Hank Brown starts at quarterback for Iowa against Northern Illinois

Iowa enters its 2026 season opener against Northern Illinois with a decision at the quarterback position. Head coach Kirk Ferentz will start fourth-year signal caller Hank Brown to begin the game on Saturday. The coaching staff plans to utilize a rotation, with third-year Jeremy Hecklinski expected to take over for multiple series following Brown's initial outing. Both players competed for the role throughout the summer months. Brown, an Auburn transfer, appeared in three games last season and completed 11 of 21 passes for 107 yards. Hecklinski recorded two completions for eight yards during the same period. The two teams are scheduled to kick off at 3:15 p.m. CT with the contest televised on the Big Ten Network.

• 1:35 PMYahoo Sports — Iowa football reportedly decides on starting QB vs. Northern Illinois