Kirk Ferentz enters his 28th season at Iowa in 2026, the longest-tenured head coach in the Power Conference. Iowa will start a new quarterback after Mark Gronowski’s departure, with Hank Brown taking over as starter. Update (Oct. 13): QB Hank Brown suffered a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder against Ohio State on October 3 and missed the Washington game. Jeremy Hecklinski made his first collegiate start against Washington on October 9, throwing for 202 yards and three touchdowns in Iowa’s 41-24 victory. Brown’s return timetable remains uncertain. Kamari Moulton returns at running back after averaging 80 rushing yards per game last season, and South Dakota transfer L.J. Phillips returns as well. Update (Oct. 13): RB Kamari Moulton rushed for a career-high 208 yards and two touchdowns against Washington on October 9. D.J. Vonnahme returns at tight end with Addison Ostrenga, and Reece Vander Zee returns in the receiving corps. UTRGV transfer Tony Diaz and Furman transfer Evan James join the group. The offensive line returns full-time starters Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper, both of whom started all 13 games last season.
Phil Parker enters his 15th season as defensive coordinator. Iowa brings back three of its top eleven tacklers from last season: linebacker Jayden Montgomery and defensive backs Zach Lutmer and Deshaun Lee. Montgomery is the only returning top-eleven tackler in the front seven after making seven starts last season, and Purdue transfer Ty Hudkins joins the secondary.
Chris Polizzi takes over as special teams coordinator. Caden Buhr takes over as the primary placekicker, while Aussie kicker Boston Evertitt handles punting. Zach Lutmer and Evan James are among the punt-return options, while Brevin Doll handles kick returns.
Iowa entered 2026 with a new quarterback, eight of its top eleven tacklers gone, and significant special-teams turnover, keeping the roster in transition. Brown’s shoulder injury has added uncertainty at quarterback, though Hecklinski’s impressive first start and Moulton’s strong performance against Washington have offered encouraging signs for the offense.