By Russell Vannozzi

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Brendan Sullivan delivered moments in Monday’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl where it appeared he might have the inside track to Iowa’s starting quarterback job in 2025.

The Northwestern transfer completed his first six passes, including a short touchdown to Terrell Washington Jr., showcased poise in the pocket and used his legs to extend plays.

Unfortunately for the Hawkeyes, those moments were fleeting in their 27-24 loss to Missouri.

Sullivan struggled in the second half with three drives ending in punts, a costly third-quarter interception and a failed QB sneak which resulted in a turnover on downs with 1:03 remaining.

“It was a tale of two halves for sure,” said Sullivan, who finished 14-of-18 passing for 131 yards. “We were pretty successful in the first half, but (Missouri) definitely had us figured out a little more in the second half. The end of the story is you can’t turn the ball over. I think that’s what cost us the game. It’s something I’ve got to take and live with. It just can’t happen.”

Sullivan’s performance ultimately left more questions about Iowa’s future at the position than it provided answers, but that wasn’t for a lack of effort.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder played with reckless abandon at times, highlighted by a wild scramble just before halftime. One play after bobbling a low snap and losing seven yards near the goal line, Sullivan got the yards back by rolling all the way to his left, cutting back upfield and then running parallel to the end zone until he found a hole.

Missouri’s Joseph Charleston delivered a bone-crushing hit to keep Sullivan from scoring, though Kamari Moulton found pay dirt with a 1-yard run on the next play.

“One of Brendan’s strengths is his competitiveness,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “He really cares. I’m not suggesting other QBs don’t, but he’s really wound tight. Part of the challenge for him – and this is not just for QBs, but anybody – you have to bridle that enthusiasm and energy and make it work for you and not against you. I think when he gets running hot sometimes, it kind of gets out of whack there a little bit.”

Sullivan’s competitiveness came back to bite him. On a third-down play early in the fourth quarter, he forced a throw to Reece Vander Zee and was picked off by Missouri’s Toriano Pride Jr. Later, Sullivan lost 13 yards by taking a first-down sack on Iowa’s final drive.

“That comes from trying to do too much sometimes and trying to be Superman when just being me is OK,” Sullivan said. “Just throwing it away, eating the loss and moving on to the next play (would’ve been better).”

Ferentz was pleased by certain aspects of Sullivan’s outing. The junior signal caller had a better competition percentage (77.8) against Missouri than he did in his first two starts against Wisconsin and UCLA, a game he exited due to an ankle injury.

“Saw some improvement, certainly. Some progress,” Ferentz said. “He went out there and played as hard as he possibly could. He’ll keep improving. I’m optimistic about that. He’s a tremendous young person.”

During Sunday’s pregame press conference, Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester didn’t shy away from his desire to add to the QB room. The Hawkeyes have Sullivan, backup Jackson Stratton, Auburn transfer Hank Brown and high school signee Jimmy Sullivan set to compete in spring practice.

For Brendan Sullivan, it means there’s work to do.

“I think I put a solid game on display,” he said. “Obviously it’s not the best game I’ve played, but I definitely put some good plays and a good performance out there to take a step and to compete for the job next year.”