Tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) celebrates with offensive lineman Trevor Lauck (59). The Hawkeyes beat Northern Iowa 55-0 on Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: Courtesy of Iowa Athletics.
Iowa’s football program has solidified itself as a consistent Big Ten contender over the past decade.?
The No. 17 Hawkeyes have had a winning record each season since 2013, but despite their team success, Iowa’s passing game has struggled in recent years. The Hawkeyes have ranked last or second to last in each of the last four seasons in passing yards per game in the Big Ten.?
Iowa looked to change that this season, giving the keys to the offense to a new signal caller.
After a drawn-out quarterback battle, head coach Kirk Ferentz named redshirt junior transfer Hank Brown the starter over redshirt sophomore transfer Jeremy Hecklinski before the start of the season.?
Through the Hawkeyes’ first three games, they have two blowout wins against Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa, and a 16-13 Cy-Hawk Trophy victory over rival Iowa State, a game in which kicker Caden Buhr made a 42-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining.?
Iowa has leaned on its defense and rushing attack at the start of the season. The Hawkeyes’ defense posed problems for their first three opponents, allowing the fewest points and yards per game among Big Ten teams, while forcing four turnovers.?
The Hawkeyes’ run game ranks second in the Big Ten, led by senior running back Kamari Moulton.?
Despite the 3-0 start, Iowa will quickly be tested as a three-game gauntlet in conference play awaits.?
The Hawkeyes will head to Michigan Stadium to face the No. 18 Wolverines this Saturday. They will then play host to No. 7 Ohio State before traveling to the West Coast to take on Washington.?
If Iowa is able to put together its passing attack, it may be the spark the team needs to move from a winning season to a berth in the College Football Playoff.?
Otherwise, the Hawkeyes could put together another above-average season.?
