1 month ago
The 20th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes roll into Week 3 after claiming the Cy-Hawk Trophy with a 16-13 win over Iowa State from Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
After falling behind 10-0 early, Iowa knotted the game back up by halftime thanks to a 1-yard Hank Brown touchdown run and a Caden Buhr field goal. Buhr would add two more field goal makes in the second half, including his game-winning, 42-yarder with just 15 seconds remaining.
As Iowa turns its attention to its final nonconference date, the Hawkeyes released their Week 3 depth chart vs. UNI:
No. 1: Hank Brown OR Jeremy Hecklinski
No. 3: Jimmy Sullivan
#brown #buhr #goal #hawk
After falling behind 10-0 early, Iowa knotted the game back up by halftime thanks to a 1-yard Hank Brown touchdown run and a Caden Buhr field goal. Buhr would add two more field goal makes in the second half, including his game-winning, 42-yarder with just 15 seconds remaining.
As Iowa turns its attention to its final nonconference date, the Hawkeyes released their Week 3 depth chart vs. UNI:
No. 1: Hank Brown OR Jeremy Hecklinski
No. 3: Jimmy Sullivan
#brown #buhr #goal #hawk
2 months ago
It's game time, baby!
The Hawkeyes are back in action and for the second week in a row, Iowa will play host to a first year coach as the Iowa State Cyclones come to town with new head coach Jimmy Rogers. While Rogers was at South Dakota State before his one year stint at Washington State, he was not leading the Jackrabbits for the 7-3 game back in 2022.
In a role reversal from the last couple years under former head coach Matt Campbell, the Cyclones will come to Iowa City looking drag Iowa down into the mud for a rock fight. ISU boasts a talented defense, particularly up front, but had their fair share of struggles on the offensive side of the ball in week one against SEMO.
They'll rely on shortening the game, limiting possessions and bank on quarterback Jaylen Raynor hitting on a shot play or two.
Can the Hawkeyes avoid giving up a big play after the Cyclones tallied five of them in week one? Can they flip the script and turn those shot plays into turnovers after Raynor avoided interceptions in the opener? And what about the other side of the ball? Will Iowa still be able to find success running the ball against what is framed as a stout defensive front for Iowa State? And if not, can the combination of Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski win this game through the air?
#week
The Hawkeyes are back in action and for the second week in a row, Iowa will play host to a first year coach as the Iowa State Cyclones come to town with new head coach Jimmy Rogers. While Rogers was at South Dakota State before his one year stint at Washington State, he was not leading the Jackrabbits for the 7-3 game back in 2022.
In a role reversal from the last couple years under former head coach Matt Campbell, the Cyclones will come to Iowa City looking drag Iowa down into the mud for a rock fight. ISU boasts a talented defense, particularly up front, but had their fair share of struggles on the offensive side of the ball in week one against SEMO.
They'll rely on shortening the game, limiting possessions and bank on quarterback Jaylen Raynor hitting on a shot play or two.
Can the Hawkeyes avoid giving up a big play after the Cyclones tallied five of them in week one? Can they flip the script and turn those shot plays into turnovers after Raynor avoided interceptions in the opener? And what about the other side of the ball? Will Iowa still be able to find success running the ball against what is framed as a stout defensive front for Iowa State? And if not, can the combination of Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski win this game through the air?
#week
2 months ago
Outside the quarterback battle, no player on Iowa's roster made more headlines this offseason than transfer wide receiver Tony Diaz.
Diaz transferred from UT Rio Grande Valley, hoping to become a difference-maker for the Hawkeyes' offense. The 5-foot-10 third-year receiver was super impressive throughout the summer, reportedly dominating in camp and earning a starting spot in Week 1. Plenty of national media members had taken notice of Diaz as the season neared. Just hours before Iowa's season opener on Saturday, that trend continued.
ESPN's "College GameDay" crew was in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday morning in anticipation of the LSU-Clemson game. During the show, the conversation shifted to the Hawkeyes, with the crew giving their thoughts on Kirk Ferentz's team entering the new season. Soon after, ***** yst Pat McAfee brought up Diaz, prompting host Rece Davis to list his 2025 stat line.
