Iowa fans can breath easier after a star offensive lineman will NOT head to the NFL Draft this year.
The Iowa offensive line was named the best unit in college football after the 2025 season by earning the Joe Moore Award.
After winning the award this season, the program has now earned the distinction twice (2016, 2025), joining Alabama and Michigan as the only other programs to have won it multiple times.
Following the end of the 2025 season, the Hawkeyes are losing starters Logan Jones, Gennings Dunker, and Beau Stephens to graduation, but got some great news about one piece of the award-winning line returning next season.
Iowa All-American redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Kade Pieper is set to return to the Hawkeyes instead of leaving for the NFL, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 14, 2026
Would have been in line to be one of the first interior offensive linemen drafted but instead set to return to Iowa. pic.twitter.com/fkoWbyviqT
According to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, All-American offensive lineman Kade Pieper is returning to the Iowa program next season.
During his first season as a full-time starter on the offensive line, Pieper started at right guard in all 13 games, and was named an All-American, and a All-Big Ten Third-Team selection (media).
Pieper generated a lot of draft buzz as the season progressed, and was projected to be one of the first interior linemen taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pieper's return gives Iowa's offensive line a boost
Losing three starters on the offensive line will be hard enough for the Hawkeyes, but after the announcement that Pieper will return, it gives the unit a huge boost next season.
Iowa returns only two starters on the line, including Pieper and Trevor Lauck, with Jack Dotzler, Leighton Jones, and Cannon Leonard expected to play increased roles.
The Hawkeyes also added James Madison transfer Trent Wilson, who is projected to fight for snaps as well next season.
Pieper will easily be Iowa's leader on the line next season as a redshirt junior, and if he continues to improve, we might be having a very different conversation at this time next year.