Iowa City — As the Hawkeyes prepare to open the regular season against Northern Illinois, coach Kirk Ferentz said Wednesday that his team has made encouraging strides in camp while still leaning on younger players to fill roles left by departing veterans.
Ferentz: progress, but still inexperienced
Speaking on the Hawkeye Radio Network’s weekly Hawk Talk with Gary Dolphin, Ferentz described the roster as improved from the spring but not as seasoned as last year’s unit. He emphasized the need for live-game reps to better understand how the group will perform under pressure.
"We're making progress. It's time to get on the field and learn more about this team. ... It's hardly as veteran as last year's team. It could go in a lot of different directions."
Ferentz identified several players who have stepped forward as leaders during camp, naming Jayden Montgomery, Addison Ostrenga, Zach Lutmer, Deshuan Lee, Luke Gaffney and Will Hubert. He also pointed to quieter influences in Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper.
Those names were singled out as contributors both on and off the field, with Ferentz saying some have taken on more responsibility than initially expected during early practice cycles.
Quarterback situation remains fluid
The Hawkeyes will enter Saturday’s game without a declared starting quarterback, Ferentz said. Both Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski are expected to play as Iowa evaluates how to divide snaps and determine who best fits the offense in game conditions.
Ferentz stressed that the two signal-callers offer differing physical profiles but both align with the system Iowa runs. He said providing "ample opportunity" for each to take snaps is part of the coaching plan this week and into early-season play.
Asked whether the competition might be resolved quickly, Ferentz counseled patience, noting that teams and players sometimes need more than a few days to reveal their capabilities. He referenced past seasons that opened with uncertain outlooks but ended positively, underscoring that early-season form does not always predict final outcomes.
Front seven, linebackers and depth notes
On defense, Ferentz said veterans such as Landyn Van Kekerix and Nolan DeLong have provided stability in the linebacker corps. He described DeLong specifically as "ready to play good football," signaling confidence in the senior presence to anchor the unit.
Ferentz also acknowledged that the roster contains several newcomers and younger contributors who will be asked to grow into the lineup quickly. The coaching staff’s focus in preseason practices has been balancing development with creating a competitive environment that prepares the team for real-game situations.
Honoring a longtime voice
In a related announcement, the athletic department revealed plans to name the broadcast booth at Kinnick Stadium after Gary Dolphin, the longtime play-by-play voice for both Iowa football and men’s basketball. Dolphin has been with the program for nearly 30 years, and the honor recognizes his years behind the microphone for Hawkeye athletics.
The naming comes as the program prepares to welcome supporters back to Kinnick for another season, pairing on-field competition with recognition of historical contributors to the Hawkeye community.
What to watch Saturday
With so many open questions, the first game of the season will provide clearer answers on:
- How playing time will be split between Brown and Hecklinski;
- Which young leaders stabilize early-game situations;
- Whether defensive veterans like DeLong and Van Kekerix can set the tone against a nonconference opponent.
| Position | Player(s) mentioned |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski |
| Leaders (varied) | Jayden Montgomery; Addison Ostrenga; Zach Lutmer; Deshuan Lee; Luke Gaffney; Will Hubert |
| Linebackers | Landyn Van Kekerix, Nolan DeLong |
Ferentz’s comments indicate a coaching staff willing to let competition and in-game experience shape the early-season rotation rather than force an immediate decision. As the Hawkeyes take the field Saturday, fans will be watching to see which players answer the questions that have been forming all summer.
Coverage of the game and further analysis will follow throughout the weekend from the Hawkeye beat.
