IOWA CITY — While the spotlight remains fixed on Iowa’s heated quarterback battle between Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown, another name is quietly generating excitement behind the scenes. Freshman quarterback Tradon Bessinger, one of the highest-rated recruits to sign with the Hawkeyes in recent years, has officially arrived on campus and the early reviews suggest Iowa may have landed a special talent for the future.
Bessinger isn’t competing for the starting job this fall, but that hasn’t stopped coaches and teammates from taking notice. At 6-foot-5 and 213 pounds, the Utah native possesses the size, arm strength, and raw potential that Iowa fans have long hoped would eventually help transform the program’s passing attack.
The former Boise State commit entered Iowa as the highest-ranked player in the Hawkeyes’ 2026 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite, and ranks as the No. 11 quarterback in the nation. For a program still searching for long-term consistency through the air, landing a quarterback with that profile represents a significant recruiting victory.
Although his future appears bright, everyone inside the program understands that patience will be essential.
Current quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski, one of the leading contenders for Iowa’s starting job, believes Bessinger has all the physical tools needed to succeed but emphasized that adapting to college football especially Iowa’s offense is no easy task.
“Good arm, big kid,” Hecklinski said when describing the freshman.
He added that Bessinger is still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the college game, explaining that the quarterback room has spent considerable time helping him both on and off the field through film sessions, playbook study, and daily guidance.
According to Hecklinski, the transition requires taking “baby steps.”
Learning Iowa’s offensive system involves far more than simply memorizing plays. Quarterbacks must master timing, footwork, defensive reads, and decision-making areas where talented high school players often face the steepest learning curve.
Hecklinski pointed out that many habits developed in high school no longer work at the college level.
“High school football is high school football you can kind of get away with doing some of the sloppy footwork,” Hecklinski explained. “But he’s doing a lot better than I think most kids would in his position.”
Those comments carry weight considering Bessinger arrived in Iowa City after one of the most productive high school careers in the country.
The Utah standout threw for nearly 11,000 passing yards before graduating, showcasing the kind of production that made him one of the nation’s most sought-after quarterback prospects.
His commitment also represented a major recruiting win for Kirk Ferentz and his staff after Bessinger initially pledged to Boise State before ultimately choosing the Hawkeyes.
Quarterback Hank Brown, who is also battling Hecklinski for the starting position, has quickly become another mentor for the freshman.
Brown praised Bessinger’s personality as much as his football ability, describing him as humble, hardworking, and eager to learn.
“He’s an awesome kid,” Brown said. “I’ve loved being able to hang out with him and work with him a little bit. He’s humble. He’s been doing good so far.”
Brown understands exactly what Bessinger is experiencing because he went through the same adjustment when he first entered college football.
He said the goal is to encourage the freshman through the overwhelming process of learning a new offense, adapting to college life, and understanding what it takes to grow into a successful quarterback at Iowa.
While the public conversation continues to focus on who will win the starting quarterback job between Brown and Hecklinski, another competition is quietly unfolding deeper on the depth chart.
The battle for the third-string quarterback position remains open.
Returning quarterbacks Jimmy Sullivan and Ryan Fitzgerald are both entering their second seasons with the Hawkeyes, while Bessinger now joins the competition as the newest member of the room.
Offensive coordinator Tim Lester revealed that Jimmy Sullivan finished spring practice as Iowa’s third-string quarterback. However, Lester also made it clear that nothing has been decided heading into fall camp.
That competition matters more than many fans realize.
The 2024 season proved how valuable quarterback depth can become after preferred walk-on Jackson Stratton was forced into multiple starts because of injuries.
Having several quarterbacks prepared to play is no longer considered a luxury it’s a necessity.
As for Bessinger, Lester believes the freshman has exciting long-term potential despite still being early in his development.
“Tradon’s way behind, but super talented,” Lester said. “He’s got a great release. He’s got a strong arm. He’s just getting to know (Director of Strength and Conditioning Raimond Braithwaite) and the weight room. I can’t wait to see him fill out like the rest.”
Those comments summarize Iowa’s outlook perfectly.
No one expects Bessinger to take over the offense immediately. Instead, the Hawkeyes are focused on developing one of the nation’s top young quarterback prospects the right way building his body, refining his mechanics, and helping him master an offense that has challenged many quarterbacks before him.
The starting quarterback race may dominate headlines today, but if Bessinger continues progressing at his current pace, Hawkeye fans could be hearing his name much more often in the seasons ahead. Iowa believes it has landed a quarterback worth waiting for, and the first impressions suggest that belief may be well founded.
