As the final buzzer sounds on another thrilling college basketball season, the focus in Iowa City shifts from the hardwood to the gridiron. Spring football has officially arrived for the Hawkeyes, marking the beginning of a new chapter and the first steps toward the 2026 campaign.
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, embarking on his 28th season, opened spring practice on March 25th. This period is more critical than ever, as the team integrates a wave of new talent. With 24 seniors graduated and 8 players departing via the transfer portal, Iowa welcomes 34 new faces—16 transfers and 18 freshmen. Notably, having 11 freshmen on campus for spring ball is a program high under Ferentz, highlighting the new era of year-round roster construction in college football.
The offseason also brought significant changes to the coaching staff, setting a new tone for spring drills. The most notable addition is Jay Norvell, the former Nevada and Colorado State head coach and an Iowa alum, who takes over as running backs coach. His veteran presence is a major asset. Billy VandeMerkt moves to quarterbacks coach, while new offensive coordinator Tim Lester oversees the entire unit. Chris Polizzi assumes special teams coordination, and Kevin Spencer returns to the staff, providing Lester with experienced support.
Of course, all eyes are on the quarterback battle. With Mark Gronowski moving on to the NFL, the competition is wide open. Transfers Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown are splitting first-team reps evenly. Coach Ferentz has emphasized that this is a true, ongoing competition, stating both quarterbacks are making strong cases early in practice. This duel under center will be the defining storyline of the spring and summer.
While only a handful of practices are complete, the energy and intrigue are already palpable. From a revamped coaching staff to a heated QB competition, the Hawkeyes' spring practice is laying the foundation for what promises to be a fascinating 2026 season. Stay tuned as the battle for starting spots and team identity unfolds on the practice field.