Alert Top Story COLLEGE FOOTBALL | IOWA How Marcello Vitti became the only freshman on Iowa’s depth chart ethan.petrik Sep 2, 2026 Sep 2, 2026 Updated 9 hrs ago 0 × Jeremy Hecklinski | Iowa Football | Sept. 1 Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save IOWA CITY — It came as no surprise to the folks on North Silvery Lane in Dearborn, Michigan.kAms:G:?6 r9:=5 w:89 $49@@= 2=F> |2C46==@ ':EE: =67E =:EE=6 5@F3E 23@FE 9:D 23:=:E:6D @? E96 7@@E32== 7:6=5 5FC:?8 9:D E:>6 2D 2 u2=4@?]k^AmkAm}@H[ 2E hha tG2D96GD<: sC:G6 :? x@H2 r:EJ[ E96 x@H2 7@@E32== AC@8C2> 86ED :ED EFC? E@ D66 E96 d\7@@E\`_[ a_`\A@F?5 5676?D:G6 324<’D 8C:5:C@? AC@H6DD]k^AmkAm(96? E96 w2H<6J6D C6=62D65 E96:C 7:CDE 56AE9 492CE @7 E96 a_ae D62D@? @? |@?52J[ ':EE: H2D E96 @?=J 7C6D9>2? E@ 2AA62C @? E96 @776?D:G6 @C 5676?D:G6 EH@\566A]k^Am People are also reading… How did freshman quarterback Tradon Bessinger land at Iowa and why is he turning heads Denison woman dies, Lincoln driver seriously injured in western Iowa crash Will winter be snowy, stormy or mild? Farmers' Almanac forecast by region One TV weather team – two devastating diagnoses Is Iowa losing its religion? Church closures mount in rural communities The pillars of Iowa State football that have withstood change AJ Pritchard wins over Shirley Ballas on ‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ Corporate political donations shatter record at $646M The Fan Files: From 1990s glory to today, Nebraska fandom runs deep for Brad Maudlin Missouri grandma cooks free breakfast for neighbors. County tells her to stop Researchers expect ‘biggest year yet’ for energy siting bills in 2027 US refusals of crucial newborn vitamin spike, raising risk of dangerous bleeding College football Week 0 winners, losers: Belichick on top, NDSU wins 1st FBS test Crawford County girl gets Outstanding Leadership Award in Iowa State Fair queen competition Board charges Fort Dodge dentist with negligence kAm“w6’D 2 C62==J D>2CE <:5[” BF2CE6C324< w2?< qC@H? D2:5] “w6’D 5@?6 2 C62==J 8@@5 ;@3 @7 ;FDE A=2J:?8 8@@5 7@@E32== E9C@F89@FE 42>A] %92E’D :>AC6DD:G6 7@C 2 J@F?8 8FJ] … x’G6 366? C62==J :>AC6DD65 H:E9 9:>[ 2?5 E9:?< 96’D 8@:?8 E@ 36 2 C62==J 8@@5 A=2J6C]”k^AmkAm':EE: 6?E6CD E96 D62D@? D92C:?8 E96 324<FA DEC@?8 D276EJ 5FE:6D 369:?5 DE2CE6C p?E9@?J w2H<:?D H:E9 #@36CE |@CC:D EC2?D76C )2G:6C $EJ=6D]k^AmkAmw6 >2?2865 E@ 2D46?5 7C@> a_ae 7@FC\DE2C D:8?66 E@ D64@?5\DEC:?86C E9C@F89 DEC@?8[ 4@?D:DE6?E A=2J 5FC:?8 72== 42>A @G6C E96 AC6G:@FD >@?E9]k^Am kAm“w:D H@C< 6E9:4[” =:?6324<6C r2> qF77:?8E@? D2:5] “pD 2 7C6D9>2?[ :E’D 92C5] x <?@H H96C6 x H2D 2E 2D 2 7C6D9>2?] x 567:?:E6=J H2D ?@E F?56CDE2?5:?8 =:<6 96 H2D] w6’D 2 D>2CE <:5] w6 C62==J 8@6D @FE E96C6 2?5 96 A=2JD 92C5] w6 >6DD6D FA[ 3FE[ =:<6 2?JE9:?8[ E92E’D E96 36DE 7@C D@>6@?6] w6’D 8@:?8 E@ =62C? 7C@> E9@D6] w6’D 8@:?8 E@ 36 2 8@@5 A=2J6C]”k^AmkAmw6’D >256 9:>D6=7 <?@H? E@ E96 x@H2 H:56 C646:G6C C@@> 2D H6==]k^AmkAm“w6’D 2 G6CJ A9JD:42= =:EE=6 8FJ[” H:56 C646:G6C %@?J s:2K D2:5] “x >62?[ 96’D ?