Quarterback play hasn't exactly been something the Iowa Hawkeyes have hung their hats on the past few seasons. It has been a revolving door of players taking snaps, with a lot of inconsistency and injuries bogging down the offense. Who Were the Best Iowa Quarterbacks of the 2020s?That is until last year, when South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski came to Iowa City and provided a much-needed spark for the offense, showing what quality quarterback play looks like.As Iowa enters the 2026 campaign, with, you guessed it, more quarterback questions amid a position battle, let's take a look at Iowa's signal callers throughout the 2020s.12. Deuce HoganIowa quarterback Deuce Hogan (2) warms up before a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
211113 Minn Iowa Fb 098 Jpg | Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORKA highly-touted recruit, Deuce Hogan spent just two years with the Iowa program before transferring to the Kentucky Wildcats. In extremely limited game action, he was just 1-for-1 for two passing yards and was never able to find his way onto the field in a crowded quarterback room early in his collegiate career.11. Marco LainezJan 1, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Marco Lainez (11) runs the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers in the fourth quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images | Jeremy Reper-Imagn ImagesLike Hogan, Marco Lainez saw minimal action while with Iowa. In 2023, he appeared in garbage time against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Cheez-It Bowl, going 2-for-7 for four yards and rushing 51 yards before departing from the Hawkeyes' program.10. Hank BrownIowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) warms up before playing the Albany Great Danes Aug. 30, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesHard to judge and likely to ascend this list, Hank Brown has only had so many reps. Last year, he appeared in three games, going 11-for-21 for 107 yards, one touchdown, and an interception, but he enters 2026 with a chance to take the starting job.9. Jeremy HecklinskiIowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) throws a pass during warmups before a college football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions Oct. 18, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesIt is going to be Brown, or it is going to be Jeremy Hecklinski. One of these two is climbing this list by winning the starting job. The slightly more elusive of the two, Hecklinski was just 2-for-2 for eight yards to go with six rushing yards and a score on the ground.8. Joey LabasIowa quarterback Joey Labas (5) throws a pass during Hawkeyes football Kids Day at Kinnick open practice, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
