Iowa’s quarterback decision headlines Week 1 clash with Northern Illinois

No. 22 Iowa will host Northern Illinois on Saturday in a College Football Week 1 matchup broadcast on Big Ten Network.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has not named a starting quarterback, with Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski competing for the role. Both are expected to play, allowing Iowa to assess its options in game conditions.

Ferentz is entering his 28th season in charge of Iowa and has 209 career wins, which FOX Sports describes as the most by a Big Ten head coach.

Northern Illinois begins its first season in the Mountain West Conference under interim coach Rob Harley after a 3–9 campaign in 2025. FOX Sports reports that the Huskies have no returning defensive starters and four returning offensive starters.

FOX Sports Research expects Iowa to rely on its rushing attack while managing the uncertainty at quarterback. Kamari Moulton returns after rushing for 878 yards last season, while transfer L.J. Phillips Jr. recorded 1,921 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns for South Dakota.

FOX Sports recommends Iowa to cover the spread, citing Northern Illinois’ reported rushing defence and Iowa’s ground-game options. The recommendation is a prediction, and the source notes that it may receive compensation from legal sports-betting partners.