We are just a few Saturdays aways from Iowa's week one matchup against Northern Illinois, and the preseason rankings lists are coming out in full force.
Even though Iowa returns just over a handful of players, the program is well-represented on awards watchlists. Projected starting center Kade Pieper leads the way with four Preseason First-Team All-American nominations (AP, Athlon, Phil Steele, Walter Camp), with Zach Lutmer, Trevor Lauck, Mamari Moulton, and others popping up on lists. The AP recently released their Preseason All-American teams, and in unsurprising fashion, Kade Pieper was a first-team selection. What was a surprise was Zach Lutmer and Trevor Lauck not being on there.
Lauck and Lutmer were both snubs from the AP's Preseason All-American teams
The Iowa program has been well-represented on All-American teams in the past, with Logan Jones earning a unanimous selection last season. Pro Football Focus (PFF) named Pieper a First-Team All-American last season, and he is the only Hawkeye player to receive any preseason All-American recognition. After the AP's list was released, two Hawkeyes have legitimate gripes for not earning a spot on either team.
Zach Lutmer, defensive back (fourth year)
After a stellar third season in Iowa City, Zach Lutmer is poised for a breakout campaign this season. With the Iowa program experiencing a lot of turnover, Lutmer is going to be a key piece of the defense, and he has already been added to multiple preseason watch lists. Lutmer's numbers were close to those of 2025 Nagurski Trophy winner Jacob Rodriguez, and if he continues improving, there is no question he will be in the conversation for the trophy this season.
Lutmer is extremely versatile and can line up at cornerback, safety, and CASH, giving Phil Parker and the defense a weapon to deploy all over the field. After a solid transfer portal window, Lutmer will most likely be the every-game starter at CASH, giving him the freedom to roam and make plays. Lutmer is already on the 2026 Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list, and he should be on the AP All-American team.
He currently is not listed as a player to watch, but that will quickly change as the season goes on.
Trevor Lauck, OT (fourth year)
Trevor Lauck paid his dues and earned a starting offensive tackle role last season. Lauck was in a dead heat with Jack Dotzler for most of the offseason, but after winning the job, he never relinquished it. He was a major part of the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line unit for the Hawkeyes. Lauck made the most of his first season as a starter, starting all 13 games at left tackle last season. He was named an All-Big Ten Third-Team selection (coaches) and has generated a ton of NFL Draft buzz this offseason.
Lauck (six-foot-five, 314 pounds) has a rare combination of size and strength and is already considered to be one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft if he declares. With Pieper as the only other returning starter, Lauck will be relied upon early and often this season, and even though he didn't earn a spot on the AP All-American teams list, he will be in the mix if Iowa's offense takes the next step.
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