@E E@@ =:EE=6] w6 5@6D?’E A=2J =:EE=6] w6 A=2JD 3:8] w6’D 567:?:E6=J DE6AA65 FA 7@C 2 7C6D9>2?] w6 567:?:E6=J 42F89E >J 6J6 7@C DFC6] w6’D 366? >2<:?8 A=2JD] w6 5@6D H92E E96 4@2496D 2D<] w6’D 8@:?8 E@ >2<6 2 A=2J] w6’D 8@:?8 E@ AFE 92?5D @? J@F] w6’D 567:?:E6=J 366? 2 8@@5 255:E:@? E@ @FC 5676?D6]”k^Am kAmp44@C5:?8 E@ 9625 4@249 z:C< u6C6?EK[ ':EE: H:== H:E9@FE 2 5@F3E D66 E96 7:6=5 H96? E96 w2H<6J6D @A6? E96 D62D@? 282:?DE }@CE96C? x==:?@:D @? $2EFC52J 2?5 :D 4@>A6E:?8 7@C 2 =2C86C D92C6 @7 A=2J:?8 E:>6 :? 2 4C@H565 D276EJ A@D:E:@? 8C@FA]k^Am 👀 | The #Hawkeyes have done it again. DB Marcello Vitti was the only offensive or defensive freshman to appear on Iowa’s first depth chart of 2026. According to QB Jeremy Hecklinski, there’s a good reason for that. “He’s a young (Zach Lutmer).” Full quote 👇 pic.twitter.com/v3Tq100UtZ — Ethan Petrik (@ethan_petrik) September 1, 2026 kAm“p== E9C66 @7 E9@D6 8FJD Ww2H<:?D[ $EJ=6D 2?5 ':EE:X[ C:89E ?@H[ 2C6 :? E96 E9:4< @7 E9:?8D 7@C A=2J:?8 E:>6[” u6C6?EK D2:5] “p?5[ E96J’C6 A=2J:?8 @? DA64:2= E62>D] … %96J’G6 5@?6 2 8@@5 ;@3 :? AC24E:46[ 3FE ?@H J@F 86E :?E@ 82>6 4@>A6E:E:@?[ 2?5 D276E:6D 92G6 E@ >2<6 D@>6 42==D[ C64@8?:K6 D@>6 DEF77[ 2== E92E] xE’D 2 7F== 52J’D H@C<] qFE[ 8@@5 E@ 86E E96> @FE E96C6 2?5 86E E96> DE2CE65 :? 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E96 ?6IE =:<6 J62C 2?5 2 92=7]”k^Am kAmx@H2 2?5 E96 wFD<:6D 7246@77 :? z:??:4< $E25:F> 2E bi`d A]>] @? $2EFC52J]k^AmkAmqC@2542DE 4@G6C286 @7 E96 82>6 H:== 36 AC@G:565 3J q:8 %6? }6EH@C< 2?5 E96 w2H<6J6 #25:@ }6EH@C<] u@C 2 =:DE @7 =@42= DE2E:@?D[ G:D:E k2 9C67lQ9EEAi^^92H<6J6DA@CED]4@>^92H<6J6\C25:@\?6EH@C<Qm92H<6J6DA@CED]4@>^92H<6J6\C25:@\?6EH@C<k^2m]k^Am kA 4=2DDlQE?4>D\:?=:?6\=:?<Qmk2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^B4E:>6D]4@>^E?4>D^2DD6E^65:E@C:2=^cg6ga_64\e57c\c4d4\3ead\_g`_d2_e4_b2Qmx@H2’D z:C< u6C6?EK 6IA64ED D62D@? @A6?6C E@ 3C:?8 4=2C:EJ E@ F?D6EE=65 56AE9 492CEk^2mk^Am kA 4=2DDlQE?4>D\:?=:?6\=:?<Qmk2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^B4E:>6D]4@>^E?4>D^2DD6E^65:E@C:2=^bb`4db22\_`ec\c_34\hfh3\hf3aeh72_d73Qmz:C< u6C6?EKi x@H2 H2D?’E ‘ECJ:?8 E@ 36 4@J @C 4FE6’ H:E9 BF2CE6C324< D:EF2E:@?k^2mk^Am kA 4=2DDlQE?4>D\:?=:?6\=:?<Qmk2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^B4E:>6D]4@>^E?4>D^2DD6E^65:E@C:2=^g4deg646\h5eh\ca_g\3__7\2_63_46gd7`5Qm(92E H6 =62C?65 2E x@H2 7@@E32==VD >:5H66< 2G2:=23:=:EJ 367@C6 a_ae D62D@? @A6?6Ck^2mk^Am Ethan Petrik is a University of Iowa beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at ethan.petrik@wcfcourier.com. 0 Comments ethan.petrik Author email Follow ethan.petrik Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Related to this story Jeremy Hecklinski | Iowa Football | Sept. 1 Jeremy Hecklinski | Iowa Football | Sept. 1 Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz expects season opener to bring clarity to unsettled depth chart Iowa has named its starters, but Kirk Ferentz says several jobs remain unsettled. Saturday’s opener against Northern Illinois should provide s… Kirk Ferentz: Iowa wasn’t ‘trying to be coy or cute’ with quarterback situation The “OR” on Iowa’s depth chart is no smokescreen. Kirk Ferentz says the quarterback competition remains close, but a decision as to who will "… What we