Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Northern Iowa: 5 Players to Watch in Final Non-Conference Test

The No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes close out their non-conference schedule Saturday with a familiar in-state rival, hosting Northern Iowa at Kinnick Stadium (3 p.m., FS1). After a physical Cy-Hawk battle, Iowa looks to fine-tune its game before Big Ten play heats up. Here are five Hawkeyes to keep an eye on as Iowa aims to improve to 3-0.

Quarterback competition: Will Jeremy Hecklinski get his shot?

Head coach Kirk Ferentz has yet to name a permanent starting quarterback, keeping the battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski alive. Brown appears to have the edge after throwing for nearly 200 yards against Iowa State, but this matchup against an FCS opponent could be the perfect opportunity to give Hecklinski significant snaps.

Ferentz hinted during his weekly press conference that Brown is likely to start, but the rotation used against Northern Illinois could return. With UNI coming off a 3-9 season and clearly overmatched, this game offers a low-risk chance to evaluate both signal-callers before Iowa travels to Michigan next weekend.

Offensive line needs to reassert dominance

Iowa's offensive line surprised fans with a lackluster rushing performance against Iowa State, managing just 93 yards after exploding for nearly 300 against Northern Illinois. Ferentz downplayed the drop-off, citing the physical nature of the Cy-Hawk rivalry, but the struggles are worth monitoring with Big Ten play looming.

Against a lesser opponent in Northern Iowa, expect the offensive line to reestablish its identity and iron out communication issues before the critical trip to Ann Arbor.

Addison Ostrenga steps up at tight end

With DJ Vonnahme unlikely to play, Addison Ostrenga becomes the top tight end option. Ostrenga returned for a final season after missing most of 2025 with an Achilles injury. While Iowa's tight ends haven't been heavily targeted due to Tony Diaz's emergence, this game provides a chance to exploit size mismatches in the middle of the field.

Offensive coordinator Tim Lester should look to get his tight ends involved against UNI, giving Ostrenga a chance to showcase his playmaking ability.

Brevin Doll: Return game primed for a breakout

Iowa hasn't returned a kickoff all season, but that could change Saturday. Northern Iowa's punting and kickoff coverage present opportunities, particularly up the right sideline. Third-year running back Brevin Doll, known for his explosiveness, is expected to handle return duties.

With the Panthers' special teams showing vulnerability, Doll could provide Iowa with a spark in the field position battle.

What to watch against Northern Iowa

This game is about building momentum and addressing weaknesses before Big Ten competition intensifies. Iowa's offensive line, quarterback rotation, and special teams will be under the microscope. A dominant performance against UNI would send a strong message as the Hawkeyes prepare for a grueling conference slate.

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. Fans can catch the action on FS1.