3 Hawkeyes earned a special honor before the second half of the season gets underway

Before Iowa starts the second half of its season in Minneapolis, there is some praise to go around.

The Hawkeyes have started the season strong, going 5-1 through six games with a well-balanced attack. Despite a revolving door at quarterback, both Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski have done well enough. The running game has also been inconsistent, but it has three games of 250-plus rushing yards. The defense has also played well, shutting down opponents' rushing attack and forcing them to be one-dimensional. There is a lot to like about Iowa's first half, and three players are earning recognition.

The Athletic selected trio of Hawkeyes as Midseason All-Americans

Iowa's strengths have remained the same over the past few seasons, including the offensive line and the linebackers. Iowa's offensive line has paved the way for the rushing attack to average 194.0 yards per game, ranking No. 4 in the Big Ten. The unit has also allowed only five sacks, ranking No. 10 in college football. The defense has also been solid as a unit, allowing 14.5 points and 293.3 total yards per game. Iowa has also been elite in rushing defense, allowing only 84.7 yards per game. Iowa's stellar play earned three starters a place on The Athletic's Midseason All-American team.

Offensive linemen Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, along with linebacker Cam Buffington, were all selected as Midseason All-Americans, which isn't surprising. All three have been key to Iowa's success and will remain crucial moving forward.

Cam Buffington, linebacker (Second-Team)

Cam Buffington burst onto the scene last season, forcing his way into the lineup after Jaden Harrell went down with an injury. Buffington played so well that even when Harrell returned, Buffington was the guy. He was projected to be an important player on this year's defense, and he hasn't disappointed. Buffington leads the defense with 52 total tackles and is tied for second on the team in sacks with 2.0. Buffington had a massive game to lead Iowa to winning the Cy-Hawk trophy, racking up 15 total tackles, and has been stellar in run defense.

Defensive coordinator Phil Parker has used Buffington more on linebacker blitzes, and it has been successful. The defensive line has struggled to pressure the quarterback, but Buffington has picked up the slack. Buffington could easily lead the defense in tackles by the end of the season, and it is good to see someone giving him some overdue respect.

Kade Pieper, right guard (First-Team)

Kade Pieper was a lock for multiple midseason All-American lists after his stellar start to the season. If there is a Midseason All-American list, Pieper is likely on it as he continues to show why he is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the 2027 NFL Draft. Pieper became a full-time starter last season and earned All-American honors after guiding the offensive line to the Joe Moore Award. This season, he has started all six games at right guard, anchoring the right side of the offensive line.

Pieper and the offensive line have paved the way for the Iowa offense, which has averaged 403.2 yards and 31.0 points per game. The offense will need its rushing attack to stay strong, and Pieper plays a big role in that.

Trevor Lauck, left tackle (First-Team)

Trevor Lauck took advantage of his first season as a full-time last year, and has carried that momentum into this season. Lauck has adjusted well, moving from a relative unknown to a veteran leader, and he is finally gaining recognition. Lauck has also been projected as one of the top offensive linemen in next year's draft, and is proving why. He has played a critical role in protecting the quarterbacks' blindside, and the unit has allowed only five sacks all season.

That trend must continue for Iowa to make its first College Football Playoff appearance. Lauck and Pieper are the unquestioned leaders of the offensive line, and he continues to prove why he is one of the best exterior offensive linemen in the business.

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