Iowa Hawkeyes QB Battle Looms as Big Ten Quarterback Rankings Released
As Big Ten Media Days kick off in Chicago, the unofficial start of college football season is here. And for Iowa Hawkeyes fans, the big question remains: Who will be under center when the season begins?
In a newly released ranking of every projected Big Ten starting quarterback for 2026, Iowa finds itself near the bottom, with an ongoing quarterback battle between Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown. The Hawkeyes, known for relying on their defense and running game, are once again banking on a ground-and-pound approach to open up the passing attack.
Iowa's Quarterback Situation: A Familiar Story
Iowa's quarterback battle is nothing new. The Hawkeyes have long lived and died by their defense and running game, and 2026 looks to be no different. Neither Hecklinski nor Brown has significant playing experience, which has the Hawkeyes ranked 18th out of 18 Big Ten teams in the quarterback rankings.
In typical Iowa fashion, the team will lean heavily on its run game to create opportunities through the air. The defense, once again expected to be stout, will carry much of the load. While there is hope that the quarterbacks can exceed expectations, it may be a long year for the Iowa passing attack.
Big Ten Quarterback Rankings: Who's on Top?
The rankings, compiled by Yahoo Sports, place Oregon's Dante Moore at No. 1, followed by USC's Jayden Maiava at No. 2 and Ohio State's Julian Sayin at No. 3. These three signal-callers are expected to lead their teams deep into the season, with Moore even drawing early NFL Draft buzz as a potential No. 1 overall pick in 2027.
Other notable rankings include Indiana's Josh Hoover at No. 4, Penn State's Rocco Becht at No. 5, and Washington's Demond Williams at No. 6. The full list highlights the depth of talent across the conference, but also underscores the challenges facing Iowa and other programs with unsettled quarterback rooms.
What This Means for Iowa Fans
For Iowa fans, the message is clear: The Hawkeyes will need to rely on their strengths — a powerful running game and a stingy defense — to compete in a conference loaded with elite quarterback talent. While the quarterback battle may not inspire confidence in the passing game, Iowa's formula for success has worked before.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff will have to make a decision soon on who will lead the offense. Whether it's Hecklinski or Brown, the Hawkeyes will need to find a way to keep pace in a Big Ten that is increasingly defined by high-powered passing attacks.
Looking Ahead: Iowa's Path to Success
Iowa's path to a successful season will depend on its ability to control the clock, win the turnover battle, and get just enough from its quarterback to keep defenses honest. The Hawkeyes have a history of exceeding expectations when the pieces fit, and this year could be no different.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Iowa City to see which quarterback emerges. For now, the Hawkeyes remain a team built on defense and the run, but in a conference full of star quarterbacks, they'll need more than just grit to compete.