Iowa football is finally in a new but welcome position for the first time in what seems like forever: true depth at quarterback. Hawkeye supporters were familiar with the story from the previous season, when Iowa had to switch up its starting quarterbacks due to injuries and inconsistent play. It was a year that demonstrated how narrow the margin of error had become at the most crucial spot on the field. The program decided to completely renovate the room instead of just patching holes, and the outcome has changed Iowa City’s perspective.
The Hawkeyes used the transfer portal to their advantage this offseason, adding three seasoned quarterbacks to stabilize the position. The main attraction was Mark Gronowski, who came from South Dakota State; Jeremy Hecklinski transferred from Wake Forest, and Hank Brown came from Auburn. Jimmy Sullivan, an early enrollee, was also welcomed by Iowa, adding another developmental component to the mix.
Gronowski is nearing the end of his time in black and gold, but he quickly became the team’s leader and eventually the starter. After this season, his eligibility will expire, so Iowa will need to find a new signal-caller once more. This time, it’s different because the cupboard is anything but empty. Hecklinski, Brown, and Sullivan are all still on the team and will compete to take over the offense, providing Iowa with a variety of internal options rather than rushing to find solutions.
And the future may be even brighter.
The returning quarterbacks will compete in the short term, but Iowa has already found what might be a long-term fix. By acquiring four-star quarterback Tradon Bessinger from Boise State in the 2026 class, the Hawkeyes achieved a significant recruiting victory. It was a bold addition that expressed Iowa’s desire to bolster and modernize its offensive identity.
Bessinger shows up with production, not just hype. He established himself as one of the most successful high school quarterbacks in the country following a stellar career at Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah. No matter the level of competition, Bessinger’s incredible 10,908 yards and 127 touchdowns over four seasons demand attention.
Just his senior year was enlightening. Bessinger completed an amazing 76 percent of his passes, passing for 4,313 yards and 53 touchdowns. He was named USA Today’s 2025 All-USA West Football Team Offensive Player of the Year as a result of his outstanding play, which elevated him to the status of one of the top players in the area. Additionally, it strengthened his national reputation as a sleeper prospect—a player whose influence might surpass even his high recruiting ranking.
Bessinger fits the description of a traditional pocket passer on the field—someone who succeeds through timing, accuracy, and judgment. He is by no means immobile, though. When protection fails, he has demonstrated the ability to extend plays, slide inside the pocket, and make quick throws. His versatility only makes him more appealing as Iowa seeks to improve its offensive game.
Naturally, patience will probably be needed. In the past, Kirk Ferentz has been hesitant to start true freshmen, particularly at quarterback. Expecting Bessinger to take the reins immediately next season would be a long shot. Even so, it’s hard to see him being off the field for very long given his talent. His presence will be felt sooner rather than later, whether through spot duty, late-game opportunities, or a quicker-than-anticipated rise.
Hecklinski and Brown seem to be the front-runners for the starting position after Gronowski leaves in the near future. Both will have a full offseason to get ready for the chance, and they both bring experience and familiarity with elite programs. Iowa has even more flexibility because Sullivan is still a developmental option. The general condition of the quarterback room, however, is what really sticks out. Iowa isn’t depending on a single response or hoping that a newcomer will come to the rescue for once. There is depth, competition, and an obvious future pipeline.
Bessinger may not be the answer right away, but everything suggests that he will play a significant role in what happens next. His accomplishments attest to his influence, his numbers speak for themselves, and his arrival highlights a shifting strategy in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes now have options at quarterback after years of uncertainty, which may be the most encouraging development of all for Iowa supporters.
