Who Will Be the Hawkeye Bowl QB?

When it comes to Iowa football quarterbacks, the Hawkeye program has a long list of pre-eminent and well-rounded players. Whether it’s Scott Mullen, Randy Duncan or even Kyle McCann, the position has produced numerous talented individuals that have helped the Hawkeyes win games and make history.

But, it’s no secret that the Hawkeyes are in a quagmire at the position right now. With Cade McNamara’s injury and an uncertain timetable for his recovery, it leaves the door wide open for either a graduate transfer or true freshman to step into the starting role for the bowl game against Tennessee. Both options have varying levels of experience but have shown promise in practice.

The first option is Ohio State graduate transfer Joe Labas, who is a four-star recruit that was ranked as the 28th-best quarterback in his class according to 247Sports. Labas has had a solid spring and made some big throws in practice, including one that was compared to Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes’ style. He also threw a 48-yard touchdown pass in the Outback Bowl against South Carolina and is considered the clear number two on the depth chart, behind the senior McNamara and sophomore Stanley.

But the biggest wild card in this equation could be true freshman Carson May. The 2021 recruit is a dual-threat player that can run the ball, catch the ball and has some arm strength behind his short, accurate passes. He has been impressive in practice and made some big plays in the Outback Bowl, especially on a deep sidearm pass to Graham Friedrichsen.

Another name that fans are keeping an eye on is Michigan graduate transfer Kyle Milton, who has impressed in his limited opportunities since he joined the Hawkeyes this year. He has thrown for over 500 yards this season and is a threat to create some big playmaking for Iowa.

Nate Stanley is the current Hawkeye starter and is atop a lot of Iowa passing records. He is just 22 touchdowns away from breaking Long’s school record and many fans are hoping he can etch his name into the cherished history of the Iowa football program.

Regardless of which quarterback takes the snaps, it is sure to be an exciting battle. Whoever wins will have a tall task at hand but it will be fun to watch them compete for the starting job in front of a national audience.