Iowa’s offense is heading into camp with a twist, and it comes from a place the Hawkeyes don’t usually get to enjoy: depth.
Offensive coordinator Tim Lester is adjusting the plan because two of his position groups are strong enough to demand it. After a season in which Iowa leaned on quarterback runs more than ever before, Lester said the offense will not feature that element nearly as much this year. The reason is pretty straightforward - he likes what he has at running back and tight end.
As part of its fall training camp tour, the Big Ten Network got a look at Iowa City practice, and Lester made it clear the quarterback room won’t dictate the offense the way it did a year ago. Dave Revsine reported that Lester said the quarterbacks have similar skill sets and that Iowa “Won’t have as much QB run as last yr.” Revsine also noted that Lester is high on the tight ends and running game, with DJ Vonnahme drawing praise as “a stud,” Addison Ostrenga healthy, and Thomas Meyer finishing one of the biggest plays Revsine saw, a play-action completion from Hecklinski.
That shift says a lot about where Iowa is right now. Lester has spent time trying to open up the playbook since taking over in 2024, but the offense still hasn’t fully taken off. Even so, it has moved forward enough for him to be willing to change course based on personnel instead of forcing a system that doesn’t fit.
The tight end group is a big part of that confidence. Vonnahme looks ready to take a step, Ostrenga’s health matters, and Meyer has been making plays in camp.
At running back, Iowa appears to have real options behind projected starter Kamari Moulton, with transfer LJ Phillips standing out as a strong complement. Lester’s willingness to lean into those groups gives Iowa a path to stay balanced without leaning as hard on quarterback carries.
The quarterback battle is still unresolved, which keeps some uncertainty in place. Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski both bring similar overall skill sets, and Hecklinski is the better runner of the two, but Lester does not sound like he is planning a major overhaul based on who wins the job. The competition could run all the way to the first week of the regular season, and possibly beyond.
That could make the early part of the season a little messy on offense. Still, Lester’s message is clear: Iowa doesn’t need to chase quarterback runs to move forward. If the backs and tight ends deliver the way he expects, the Hawkeyes can build the offense around them and let the rest come along with it.
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