Iowa football decides upon starting QB plan vs. Iowa State - Hawkeyes Wire

The No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) have sorted out their quarterback plan against rival Iowa State (1-0).

As the 73rd edition of the Cy-Hawk series arrives, Iowa is reportedly set to start fourth-year quarterback Hank Brown for a second straight game. CBS' Matt Zenitz and David Eickholt broke the news.

Per the report, third-year signal-caller Jeremy Hecklinski is also expected to get early playing time and the competition is described as "unsettled."

Divvying up series would be similar to how the Hawkeyes approached their 40-0 season-opening win over Northern Illinois. Brown directed the first three offensive series and then Hecklinski quarterbacked the ensuing three possessions.

Brown was sharp in the opener, completing 12 of 20 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown strike to receiver Tony Diaz. Hecklinksi was 7 of 16 through the air for 76 yards. He also threw a touchdown pass to running back Xavier Williams, but Hecklinski was intercepted once as well.

Prior to this season, Brown started a pair of games for Auburn in 2024. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound quarterback completed 11 of 21 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown in 2025 with the Hawkeyes.

Meanwhile, Hecklinksi appeared in just one game in 2024 while at Wake Forest and attempted just two passes for eight passing yards last season with the Hawkeyes.

This could be the separation Saturday in this quarterback competition.

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