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Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck are trying to do something no other Hawkeye has done

The talented OL duo have been named to a midseason award watch list
ByJordan Underwood
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Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive line Trevor Lauck (59) reacts during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Sep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive line Trevor Lauck (59) reacts during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Iowa program under Kirk Ferentz has produced several high-caliber linemen, but it has yet to earn a major award.

The Hawkeyes had a program-record seven players drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four linemen. Logan Jones (Chicago Bears), Gennings Dunker (Pittsburgh Steelers), Beau Stephens (Seattle Seahawks), and Max Llewellyn (Miami Dolphins) were drafted in 2026, adding to Iowa's impressive NFL resume. Despite Iowa's ability to develop and put linemen in the NFL, no one has earned the Lombardi Award. Two offensive linemen on this year's squad could change that.

Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck were added to the Lombardi Award midseason watch list

Iowa's list of Lombardi Award finalists includes impressive names, like Tyler Linderbaum (2021) and Adrian Clayborn (2010), but the illustrious award has never come to Iowa City. Despite winning the Joe Moore Award for the best OL unit in college football last season, none of the unit's five members won the award. Iowa's only two returners from that group, Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, have lived up to their reputations this season and are both pushing for the award.

The Lombardi Award has been presented annually since 1970 to the top lineman in college football, on offense or defense, who displays exceptional performance and ability and embodies Vince Lombardi's character and discipline. The Iowa program is one of seven Big Ten programs with players added to the midseason watch list. This offseason, Iowa faced the difficult task of replacing seven starting linemen, including all four on defense. The first half of the season has been a mixed bag, but two veterans and the only returning starters who were tabbed as preseason All-Americans have lived up to the hype.

Kade Pieper burst onto the scene last season as a first-year starter and earned All-American status. Pieper started all 13 games at right guard and was tabbed as a first-round NFL Draft pick if he declared. Pieper admitted he never really considered leaving early for the NFL, which was great news for the program. During the offseason, rumors surfaced that Pieper might move to center to fill the void Logan Jones left, and it was a real possibility. Veteran Cael Winter ultimately won the job, pushing Pieper back to guard. Pieper has started all five games at right guard and has paved the way for the offense's success.

Trevor Lauck was also a big surprise last season, becoming a staple of the unit in his first season as a full-time starter. Lauck has also been tabbed as a high NFL draft pick when he declares, and has quickly gone from a relative unknown to a veteran leader, playing a critical role in Iowa's success this season.

Iowa's offense needs Lauck and Pieper to keep playing at a high level to succeed in the second half of the season, especially if the program wants to make its first College Football Playoff. The goal is achievable, but it isn't a layup. Iowa's offense goes as the offensive line goes, and with the inconsistencies that have popped up, the unit needs Lauck and Pieper more than ever.

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