As the Hawkeyes gear up for the postseason, they’re also preparing to say goodbye to the player who’s been the heart of their offense this season - quarterback Mark Gronowski. The passing game may not have lit up the stat sheet, but Gronowski’s leadership and dual-threat ability gave Iowa’s offense a much-needed edge. Now, with his final game in black and gold looming, the question becomes: who’s next under center in Iowa City?
Let’s break down the top three quarterback options the Hawkeyes could turn to in 2026 - a mix of internal development, high-upside youth, and the ever-intriguing transfer portal.
1. Jeremy Hecklinski - The In-House Riser
Jeremy Hecklinski didn’t see much live action this season, but that doesn’t mean he went unnoticed. The redshirt freshman quietly climbed the depth chart throughout the year, and when opportunity knocked, he answered.
When Gronowski went down late in a tight loss to Indiana, backup Hank Brown stepped in but struggled against a tough defense, completing just 5 of 13 passes with a pick. That moment exposed how thin the margin was behind Gronowski - and it opened the door for Hecklinski.
A few weeks later, in a blowout win over Minnesota, it was Hecklinski - not Brown - who got the nod in garbage time. He didn’t have to do much, but he made the most of it, completing his only pass and punching in a rushing touchdown. It was a small sample, but it spoke volumes about where he stands in the eyes of the coaching staff.
Before transferring to Iowa, Hecklinski was the highest-rated quarterback commit in Demon Deacons history - a guy with tools, pedigree, and now, a year of development in Iowa’s system. If the Hawkeyes want continuity and a QB who knows the playbook inside and out, Hecklinski could be the frontrunner heading into spring ball.
2. Tradon Bessinger - The Blue-Chip Freshman
If you’re looking for upside, look no further than four-star signee Tradon Bessinger. The Hawkeyes scored big when they flipped the talented quarterback from Boise State. Bessinger visited Iowa City during the blowout win over Minnesota, reopened his recruitment shortly after, and didn’t take long to make his commitment to the Hawkeyes official.
This isn’t just a flashy pickup - Bessinger brings serious production and swagger. He threw for nearly 11,000 yards and 127 touchdowns in his high school career, including a staggering 4,313 yards and 53 touchdowns as a senior. That’s video game-level stuff.
But he’s not just a pocket passer. Bessinger has the athleticism to extend plays and throw on the move - a skill set that fits well with the modern college game.
And he’s not shy about his goals. He told 247Sports that he’s not coming to Iowa just to hand the ball off - he wants to air it out.
It’s rare for a true freshman to start right away, especially in the Big Ten, but Bessinger has the tools to push for playing time sooner than later. Give him a year to get acclimated, and he could be the long-term answer the Hawkeyes have been searching for.
3. The Transfer Portal - The Wild Card Option
And then there’s the wildcard: the transfer portal. In today’s college football landscape - with NIL deals and new revenue-sharing models reshaping the recruiting game - the portal has become a quarterback carousel, and Iowa could absolutely jump on for another ride.
The Hawkeyes have already dipped into the portal pool with success. Gronowski was a solid addition this season, and while not every transfer pans out (as some fans will recall from the Cade McNamara experiment), the portal remains a viable path for programs needing a quick fix.
If Iowa’s coaching staff wants to buy more time for Hecklinski, Bessinger, and other young quarterbacks like Hank Brown and Jimmy Sullivan to develop, bringing in a short-term veteran could be the move. Whether it’s a one-and-done or a two-year bridge, the portal gives Iowa flexibility - and options.
With the January transfer window opening soon, the Hawkeyes will have a chance to evaluate the market and see if there’s a fit. The key will be finding a quarterback who meshes with the system and can provide stability without slowing the development of the young guns waiting in the wings.
What’s Next?
One thing’s for sure: the quarterback room in Iowa City is about to look very different. Gronowski’s departure leaves a leadership void, but also opens the door for a new chapter - one that could be written by a rising redshirt, a star recruit, or a seasoned transfer.
The coaching staff has options, and each path comes with its own risks and rewards. But with a strong defense, a physical run game, and a culture built on toughness, Iowa doesn’t need a superhero under center - just someone who can lead, protect the football, and make timely plays.
Whether it’s Hecklinski, Bessinger, or a portal pickup, the quarterback battle in 2026 will be one of the most compelling storylines in Iowa football. And with the Big Ten only getting tougher, the right decision at QB could be the difference between another solid season - and a special one.