learned at Iowa football's midweek availability before 2026 season opener Before this weekend's season opener, members of the Iowa football program met with the media on Tuesday to discuss Northern Illinois, the quar… What we learned from Iowa's first depth chart of the 2026 football season Iowa settled several offseason position battles with its Week 1 depth chart, including new starters across the offensive and defensive lines. No starter named at quarterback as Iowa readies for 2026 opener Iowa’s quarterback competition remains unresolved. Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski share the top line on the Hawkeyes’ first depth chart of 2026. How did freshman quarterback Tradon Bessinger land at Iowa and why is he turning heads Tradon Bessinger knew Iowa’s offense would be challenging. The freshman quarterback is already earning praise for how he’s attacking it. Rock Valley alum Landyn Van Kekerix in line for bigger role at Iowa Landyn Van Kekerix spent years learning behind Iowa’s standout linebackers. In his final season, the veteran appears positioned for a bigger r… Former Quad-City Times reporter Steve Batterson named to Kinnick Media Wall of Fame Steve Batterson spent 38 years chronicling Iowa sports and the Quad-Cities. His career will now be honored on the Kinnick Media Wall of Fame. Kirk Ferentz: Iowa QB battle ‘really dead even’ with week to go before season opener Iowa still has no clear starting quarterback, with Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski remaining deadlocked little more than a week before the se… Waterloo West alum, Carson Nielsen settles in at Iowa after growing up a Hawkeye fan Seeing “NIELSEN” across the back of an Iowa jersey meant something extra to Carson Nielsen. The lifelong Hawkeye fan is finally beginning his … Iowa football faces rare overhaul on special teams in 2026 Kirk Ferentz can’t remember another season when Iowa had to replace all four specialists. That’s the challenge facing the Hawkeyes in 2026. Why Iowa’s running back room will be a strength again in 2026 Iowa felt good about its running back depth last season. With three productive returners and South Dakota transfer LJ Phillips, that confidenc… Cedar Falls native in the “thick of things” as Iowa looks for new defensive line stars The game has slowed down for Drew Campbell entering year three. His opportunity is speeding up as Iowa rebuilds its defensive front. What new 5-for-5 eligibility model means for Iowa football The NCAA’s new eligibility model gives athletes five seasons within five years. For Iowa, that could mean more freshmen getting early opportunities. Thomas Meyer was the ‘most advanced freshman’ Abdul Hodge has seen, now he’s ready for year two Thomas Meyer impressed Iowa coaches with his maturity from the moment he arrived. A year later, the tight end is ready for more. How Iowa prepared transfer wide receivers for Big Ten play Tony Diaz and Evan James arrived at Iowa undersized for Big Ten play. Eight months later, Tim Lester says both have added about 20 pounds. The Iowa QB battle wasn’t decided on Saturday. Here’s how it will be Jeremy