Auburn quarterback transfer Hank Brown commits to Iowa

Kirk Ferentz has once again gone into the NCAA transfer portal to find a quarterback. This go-round, the player comes from the SEC as Auburn‘s Hank Brown has committed to Iowa. Brown recently visited the program and not too long after, pledged to suit up for the Hawkeyes in 2025.

Brown spent time this past season as the starter for Hugh Freeze. A quarterback change was needed after Payton Thorne was turning the ball over and Freeze handed the keys over to Brown. Unfortunately, it lasted just six quarters against New Mexico and Arkansas.

Four total appearances are on record for Brown, throwing for 403 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 62.8% of throws. All three interceptions came in the first half against Arkansas, forcing Freeze to move back to Thorne.

Per the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings, Brown is the No. 197 overall player and No. 23 quarterback to enter this cycle. He is considered a three-star prospect, similar to his high school recruitment.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

Brown played high school football at Nashville (TN) Lipscomb Academy, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 1,108 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Trent Dilfer, now at UAB, spent time as Brown’s high school head coach.

Three years of eligibility remain for Brown as he heads to Iowa City. A redshirt was taken during the 2023 season, only making one appearance. Even then, it was against Maryland in the Music City Bowl, not counting toward his four-game count.

From an Iowa perspective, the Hawkeyes were always going to need outside help for the quarterback room. Three players have already left the program via the transfer portal, most notably Cade McNamara. Just two remain on the roster as of now, with most teams hoping to carry four at all times.