The Hawkeyes are ramping up practices before their spring football game this weekend.
The spring game will give the fans and media a first look at the squad in a full scrimmage between the offense and defense before the season kicks off in five months.
Iowa has been extremely busy preparing for next season, with multiple players battling for starting reps or expanded roles.
The offensive line will be an interesting group to watch, with only two starters returning. One player vying for more playing time has had an impressive spring and was called out (in a good way) by offensive coordinator Tim Lester.
Leighton Jones has had an 'unbelievable' spring according to Tim Lester
Everyone knows what returning All-American Kade Pieper and last year's starting left tackle, Trevor Lauck, bring to the table, but the other three spots are up for grabs.
Regardless if Pieper starts at guard or center next season, that still leaves three open spots, and one veteran OL is taking full advantage.
Tim Lester on offensive lineman Leighton Jones: "Leighton's had an unbelievable spring. He doesn't even stick out. That's a compliment. You don't even notice him. It's just like Beau (Stephens) is there, you know what I mean?"
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) April 22, 2026
Junior offensive lineman Leighton Jones has patiently waited his turn, and after playing in 11 games last season with zero starts, he has taken full advantage of reps this spring.
Jones, alongside Jack Dotzler, Michael Myslinski, Cael Winter, and transfer Trent Wilson, are all in the mix for the three open spots, but Jones has had an "incredible" spring, according to offensive coordinator Tim Lester.
Lester also said that you don't even notice, which is a compliment, because that means he is doing all the right things.
Jones is projected to earn a spot at guard or potentially center if Pieper stays at guard, and he is doing all the right things early in spring.
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