Hecklinski threw five touchdowns at Kids’ Day, but Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz cautioned against reading too much into one practice in… How much is Iowa paying Northern Iowa, Northern Illinois for 2026 football matchups? Iowa football will pay Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa a combined $2.3 million for their 2026 visits to Kinnick Stadium. Three-star offensive lineman, son of Iowa coach, commits to Hawkeyes Staying home. Iowa City West offensive lineman James Barnett committed to the Hawkeyes, becoming Iowa's second 2028 pledge. What Kirk Ferentz, Iowa football players told us at Big Ten Media Days The Iowa football program, represented by head coach Kirk Ferentz, defensive back Zach Lutmer, linebacker Jayden Montgomery and tight end Addi… Why Kirk Ferentz made special teams a priority at Iowa In the 1980s, then offensive line coach Kirk Ferentz hated coaching the Hawkeyes' punt team. Now, Iowa is the gold standard for special teams.… Which Hawkeye legends did Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz classify Tony Diaz alongside? Tony Diaz has generated buzz all offseason. Kirk Ferentz just added even more fuel to the conversation with his comments at Big Ten Media Days. Why Iowa star defensive back hopes to be Hawkeyes’ Kaden Wetjen replacement Kirk Ferentz says he’s never coached a returner like Kaden Wetjen. Zach Lutmer hopes to be next in line. Life Inside Iowa’s QB Battle: How Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski managed split reps Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski have split first-team reps for months. They’ve learned to make the snaps they don’t take nearly as valuable. Watch Now: Related Video Why Florida officials agreed to plea deal with Tiger Woods Angels Baseball: Exciting Changes with New Ownership Ahead! Angels Baseball: Exciting Changes with New Ownership Ahead! Tiger Woods accepts reckless driving plea deal after Florida car crash. Tiger Woods accepts reckless driving plea deal after Florida car crash. Angels fans react to team's sale to Stan Kroenke Angels fans react to team's sale to Stan Kroenke Recommended for you
ethan.petrik Author email Follow ethan.petrik Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz expects season opener to bring clarity to unsettled depth chart Iowa has named its starters, but Kirk Ferentz says several jobs remain unsettled. Saturday’s opener against Northern Illinois should provide s…
Kirk Ferentz: Iowa wasn’t ‘trying to be coy or cute’ with quarterback situation The “OR” on Iowa’s depth chart is no smokescreen. Kirk Ferentz says the quarterback competition remains close, but a decision as to who will "…
What we learned at Iowa football's midweek availability before 2026 season opener Before this weekend's season opener, members of the Iowa football program met with the media on Tuesday to discuss Northern Illinois, the quar…
What we learned from Iowa's first depth chart of the 2026 football season Iowa settled several offseason position battles with its Week 1 depth chart, including new starters across the offensive and defensive lines.
