Jackson Stratton, the former starting quarterback for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, effective November 30, 2023. With two years of eligibility remaining, Stratton’s decision follows a season where he served primarily as a backup to fifth-year senior quarterback Mark Gronowski.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Stratton transferred to Iowa after a brief stint at Colorado State, where he attempted 17 passes in 2022. At Iowa, he played in three games during the 2024 season, starting two and achieving a 2-0 record as a starter. In those appearances, he completed 10 out of 14 passes for 76 yards and 8 out of 15 for 115 yards, including one touchdown.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Stratton expressed gratitude towards the University of Iowa, his coaches, teammates, and the support staff. “Thank you, Hawkeye nation for all the love and support you have shown me,” he wrote. He emphasized his pride in being a graduate of the university and readiness for the next chapter in his career.
Iowa’s Quarterback Situation for Next Season
The departure of Stratton, alongside the anticipated exit of Gronowski, leaves Iowa’s quarterback situation uncertain for the upcoming season. The competition appears to be between sophomore Hank Brown and freshman Jeremy Hecklinski. Brown has more experience, having thrown 21 passes this season, compared to Hecklinski’s two attempts.
Iowa is also welcoming prized recruit Tradon Bessinger, ranked as the second-highest prospect in the Class of 2026 and the top quarterback entering the Big Ten. However, there is no indication that head coach Kirk Ferentz will immediately rely on Bessinger to fill the starting role.
As the Hawkeyes prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will now shift to identifying a new leader under center. The program’s future direction depends on how the coaching staff navigates this transitional period in their quarterback lineup.
Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching the developments in Iowa’s quarterback room, with the potential for new talent to emerge as the team aims for success in college football.
