Iowa’s Week 3 depth chart didn’t just set the stage for Northern Iowa. It also told the bigger story of where this team stands right now: still sorting out the quarterback job, still managing injuries, and still waiting on a few important pieces to come back.
The biggest unresolved issue remains under center. The dreaded “OR” is still sitting next to Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, which means Iowa’s quarterback competition is rolling into the third week of the season.
That comes after Kirk Ferentz said Brown would start his second game for the Hawkeyes and Hecklinski would get in, only for Brown to take every snap in the win over Iowa State. Ferentz later explained that he went away from the original plan because of “game flow.”
Brown’s numbers against Iowa State were solid - 191 passing yards and one rushing touchdown - but the staff still hasn’t closed the door on the battle. Brown looks like the clear favorite, yet Iowa is continuing to evaluate both quarterbacks. If both are sharp against UNI, this thing could easily spill into week four, which would be the nightmare scenario.
The running back situation is worth watching too, especially with Kamari Moulton still listed as the starter after leaving late against Iowa State. Moulton followed up his huge week one against Northern Illinois, when he ran for 183 yards and two scores, with a much quieter night: 57 yards on 3.7 yards per carry and no touchdowns. The Hawkeyes said Iowa State’s changing looks and pressures made life tougher than usual for the offense.
Ferentz later said Moulton is “day-to-day,” so his status against Northern Iowa is not settled. If he can’t play, Iowa would likely lean on Xavier Williams, Nathan McNeil, Brevin Doll, and Braeden Jackson. With Michigan looming in week four, Iowa may decide it’s smarter to keep Moulton out if there’s any real doubt about his health.
Tight end DJ Vonnahme is in a similar spot. He remains listed as the starter, but Ferentz said “there is a good chance” he’ll be ready for the Michigan game, which points toward him probably missing UNI.
The update that followed made it even clearer: Ferentz said he “doubts” Vonnahme will be ready for Saturday’s game against UNI. If that holds, Addison Ostrenga should get the start, with Zach Ortwerth, Thomas Meyer, and Eli Johnson also in the mix.
That doesn’t leave Iowa short on options at tight end, but Vonnahme is still an important piece after breaking through last season. The more practical move may be to hold him back and get him ready for Michigan.
Two other absences are still carrying over from week one: backup running back L.J. Phillips Jr. and safety Tyler Brown.
Phillips Jr. left early against Northern Illinois and remains out with a lingering injury. Ferentz said he is “making good progress,” but there’s still no firm timeline for his return.
Brown, meanwhile, has been sidelined since spring with a hamstring injury. The transfer from James Madison was expected to start at safety, but he’s still not back. In his absence, Zach Lutmer and transfer Anthony Hawkins have been starting at safety, with Jacob Wallace at CASH.
So while Iowa has already banked a win over Iowa State, the week three depth chart makes one thing obvious: the Hawkeyes are still juggling key health questions while trying to settle the quarterback situation at the same time.
In Other News...
Iowa May Have Found Its Next Standout Linebacker Sooner Than Expected
Cam Buffington did not arrive in Iowa City with the kind of path most linebackers take, but he is already making his presence felt for the Hawkeyes. The 2024 four-star recruit from Winfield-Mt. Union High School, who came from 8-man football, turned in a breakout performance in the Cy-Hawk game with 15 tackles and played a significant role in Iowa's victory. For a player still early in his college career, the rise has been quick and noticeable.
Kirk Ferentz has already pointed to the traits that can speed up that kind of climb, praising Buffingtons instincts, speed and football IQ. That kind of endorsement matters at a program that has long valued linebackers who can think and react as fast as they tackle, and it is part of why Buffington is being viewed as ahead of schedule. Iowa may not have to wait long to find out just how much more he can handle. [Read more 🡒]
Iowas Big Ten Slate Sets Up An Early Test Fans Will Obsess Over
Ben McCollums first Iowa team will not have much time to settle in before the Big Ten starts asking hard questions. After last seasons deep NCAA Tournament run, the Hawkeyes are heading into a league schedule that gives fans plenty to circle, starting early with games against Purdue and Indiana and stretching into a February grind that will tell a lot about where this group stands.
The middle of the slate looks especially demanding, with a back-to-back against Michigan State and Michigan that could shape the league race, and the regular season closes with a rematch against Illinois. For Iowa, that mix of early stress, midseason pressure and a meaningful finale gives this schedule the feel of a proving ground, the kind of setup that can build momentum or expose how far there still is to go. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Suddenly Has A Shot At A Rare GameDay Showcase
ESPNs College GameDay is already mapped out for an SEC-heavy start to the 2026 season, with confirmed stops at LSU, Texas and Ole Miss over the first three weeks. For Iowa, the early takeaway is less about what the show is doing now and more about what could be waiting in September, when the Hawkeyes open Big Ten play at home against Ohio State.
Kirk Herbstreit floated Iowa City as a possible Week 5 destination if Iowa handles its next two games, which would put a rare GameDay showcase within reach for the first time since 2006. There are still other contenders in play, including SEC matchups involving Georgia or Mississippi State, but the Hawkeyes have given themselves a real opening to enter the conversation if the results break their way. [Read more 🡒]