No starter named at quarterback as Iowa readies for 2026 opener Iowa’s quarterback competition remains unresolved. Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski share the top line on the Hawkeyes’ first depth chart of 2026.
How did freshman quarterback Tradon Bessinger land at Iowa and why is he turning heads Tradon Bessinger knew Iowa’s offense would be challenging. The freshman quarterback is already earning praise for how he’s attacking it.
Rock Valley alum Landyn Van Kekerix in line for bigger role at Iowa Landyn Van Kekerix spent years learning behind Iowa’s standout linebackers. In his final season, the veteran appears positioned for a bigger r…
Former Quad-City Times reporter Steve Batterson named to Kinnick Media Wall of Fame Steve Batterson spent 38 years chronicling Iowa sports and the Quad-Cities. His career will now be honored on the Kinnick Media Wall of Fame.
Kirk Ferentz: Iowa QB battle ‘really dead even’ with week to go before season opener Iowa still has no clear starting quarterback, with Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski remaining deadlocked little more than a week before the se…
Waterloo West alum, Carson Nielsen settles in at Iowa after growing up a Hawkeye fan Seeing “NIELSEN” across the back of an Iowa jersey meant something extra to Carson Nielsen. The lifelong Hawkeye fan is finally beginning his …
Iowa football faces rare overhaul on special teams in 2026 Kirk Ferentz can’t remember another season when Iowa had to replace all four specialists. That’s the challenge facing the Hawkeyes in 2026.
Why Iowa’s running back room will be a strength again in 2026 Iowa felt good about its running back depth last season. With three productive returners and South Dakota transfer LJ Phillips, that confidenc…
Cedar Falls native in the “thick of things” as Iowa looks for new defensive line stars The game has slowed down for Drew Campbell entering year three. His opportunity is speeding up as Iowa rebuilds its defensive front.
What new 5-for-5 eligibility model means for Iowa football The NCAA’s new eligibility model gives athletes five seasons within five years. For Iowa, that could mean more freshmen getting early opportunities.
Thomas Meyer was the ‘most advanced freshman’ Abdul Hodge has seen, now he’s ready for year two Thomas Meyer impressed Iowa coaches with his maturity from the moment he arrived. A year later, the tight end is ready for more.
How Iowa prepared transfer wide receivers for Big Ten play Tony Diaz and Evan James arrived at Iowa undersized for Big Ten play. Eight months later, Tim Lester says both have added about 20 pounds.
The Iowa QB battle wasn’t decided on Saturday. Here’s how it will be Jeremy Hecklinski threw five touchdowns at Kids’ Day, but Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz cautioned against reading too much into one practice in…
How much is Iowa paying Northern Iowa, Northern Illinois for 2026 football matchups? Iowa football will pay Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa a combined $2.3 million for their 2026 visits to Kinnick Stadium.
Three-star offensive lineman, son of Iowa coach, commits to Hawkeyes Staying home. Iowa City West offensive lineman James Barnett committed to the Hawkeyes, becoming Iowa's second 2028 pledge.
What Kirk Ferentz, Iowa football players told us at Big Ten Media Days The Iowa football program, represented by head coach Kirk Ferentz, defensive back Zach Lutmer, linebacker Jayden Montgomery and tight end Addi…
Why Kirk Ferentz made special teams a priority at Iowa In the 1980s, then offensive line coach Kirk Ferentz hated coaching the Hawkeyes' punt team. Now, Iowa is the gold standard for special teams.…
Which Hawkeye legends did Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz classify Tony Diaz alongside? Tony Diaz has generated buzz all offseason. Kirk Ferentz just added even more fuel to the conversation with his comments at Big Ten Media Days.
Why Iowa star defensive back hopes to be Hawkeyes’ Kaden Wetjen replacement Kirk Ferentz says he’s never coached a returner like Kaden Wetjen. Zach Lutmer hopes to be next in line.
Life Inside Iowa’s QB Battle: How Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski managed split reps Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski have split first-team reps for months. They’ve learned to make the snaps they don’t take nearly as valuable.
