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Iowa starting quarterback for game vs. Nebraska: Alex Padilla or Spencer Petras

Iowa is in must-win mode for a shot at competing for a conference championship, and here’s an updated look at the team’s quarterback situation.

Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras tosses a ball to teammate Alex Padilla as they warm up before a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

Update 3:20 p.m. After a lackluster first half, Spencer Petras now in at quarterback for the Hawkeyes, who trailed 14-6 at intermission. Padilla was 6-14 for 76 yards in the first half.

Update 12:59 p.m. It looks like Padilla will be under center at kickoff for the Hawkeyes.


The No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes head out on the road to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers with the potential to win the Big Ten West depending on what happens on the final weekend of the regular season.

While the Hawkeyes’ postseason future remains uncertain, there is some clarity on what is happening with their quarterback situation as Alex Padilla will get the start for the regular season finale.

Padilla entered the game early in a 17-12 win over the Northwestern Wildcats for Spencer Petras, who started the first nine games of the season. Petras missed the last two games with an injury but is listed as the backup quarterback on the team’s official depth chart and would be available if Padilla is injured or ineffective.

Over the last three games - all Iowa victories - Padilla has completed 35-of-69 (50.7%) of his passes for 461 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. On the season, Petras completed 58.3% of throws for 1,430 yards with nine touchdowns and six picks, and the Hawkeyes went 6-2 in the eight games he played the majority of.

Nebraska will be without starting quarterback Adrian Martinez, who underwent shoulder surgery earlier this week.

Iowa can clinch the Big Ten West with a win on Friday in addition to a Wisconsin Badgers road loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday.

Nebraska is a 1-point favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook with the over/under set at 40.