The Iowa program, under the tutelage of Kirk Ferentz, has become a development hub for offensive linemen, as showcased once again by the 2026 NFL Draft.
Of the program-record seven players that Iowa had drafted this year, three are offensive linemen, including Logan Jones, Gennings Dunker, and Beau Stephens. This is becoming a common theme for the Hawkeyes, as multiple offensive linemen have been selected in recent drafts.
That is a huge credit to the way the program not only recruits, but also develops some of the best offensive linemen in college football. The tradition continues with five talented OL prospects joining the program via the 2026 recruiting class, and two already committed in the 2027 class.
With no prospects currently committed in the 2028 class, OL coach George Barnett is working diligently to change that.
Massive OT prospect Cannon Zubeck has all the looks of an Iowa offensive lineman
The 2025 Iowa offensive line was named the Joe Moore Award winner, given to the best OL unit in college football, and Barnett, Kirk Ferentz, and the entire program want to keep pushing the needle forward.
After a great conversation with @CoachBarnett_OL I’m blessed to receive an offer from the university of Iowa!#gohawkeyes @M_Simoneau @SMEastFootball @RecruitLancerFB @CoachAGeddis316 @CoachZubeck @AllenTrieu @GregSmithRivals pic.twitter.com/4q3JyqbhTg
— Cannon Zubeck (@CannonZubeck) May 20, 2026
Not many college football programs can boast being two-time Joe Moore Award winners, and with Iowa's growing reputation as an offensive-line hub, that won't change anytime soon. The program recently attempted to kickstart the 2028 recruiting class by offering OT prospect Cannon Zubeck, and it's easy to see why Iowa wants to bring him north to Iowa City.
During his sophomore year at Shawnee Mission East High School in Overland Park, Kansas, last season, Zubeck lined up at offensive tackle and defensive end, and was highly productive in both places.
Most of his 2025 highlights were on the offensive side of the football as he absolutely annihilated any defensive lineman that had the misfortune of lining up opposite him.
Zubeck has the size (six-foot-seven, 255 pounds) that Iowa loves to have at the offensive tackle position, and it's very easy to see why they want to add him to the group. He has already taken five visits to various programs, including one to Iowa City, and the program has some work to do to get him in the door.
After this season, if talented offensive linemen Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck elect to head to the NFL, Iowa will have a very young group overall, with plenty of opportunities for playing time. While nothing is guaranteed, Zubeck has the skill and look of a player who can make an immediate impact.
Rivals currently has Iowa lagging behind Kansas State and Missouri in their recruiting efforts, but there is still plenty of time in the process to change his mind. Iowa's reputation for developing offensive linemen is a big selling point, and they need to lean into it heavily in their pitch to Zubeck and other talented OL prospects.
Zubeck is just the prospect Iowa needs to kickstart the 2028 recruiting class, and his commitment would signal that Iowa will consistently fight for the Joe Moore Award.
Rivals currently ranks Zubeck as a four-star prospect, Kansas' No. 1 overall prospect, the No. 3 offensive tackle prospect, and the No. 18 overall prospect in the 2028 recruiting class.
Add us as a preferred source on Google