In the Kirk Ferentz era at Iowa, there have been a handful of consistent strengths (namely the defense and the ground game). But during his 27-year tenure, the quarterback position has never been one of them.

Heading into the 2026 campaign, Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown, a pair of gunslingers who are duking it out for the QB1 title , seek to change that narrative. And in the 2027 season, there may be a first-year quarterback looking to do the same.

Three-star 2027 quarterback Brayden Santibanez commits to Iowa

Collierville’s Brayden Santibanez (2) throws a pass during the game between Collierville High School and Arlington High School in Arlington, Tenn., on September 19, 2025. Collierville defeated Arlington 58-0. | Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Thursday, 2027 quarterback Brayden Santibanez, a Tennessee native, picked the Hawkeyes over Maryland, North Carolina and Kansas State, according to Hayes Fawcett of Rivals.…