⚡ CFB Dashboard

Iowa's Week 1 depth chart lists Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski as co-starters at quarterback, but the latest practice signal favors Hecklinski for the first snaps after he delivered the position's best Kids' Day performance.

Iowa could rotate specialists by situation, with Caden Buhr listed ahead of more experienced North Dakota State transfer Eli Ozick at kicker and Boston Everitt ahead of Tanner Philp at punter.

Iowa defensive tackle Brad Fitzgibbon has battled injuries throughout preseason but remains a potential interior-rotation addition, while Emmanuel Olagbaju has also been in and out, Lance Ingold is injured, and Kahmari Brown is currently the transfer most likely to contribute as a situational speed rusher.

Northern Illinois quarterback Taron Dickens completed 76% of his clean-pocket throws in 2025 and remained productive under pressure with 843 yards and seven touchdowns, but his 10 turnover-worthy plays when not blitzed give Iowa a route to disruption without heavy pressure packages.

Iowa is expected to establish the run against a young Northern Illinois front whose likely linebackers include true freshman Jack Murray and lightly used Jashawn Nelson and whose top defensive-line rotation includes three second-year players.