The Iowa offense was carried literally and figuratively by running back Kaleb Johnson last season.
The Hawkeyes were still adjusting to first-year offensive coordinator Tim Lester's system, and could could not keep a health quarterback on the field to run it.
At one point during the 2024-2025 season, Iowa's offense was being run by fifth-string quarterback Jackson Stratton as starters Cade McNamara and Brendan Sullivan, as well as third-string quarterback Marco Lainez, were sidelined with injuries.
Projected fourth-string quarterback James Resar also never saw the field, giving Stratton spot starts while the other trio were sidelined.