Deacon Hill transferred into Iowa this past offseason after starting his career at Wisconsin. In fact, Hill once committed to Fordham via the transfer portal before eventually landing with the Hawkeyes.

Heading into the season, Hill was likely expected to be a depth piece with Joey Labas behind Cade McNamara. But after a training camp injury to Labas and a season-ending injury to McNamara, Hill was thrust into the spotlight against Michigan State.

Now, Hill is gearing up for his first career start as Iowa prepares to face Purdue this Saturday. During Tuesday’s availability, Hill admitted it has been a different feeling but  not a different prep during the week.

“Obviously there’s a different feeling knowing you’re going to be playing on Saturday, but I don’t think my prep has changed a lot,” said Hill via Eliot Clough. “I’ve talked about it, we’ve had a routine going since the first week and so establishing that routine and keeping that thing moving forward is probably what I need best.”

As for Saturday, the QB noted he will probably be a little more nervous as the starter. Come game time, it’s just about leaning into the fundamentals.

“I’ll probably be a little more nervous, I think anyone would,” Hill admitted. “But I think it’s just keying in on what the fundamentals are, and what the fundamentals of our gameplan is and just focusing in on that.”

In the game against the Spartans, Hill led an 80-yard touchdown drive and threw the first score of his college career. Now, he’ll try to improve his efficiency and keep the Hawkeyes rolling against the Boilermakers.