The Iowa Hawkeyes are heading into 2026 with a dramatically different looking roster. Twelve players departed for the NFL draft, leaving head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff with a full offseason of position battles, depth questions, and development timelines to manage. The good news is that Iowa rarely rebuilds from scratch it reloads. And there is already evidence that the next wave is ready to compete.
Quarterback: a two-man race with no easy answer
The most scrutinized battle this offseason belongs to Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown, both vying to replace departed starter Mark Gronowski. Brown has built a reputation for reliability and consistent decision making, while Hecklinski operates with a more aggressive downfield style that could open up the offense in ways Iowa fans haven’t seen recently. Coaches are not expected to name a starter before fall camp, and the competition could remain unresolved even into the early weeks of the regular season.
Wide receiver: Tony Diaz arrives with impressive credentials
Iowa loses both Jacob Gill and Kaden Wetjen, the latter headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the receiver room doesn’t have to start over. 3. Tony Diaz, a transfer from UT Rio Grande Valley, brings an immediate résumé: 68 receptions, 875 yards, and 11 touchdowns in his redshirt freshman year. He’ll compete for a starting spot alongside Reece Vander Zee and Dayton Howard, two returning pass catchers who are eager to expand their own roles.
Tight end: DJ Vonnahme is already the answer
Iowa won’t need to look far at tight end. DJ Vonnahme was the team’s leading receiver in 2025, hauling in 29 catches for 434 yards and three touchdowns across just five starts. With predecessor Hayden Large having made minimal impact in the passing game, Vonnahme steps in as the clear cut starter and could be one of the more productive tight ends in the Big Ten if given a full season of opportunity.
Offensive line: experience replaces experience
Losing three starters from the Joe Moore Award winning offensive line would rattle most programs, but Iowa has the pieces to adapt. Trevor Lauck is expected to hold down the left tackle spot, while 8. Kade Pieper could shift from guard to center to fill one of the interior voids. 9. Michael Myslinski has emerged as a strong candidate for the right guard role, and 10. Jack Dotzler rounds out the group of players expected to see significant time up front.
Defensive line: a five-star prospect leads a young group
Iowa must replace Max Llewellyn and Aaron Graves along the defensive front, but there is young talent ready to develop. Bryce Hawthorne is the group’s most seasoned option, recording 15 tackles and three for a loss last season. Alongside him, Iose Epenesa a five star recruit entering his sophomore year is one of the more intriguing players on the entire roster and a name to watch as the season progresses.
Linebacker, cornerback and safety: continuity where it counts
At linebacker, Jayden Montgomery is positioned to start after appearing in seven games last season with 44 tackles. He’ll line up alongside Cam Buffington, whose size makes him a natural fit at the MIKE spot. In the secondary, Jaylen Watson played in every game last season and is expected to grow into a full time starting cornerback role after T.J. Hall’s departure. At safety, Zach Lutmer a second team All Big Ten selection anchors the backend, joined by Tyler Brown, who transfers in after a strong run at James Madison and gives Iowa a legitimate two-starter combination despite losing both starters from a year ago.
What to expect from Iowa in 2026
The Hawkeyes rarely make headlines with splashy recruiting classes or transfer portal frenzy, but they consistently develop talent in ways that keep them competitive in the Big Ten. This offseason tests that model more than most. With 12 pieces gone and new contributors stepping into the spotlight at nearly every level of the roster, 2026 will be an early indicator of whether Iowa’s next group is ready to carry the program forward.
