Iowa Names Jeremy Hecklinski Starter Against Washington

Iowa is preparing to rely on backup quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski for its Big Ten matchup against Washington at Husky Stadium in Seattle on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. The No. 20 Hawkeyes are evaluating their options after Hank Brown sustained a shoulder injury to his throwing arm, while both teams face personnel absences ahead of the game.

The Seattle Times reported that Hecklinski was expected to make his first career start after Brown sprained the AC joint in his throwing arm during the previous week's game. Iowa's pregame availability report, released by the Big Ten Conference on Friday night, listed Brown as a game-time decision.

Hecklinski joined Iowa in 2025 after beginning his college career at Wake Forest in 2024. According to the Seattle Times, he had completed 20 of 34 career passes for a 58.8% completion rate, with one touchdown and one interception, before the Washington matchup.

His most recent appearance came against Ohio State, when he replaced Brown in the third quarter. Hecklinski completed all five of his attempts for 67 yards in Iowa's 31-14 loss, according to the Seattle Times.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz had expressed uncertainty about Brown's status earlier in the week. Addressing the possibility of Brown starting, Ferentz said:

"Based on what I know thus far, it'd be foolish to say he's starting. If he does, great." Kirk Ferentz said.

Without Brown, Iowa is expected to depend more heavily on its rushing attack. The Seattle Times reported that the Hawkeyes averaged 5.9 yards per carry, ranking third in the Big Ten, while fourth-year running back Kamari Moulton had accumulated 311 rushing yards in four games.

Iowa also has a favorable historical record when introducing a backup quarterback as its first-time starter. According to the Seattle Times, the Hawkeyes went 7-1 in such situations dating back to 2006.

The Big Ten's availability report listed five Iowa players as out: defensive backs Tyler Brown, Kyler Gerardy and Ty Hudkins; linebacker Carson Cooney; and tight end Mason Woods. Hank Brown was the only Iowa player designated a game-time decision.

Washington also entered the contest with several players unavailable. The conference report listed running backs Jordan Washington, Jayden Limar and Quaid Carr, wide receiver Christian Moss, cornerback Jeron Jones and safety CJ Christian as out.

The Seattle Times separately reported that Washington defensive back Jeron Jones had been ruled out, while fourth-year center Landen Hatchett was listed as probable. Jones's absence adds to the personnel challenges facing a Huskies team seeking its first Big Ten victory of the season.

Washington entered the game with a 3-2 overall record and an 0-2 mark in conference play, according to the Seattle Times. The Huskies were also attempting to avoid their first three-game losing streak since 2021, while Iowa arrived with a 4-1 record and a 1-1 Big Ten mark.

The matchup marked Iowa's first trip to Seattle since 1963. The game was scheduled for 8 p.m. Central Time at Husky Stadium and was set to air on FOX, according to Hawk Central.