Iowa Football Depth Chart: Hawkeyes Dodge Naming Week 1 Starting QB
· Yahoo Sports
Kirk Ferentz and Iowa Hawkeyes football have officially published their first game-week depth chart of the season. The release fails to answer the biggest question of fall camp, listing the quarterback starter as Hank Brown OR Jeremy Hecklinski. The roster does name a starter for the intense battle at running back between Kamari Moulton and L.J. Phillips, while locking down the new-look defensive line. Let’s dive into the full two-deep breakdown, starting with the positions causing the most buzz in Iowa City.
Iowa Quarterbacks: The Debate Has Only Begun
Only time will tell when a true QB 1 emerges. But with a soft non-conference schedule, both QBs will get material playing time, and hopefully additional depth such as Jimmy Sullivan and freshman Tradon Bessinger get some reps as well.
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- Starter: Hank Brown OR Jeremy Hecklinski
- Backup: Jimmy Sullivan
Running Backs: Who Gets First Crack?
It’s not surprising that Kamari Moulton gets the nod given his role last year. Nonetheless, Kamari and L.J. Phillips will make for a potent one-two punch at RB. While Nathan McNeil isn’t listed in the two deep, he carved out his role as an elusive, reliable option on passing downs during Kids’ Day and will be one to watch.
- Starter: Kamari Moulton
- Backup: L.J. Phillips
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends: The Hawkeye Passing Weaponry
The striking thing about this year’s receiving corps is the depth across the board, and actually beginning a season healthy. Portal transfers Tony Diaz and Evan James look to make an immediate impact. The tight end room has a wealth of talent, exactly what’s needed for an inexperienced QB so they have a checkdown option to fall back on.
- WR-X (Split End): Reece Vander Zee / Jarriett Bule
- WR-Z (Flanker): Tony Diaz / Dayton Howard
- WR-Y (Slot): Evan James / KJ Parker
- TE: DJ Vonnahme OR Addison Ostrenga / Thomas Meyer
Defensive Line: Reloading the Trenches
This was the most heavily targeted group for portal transfers this season, highlighted by freak athlete Kahmari Brown. Not to mention portal transfer Bryce Hawthorne from 2025 who seems to have found his footing. Iose Epenesa is in his second year and may be poised to make a step forward.
- Left End: Kenny Merrieweather / Kahmari Brown
- Left Tackle: Will Hubert / Devan Kennedy
- Right Tackle: Bryce Hawthorne / Luke Gaffney
- Right End: Iose Epenesa / Drew Campbell
Linebackers: The Second Line of Defense
Iowa’s coaches have commented they are deep at linebacker this year, with 7 or 8 good options so they can rotate players. Second year player Jacob Wallace breaks into the starting lineup at Cash. Jaden Montgomery is a leader in this group.
- Cash: Jacob Wallace / Jaylen Watson
- Leo: Landyn Van Kekerix / Derek Weisskopf
- MLB: Cam Buffington / Nolan DeLong
- WLB: Jayden Montgomery / Preston Ries
Special Teams: The Hidden Yardage
Returning specialist Caden Buhr gets the start at PK, and Boston Everitt from Melbourne, Australia will handle punting duties. Zach Lutmer has been the expected starter for punt returns. Brevin Doll (an RB on offense) gets the nod for kick returner, and I am juiced. Brevin is a track speedster, faster than Kaden Wetjen.
- Place Kicker: Caden Buhr / Eli Ozick
- Punter: Boston Everitt / Tanner Philpott
- Punt Returner: Zach Lutmer
- Kick Returner: Brevin Doll
Other Notable Roster Surprises & Nuances
- Offensive Line Continuity: Iowa returns starters Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper, and the rest were reliable backups. Fourth year player Cael Winter makes the move to center.
- Defensive Backs / Safeties: This group is expected to be a strength in 2026, with Zach Lutmer and Deshaun Lee providing leadership.
- Health Updates: Tyler Brown is still out with a soft-tissue/muscle strain injury. Anthony Hawkins (a transfer from Villanova) has been taking first-team reps in Brown’s absence and will start at safety.
Below is the full depth chart: