Top Sleeper at Every Offensive Position for Iowa Football in 2026

A few younger players and others getting their first chance to shine could change things for Iowa in 2026.

Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) celebrates a touchdown in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images | Ross Harried-Imagn Images

The 2026 college football season is drawing closer each day, and things are really kicking into full gear.

While we wait for that, let's take a look at some talents on the Iowa Hawkeyes who may be backups with a chance to shine, players lingering in the shadows, or stars ready to shine but are sleepers for now.

Quarterback - Tradon Bessinger

The Iowa Hawkeyes logo is pictured on a helmet during warmups before a football game against the Indiana Hoosiers Sept. 27, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It's not Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown, the two fighting for the job in a true quarterback competition. It's the four-star freshman Tradon Bessinger.

Does Iowa ever let him see the field for meaningful minutes this year? Odds are long that Kirk Ferentz gives a true freshman the reins, but Bessinger is the guy in waiting for Iowa.

A 10,000-yard passer in high school, with 127 touchdowns to just 21 interceptions, Bessinger could be Iowa's long-term answer at quarterback in 2027.

Running Back - Xavier Williams

Iowa Hawkeyes running back Xavier Williams (26) rushes for 29 yards scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday October 11, 2025 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin. | Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kamari Moulton is the lead back, and L.J. Phillips, the FCS leading rusher in 2025, is gaining buzz around Iowa. Another back could earn carries.

Xavier Williams saw action in 10 games last year, tallying 49 carries for 285 yards and three scores. At nearly six yards per carry, he has some burst. At 5-foot-10 and 225 pounds, he looks the part of a Big Ten running back as well.

While the first two should see the bulk of the carries, Williams is more than capable of eating a few series per game for Iowa and providing contributions.

Wide Receiver - Dayton Howard

Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Dayton Howard (7) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Southern California Trojans with wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (15) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

You've got Reece Vander Zee, Tony Diaz, and Evan James, who figure to see a lot of the action on paper. The thing is, this game isn't played on paper.

Dayton Howard is big. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he is Iowa's biggest receiver. While he has just 12 receptions for 153 yards in his career, I like his size to be a factor in the red zone for Iowa this fall.

With a new quarterback in the fold, big bodies in the red zone matter. Howard is long and has the frame to be a target when things get tight. He may not have gaudy stats, but his timeliness could come up big.

Tight End - Addison Ostrenga

Iowa’s Addison Ostrenga (87) scores against Troy Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

DJ Vonnahme is the guy for Iowa at the tight end position. Make no mistake about it. He is in line to be the next tight end with the likes of Kittle, Fant, and Hockenson.

Addison Ostrenga has a spot in this offense, though. He is back from an Achilles injury and has proven himself. With 48 receptions for 320 yards and three touchdowns in his career, he doesn't need to prove his trusty hands.

Offensive Line Michael Myslinski

Aug 9, 2025; Iowa offensive lineman Michael Myslinski (53) warms up during the Hawkeyes Kids Day NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress for the Des Moines Register | Joseph Cress/For the Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Unfortunately, injuries are a part of offensive line play. It's the ugly nature of football, and it's bound to happen to every team at one point or another each year.

Luckily, Iowa has Michael Myslinski ready to roll. He was recently granted his sixth year of eligiblity and that sort of familiarity, knowledge, and readiness in Iowa's scheme is huge should he be called upon to enter the lineup.