If I were making the call on Iowa’s Week 2 depth chart, the first thing I’d do is end the quarterback debate. Week 1 gave the Hawkeyes a fair look at the battle, but at some point the staff has to pick a direction, and Hank Brown is the guy I’d roll with.
This isn’t just about the numbers. The passing stats can get warped by drops and the rest of the mess that can happen in a game.
What stood out more was how the offense functioned with Brown running it. Iowa simply looked cleaner with him in the huddle, and that kind of feel matters.
It was enough for me to hand him the starting job until he proves otherwise.
The other change I’d make is on punt returns. Reece Vander Zee did fine there in Week 1, but I’d still put Evan James back deep.
James already showed what he can do when he ripped off a 77-yard touchdown return in Week 1, and that kind of burst is exactly what you want in the return game. He did it against the starters, too, since punt units don’t really have a second wave.
There’s also the health factor. Vander Zee is Iowa’s starting wide receiver, and I’d rather keep him away from extra hits on special teams.
He’s too important to the offense to be taking unnecessary risks, especially with a history of some injuries. He needs to be ready to line up opposite Tony Diaz, not getting exposed on punt returns.
One more spot I’d revisit is kicker. I’d give Eli Ozick another chance, even if it’s only on an extra point or a short field goal. Caden Buhr deserves credit for shaking off a missed extra point and a 53-yard field goal, but the small stuff can matter a lot in Big Ten battles, and I’d want to see Ozick get one more crack at it.
In Other News...
Iowa Band Community Rocked By Heartbreaking Week 1 Medical Update
The Week 1 atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium was shaken far beyond the score when Derek Phillips, a third-year student and member of the Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band, suffered cardiac arrest during the game against Northern Illinois and was rushed to the University of Iowa Hospital. What began as a routine September afternoon for Iowa football quickly turned into a deeply personal crisis for the band community, which has spent the days since absorbing the sudden turn and leaning on one another.
The University of Iowa has since offered condolences and support resources as the band community confronts the emotional weight of the update. Phillips condition underscored how quickly a celebration can become a tragedy, and for those around the program, the focus now is on comfort, care and helping students and staff navigate a loss that has left a lasting mark on the opening week of the season. [Read more 🡒]
Former Hawkeye Mark Gronowski Just Landed A Better NFL Opportunity
Mark Gronowskis NFL path has already taken a few turns this offseason, and the latest one gives the former Hawkeye a more promising landing spot. After being waived multiple times by the Miami Dolphins and eventually released from their practice squad, Gronowski has resurfaced in Houston, where the Texans added him for quarterback depth after Graham Mertz was placed on injured reserve.
For Gronowski, the move is more than just another transaction on a crowded waiver wire. Houston offers a clearer runway to compete for a backup job, and with the Texans needing help behind center, he suddenly has a real chance to stick in a role that was far less secure in Miami. [Read more 🡒]
Jeremy Hecklinski Just Made Iowas Quarterback Debate A Lot More Real
Jeremy Hecklinskis first meaningful snaps at Iowa gave Iowas quarterback conversation a little more shape after the opener, and the redshirt freshman did not sound like a player overwhelmed by the moment. Speaking to the media afterward, he walked through what he saw against Northern Illinois, where he felt comfortable and where the operation still needs work, while also turning the page to a much bigger stage ahead against Iowa State.
Hecklinski also gave a candid look at the reality of the competition in the room and the way the group has handled it so far. His comments around the depth chart, team dynamics, and what he noticed about Iowa States defense only added to the sense that the Hawkeyes are still sorting out how this position will look as the schedule tightens. [Read more 🡒]