In Iowa's opener against Northern Illinois, Diaz lived up to the GameDay hype. Diaz finished with seven grabs for 84 yards and a touchdown. The San Marcos, Texas, product had a good rapport with both Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. Diaz won on his routes, created a ton of separation, and looked extremely shifty in the open field.
"If he's out there healthy, that's what he does. He got banged up a little bit in the spring, but he just plays hard and he plays fast also. He is fast and plays fast. As dumb as it sounds, he's really aggressive catching ***** . That does sound dumb and kind of silly in some certain ways.
#hawkeyes
Diaz transferred from UT Rio Grande Valley, hoping to become a difference-maker for the Hawkeyes' offense. The 5-foot-10 third-year receiver was super impressive throughout the summer, reportedly dominating in camp and earning a starting spot in Week 1. Plenty of national media members had taken notice of Diaz as the season neared. Just hours before Iowa's season opener on Saturday, that trend continued.
ESPN's "College GameDay" crew was in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday morning in anticipation of the LSU-Clemson game. During the show, the conversation shifted to the Hawkeyes, with the crew giving their thoughts on Kirk Ferentz's team entering the new season. Soon after, ***** yst Pat McAfee brought up Diaz, prompting host Rece Davis to list his 2025 stat line.
In Iowa's opener against Northern Illinois, Diaz lived up to the GameDay hype. Diaz finished with seven grabs for 84 yards and a touchdown. The San Marcos, Texas, product had a good rapport with both Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. Diaz won on his routes, created a ton of separation, and looked extremely shifty in the open field.
"If he's out there healthy, that's what he does. He got banged up a little bit in the spring, but he just plays hard and he plays fast also. He is fast and plays fast. As dumb as it sounds, he's really aggressive catching ***** . That does sound dumb and kind of silly in some certain ways.
#hawkeyes
2 months ago
Iowa started its 2026 campaign in style on Saturday afternoon.
In front of a sold-out Kinnick Stadium, the Hawkeyes completely dominated Northern Illinois on their way to a 40-0 victory. Kirk Ferentz's team took care of business in all three phases of the game to help Iowa open the season with a win. Despite the caliber of the opponent, there was still a lot to like and learn from this game.
The Hawkeyes may have found a winner in the highly contested starting quarterback battle. Phil Parker's defense showed out. And Iowa's return game seems to be in a really good spot. Here's the complete list of takeaways from Iowa's stomping of the Huskies on Saturday.
All eyes were on the Iowa quarterbacks on Saturday. And both guys showed off some good stuff. Hank Brown went 12-of-20 for 129 yards and a touchdown. He didn't play a snap in the second half. The 6-foot-4 signal caller had zip on his passes and made great reads. He has a great arm, which led to a few overthrows and missed opportunities. Outside of those, this was an excellent season debut for Brown.
Jeremy Hecklinski finished the game going 7-of-16 for 76 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He displayed a good rapport with the tight ends and Reece Vander Zee. Like Brown, he missed a few golden opportunities. He also threw a pick in the end zone on a fourth-and-goal. It was far from perfect, but Hecklinski still showed some promise.
#saturday #brown #hecklinski
In front of a sold-out Kinnick Stadium, the Hawkeyes completely dominated Northern Illinois on their way to a 40-0 victory. Kirk Ferentz's team took care of business in all three phases of the game to help Iowa open the season with a win. Despite the caliber of the opponent, there was still a lot to like and learn from this game.
The Hawkeyes may have found a winner in the highly contested starting quarterback battle. Phil Parker's defense showed out. And Iowa's return game seems to be in a really good spot. Here's the complete list of takeaways from Iowa's stomping of the Huskies on Saturday.
All eyes were on the Iowa quarterbacks on Saturday. And both guys showed off some good stuff. Hank Brown went 12-of-20 for 129 yards and a touchdown. He didn't play a snap in the second half. The 6-foot-4 signal caller had zip on his passes and made great reads. He has a great arm, which led to a few overthrows and missed opportunities. Outside of those, this was an excellent season debut for Brown.
