dotzler project as the bookend tackles for the Hawkeyes this season. There's a case to be made that Kade Pieper and Cael Winter could flip-flop positions, but all signs point to Pieper holding down the guard spot.
Tight end: Versatile weapons for Lester's offense
TE: DJ Vonnahme
TE: Addison Ostrenga
It's hard to imagine a scenario where DJ Vonnahme isn't the starting tight end in Week 1. He came on strong down the stretch last year and could serve as Lester's versatile chess piece in the passing game.
If Iowa comes out with two tight ends, Addison Ostrenga returns to the fold after injury. Entering his fifth year in the program, he brings valuable scheme knowledge and could see extended action this season.
Wide receiver: Who earns the starting spots?
WR: Reece Vander Zee
WR: Tony Diaz
Slot (if necessary): Evan James
Reece Vander Zee is locked into one starting receiver position. The opposite spot could see some rotation, but Tony Diaz has flashed during spring ball and fall camp as a legitimate deep threat. His explosiveness earns him a Week 1 starting role.
Should the Hawkeyes go with three wide receivers, Evan James, the transfer from Furman, gives them a true slot presence. With 796 yards on 65 receptions last year, he could man the slot early and has continued to impress during fall camp.
What formation will Iowa use in Week 1?
Projections suggest Iowa comes out in 12 personnel, featuring one back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers. However, the Hawkeyes have the flexibility to shift to 11 personnel with three receivers if the matchup calls for it.
The Hawkeyes open their season against Northern Illinois, and fans will finally get answers to the lingering questions about this offense when the starting lineup is officially announced.