The Big Ten Network's training camp tour concluded on Monday with a stop in Iowa City.
All month, the crew has traveled across the country to preview every team in the conference. The final stop on the tour saw the crew meet with Kirk Ferentz and Co. about this new Iowa roster and what fans should expect. It also gave them a chance to watch a practice and break down what they saw.
Longtime Big Ten Network host Dave Revsine did exactly that. Revsine, who's been with the network since its inception in 2007, took to X to share some observations he had about the Hawkeyes from watching practice. He started by addressing the question on everyone's mind: who will win the quarterback battle?
All of that to say – it was a rough day for Iowa QB’s – particularly Hecklinski, who struggled w/TO’s. But he played well in open scrimmage & coaches said it’s been essentially dead even in camp. In talking to coaches – sounds like there may not be a clear-cut starter for Week 1 pic.twitter.com/iyO6x1dmSg
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 24, 2026Revsine noted that it was a tough day for the quarterbacks, especially third-year Jeremy Hecklinski. Turnovers were an issue for Hecklinski. Revsine noted that coaches said Hecklinski and fourth-year Hank Brown have been neck-and-neck in camp and that a decision about who will start in Week 1 hasn't been made yet.
Revsine then moved on to some praise of Iowa's tight ends room.
Tim Lester said QB’s have similar skill-sets. Won’t have as much QB run as last yr. He likes run game & they are high on TE’s. DJ Vonnahme is a stud, Addison Ostrenga is healthy & Thomas Meyer was on receiving end of biggest play I saw – play-action completion from Hecklinski. pic.twitter.com/arFgk1ZY4V
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 24, 2026Revsine was quick to praise third-year DJ Vonnahme, who many expect to take another big leap in 2026. He also mentioned that fifth-year Addison Ostrenga looks healthy after an Achilles injury ended his season in 2025. Finally, he talked about second-year Thomas Meyer making plays, including being on the receiving end of a big play from Hecklinski. Revsine then shifted his attention up front to the offensive line.
OL is always fun to watch here. So well-coached. Trevor Lauck (59) looks good at LT. He and Kade Pieper (58) are the guys that pop the most – but this is a typical Ferentz OL – a group that very much looks the part despite losing stars Gennings Dunker and Logan Jones. pic.twitter.com/TJqUVkfo9W
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 24, 2026Fourth-years Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper jumped off the page for Revsine, which checks out considering the preseason praise both have gotten from the national media. He didn't mention any other linemen by name, but noted that the line as a whole looked good.
The Des Moines Register's Chad Leistikow noted that Revsine's video showed Cael Winter as Iowa's starting center. From left to right, Iowa's No. 1 offensive line was Trevor Lauck at left tackle, Leighton Jones at left guard, Winter at center, Kade Pieper at right guard and Jack Dotzler at right tackle.
Next, he talked a bit about the guys the line will be blocking for in the run game.
Run game should be good – LJ Phillips (21) was leading rusher in all of DI last yr at S Dakota – Lester said they think he’ll be a solid complement to Kamari Moulton, who had a nice yr LY. Didn’t get a ton from WR’s – but Tony Diaz & Evan James both getting praise from coaches. pic.twitter.com/DiYrfGTf6v
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 24, 2026Revsine was quick to praise the run game, including fourth-year transfer LJ Phillips Jr. and fourth-year Kamari Moulton. It appears those two guys will get the bulk of the carries to open the year, with third-year Xavier Williams and second-year Nathan McNeil also being quality options.
He also mentioned the praise Iowa's wide receivers have gotten from the coaching staff, with third-year Tony Diaz and second-year Evan James standing out. Revsine then moved to the other side of the football to discuss Phil Parker's unit.
Among those who stood out today – DT Bryce Hawthorne (96) & MLB Cam Buffington. Secondary looks excellent. Spoke with Reese Morgan, longtime DL coach – and he was very complementary of freshman Julian Manson – thinks he is a future star. pic.twitter.com/Usksvs0Gca
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 24, 2026Revsine said that fourth-year defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne and third-year linebacker Cam Buffington were standouts at Monday's practice. He also noted that defensive line coach Reese Morgan is high on first-year linebacker Julian Manson and thinks he'll be a future star. He wrapped up the tweets with some overall thoughts on the Hawkeyes.
Bottom line on today – I trust Ferentz. He’s not the winningest coach in B1G history by accident. We obviously didn’t catch them on a great day for the offense – but no one seemed panicked – clear in talking to people offense has had some great moments in camp. pic.twitter.com/2tJuclPzBu
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 24, 2026He talked about how it wasn't a banner day for the offense, but no one seemed too worried about that unit. At the end of the day, Revsine is putting his faith in Ferentz's ability to coach the Hawkeyes to at least 8-9 wins. It's not a bad bet to make given Iowa's success this century.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Big Ten Network host shares Iowa football camp observations
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