Jeremy Hecklinski finished the game going 7-of-16 for 76 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He displayed a good rapport with the tight ends and Reece Vander Zee. Like Brown, he missed a few golden opportunities. He also threw a pick in the end zone on a fourth-and-goal. It was far from perfect, but Hecklinski still showed some promise.
#saturday #brown #hecklinski
2 months ago
Iowa opens its 2026 college football season at home from Kinnick Stadium against Northern Illinois.
The Hawkeyes finished 9-4 (6-3 Big Ten) a season ago, registering its 11th season under head coach Kirk Ferentz with nine or more wins. Ferentz also collected his 11th bowl win of his head coaching career, passing Penn State's Joe Paterno for the most bowl victories in Big Ten Conference history.
As the 2026 season arrives, Iowa is still sorting out its starting quarterback situation. CBS reported Saturday morning that Hank Brown will get the start and first few offensive series, but Jeremy Hecklinski is also expected to play.
Iowa returns just eight starters and only three defensively. With plenty of new faces across the board, Hawkeye fans are excited to get their first look at Iowa in 2026.
As kickoff arrives, follow along here for live updates, the score and highlights from the action at Kinnick.
#season #kinnick #first #northern
The Hawkeyes finished 9-4 (6-3 Big Ten) a season ago, registering its 11th season under head coach Kirk Ferentz with nine or more wins. Ferentz also collected his 11th bowl win of his head coaching career, passing Penn State's Joe Paterno for the most bowl victories in Big Ten Conference history.
As the 2026 season arrives, Iowa is still sorting out its starting quarterback situation. CBS reported Saturday morning that Hank Brown will get the start and first few offensive series, but Jeremy Hecklinski is also expected to play.
Iowa returns just eight starters and only three defensively. With plenty of new faces across the board, Hawkeye fans are excited to get their first look at Iowa in 2026.
As kickoff arrives, follow along here for live updates, the score and highlights from the action at Kinnick.
#season #kinnick #first #northern
2 months ago
In just a matter of days, Iowa will return to Kinnick Stadium to open its 2026 college football season against Northern Illinois.
With the season opener on the horizon, the Hawkeyes gave fans a glimpse of what things will look like on Saturday with the release of their Week 1 depth chart. The first depth chart of the season is always filled with interesting notes and eye-opening decisions. This year's edition is no different.
Iowa has some position battles coming down to the wire and this depth chart offered a first look at who has the pole position in those battles. What did we learn from the Hawkeyes' first depth chart of the 2026 season?
Here's a look at some takeaways from the Week 1 depth chart.
The biggest thing fans were curious to see was which quarterback was listed as the starter. Kirk Ferentz made it clear that the battle is still ongoing. He listed Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski as the starter with the "OR" tag tying them together. It appears the starting quarterback battle will linger into Week 1, with both guys getting significant reps in the game.
#chart #first #hawkeyes #position
With the season opener on the horizon, the Hawkeyes gave fans a glimpse of what things will look like on Saturday with the release of their Week 1 depth chart. The first depth chart of the season is always filled with interesting notes and eye-opening decisions. This year's edition is no different.
Iowa has some position battles coming down to the wire and this depth chart offered a first look at who has the pole position in those battles. What did we learn from the Hawkeyes' first depth chart of the 2026 season?
Here's a look at some takeaways from the Week 1 depth chart.
The biggest thing fans were curious to see was which quarterback was listed as the starter. Kirk Ferentz made it clear that the battle is still ongoing. He listed Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski as the starter with the "OR" tag tying them together. It appears the starting quarterback battle will linger into Week 1, with both guys getting significant reps in the game.
#chart #first #hawkeyes #position
2 months ago
Three words that Hawkeye fans will love to hear: It's game week.
Iowa opens its 2026 season at home against Northern Illinois from Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 3:15 p.m. CT with the game broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
In anticipation of its season opener, the Hawkeyes released their Week 1 depth chart. The biggest question was who would be named Iowa's starting quarterback. Entering Week 1, the quarterback competition rolls on.
Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski are listed with an "OR" as Iowa's starting quarterback to begin the season. Here's a look at the Hawkeyes' season-opening depth chart:
No. 1: Hank Brown OR Jeremy Hecklinski
#week #quarterback #jeremy #hecklinski
Iowa opens its 2026 season at home against Northern Illinois from Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 3:15 p.m. CT with the game broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
In anticipation of its season opener, the Hawkeyes released their Week 1 depth chart. The biggest question was who would be named Iowa's starting quarterback. Entering Week 1, the quarterback competition rolls on.
Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski are listed with an "OR" as Iowa's starting quarterback to begin the season. Here's a look at the Hawkeyes' season-opening depth chart:
No. 1: Hank Brown OR Jeremy Hecklinski
#week #quarterback #jeremy #hecklinski
2 months ago
If you're a fan of offense and the forward pass, it was hard to leave Kinnick last Saturday and not feel pretty good. The same can be said for those that weren't able to make it in person but have spent the last several days re-watching every throw from QB Jeremy Hecklinski.
The former Wake Forest transfer looked as good as perhaps any Iowa QB has looked at an open practice in the 25+ years we've had head coach Kirk Ferentz in Iowa City. Pair that with the genuine buzz going around with UT-Rio Grande Valley transfer WR Tony Diaz, the emergence of Furman transfer WR Evan James and the return of 2025's leading receiver TE DJ Vonnahme and this passing attack looks poised to be a legitimate threat for the first time in several years.
That's all good news.
Unless you're Kirk Ferentz. Not that KF doesn't want the offense to be good or for the Hawkeyes to be a genuine threat in the passing game. The issue for the head man is that Iowa has been operating in a full on QB battle since the departure of Mark Gronowski.
If you aren't at practice on a regular basis and have just last Saturday to go on, that battle seems over. OVER. Hecklinski was sensational and Hank Brown looked even worse than he did in his spot duty a season ago (as a quick refresher, he finished 2025 completing 52% of his passes with one TD and one INT, but in his one game with meaningful snaps he went 5 of 13 passing for only 48 yards with one INT, no TDs and one massive missed screen pass). It was clear to anyone with eyes that Hecklinski should be the guy.
#last #passing #saturday
The former Wake Forest transfer looked as good as perhaps any Iowa QB has looked at an open practice in the 25+ years we've had head coach Kirk Ferentz in Iowa City. Pair that with the genuine buzz going around with UT-Rio Grande Valley transfer WR Tony Diaz, the emergence of Furman transfer WR Evan James and the return of 2025's leading receiver TE DJ Vonnahme and this passing attack looks poised to be a legitimate threat for the first time in several years.
That's all good news.
Unless you're Kirk Ferentz. Not that KF doesn't want the offense to be good or for the Hawkeyes to be a genuine threat in the passing game. The issue for the head man is that Iowa has been operating in a full on QB battle since the departure of Mark Gronowski.
If you aren't at practice on a regular basis and have just last Saturday to go on, that battle seems over. OVER. Hecklinski was sensational and Hank Brown looked even worse than he did in his spot duty a season ago (as a quick refresher, he finished 2025 completing 52% of his passes with one TD and one INT, but in his one game with meaningful snaps he went 5 of 13 passing for only 48 yards with one INT, no TDs and one massive missed screen pass). It was clear to anyone with eyes that Hecklinski should be the guy.
#last #passing #saturday
4 months ago
For the third straight summer as Iowa's offensive coordinator, Tim Lester sits down with the Des Moines Register's Chad Leistikow for an extended discussion about Hawkeye football.
This 90-minute interview inside Lester's home office is an insightful look at the evolution of the Shanahan NFL offense that he is implementing at Iowa and how far along things stand going into the 2026 season.
Another big topics covered is the quarterback battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, and how he is going to make a decision before the Sept. 5 opener against Northern Illinois.
For a direct link to the podcast, click here.
This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: 90 great minutes with Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester | PODCAST
This 90-minute interview inside Lester's home office is an insightful look at the evolution of the Shanahan NFL offense that he is implementing at Iowa and how far along things stand going into the 2026 season.
Another big topics covered is the quarterback battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, and how he is going to make a decision before the Sept. 5 opener against Northern Illinois.
For a direct link to the podcast, click here.
This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: 90 great minutes with Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester | PODCAST
