The Hawkeyes were fortunate to have the best offensive line in college football last season, with two members of the unit returning for another season.
All-American Logan Jones (Rimington Award winner), All-American Beau Stephens, and Gennings Dunker were all drafted during the 2026 NFL Draft, proving that Iowa might have to change its name from "Tight End U" to "OL U." All three of Iowa's veteran linemen had over 25 career starts, creating a difficult problem for OL coach George Barnett. You don't simply replace that kind of production without some drop-off, but the unit is hoping to stave that off with All-American Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck returning.
Lauck and Pieper have been named to the Outland Trophy Watch List
Both Pieper and Lauck made the most of their first seasons as starters on the offensive line, helping the unit earn the Joe Moore Award last season. Both players had similar trajectories, playing in a reserve role until being given the opportunity to start last season. Pieper quickly became a household name after establishing himself as one of the best guards in college football, and Lauck had a similar impact at offensive tackle.
Now as veteran leaders on an inexperienced offensive line next season, both players will be heavily relied upon. After dynamic seasons, both players have been named to a wtahc list for a prestigious award heading into next year.
Two of the nation’s finest big fellas 😤@PieperKade @TrevorLauck ➡️ @outlandtrophy Watch List 🏆 pic.twitter.com/A0Eu8U1OXh
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 4, 2026
Lauck and Pieper were both named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, while Pieper was also named to the Rimington Award Watch List. The Outland Trophy is presented annually to the best offensive or defensive lineman in college football, while the Rimington Award is presented annually to the best center in college football. Iowa could earn back-to-back Rimington Awards after Logan Jones won it last season.
Kade Pieper, center (fourth year)
2025: 13 games played (13 starts) at right guard, First-Team All-American (PFF), Third-Team All-Big Ten (media)
Pieper went from being relatively unknown to one of the best interior linemen in college football, which speaks volumes about Iowa's development. While offensive linemen generally do not get the respect they deserve, Pieper has dominated headlines for his exceptional athletic ability and versatility. After earning All-American status at guard last year, Pieper was shifted to center to account for the massive loss of Logan Jones, and he hasn't skipped a beat.
He easily won the job early on in spring practices and solidified a clear area of need on the offensive line. Nothing against Michael Myslinski, Cael Winter, Leighton Jones, and others vying for the starting center role, but Pieper is the clear choice. After a dynamic first season as a starter, Pieper generated a ton of NFL Draft buzz, but never seriously considered leaving the program, which was great news for the Hawkeyes. He is already topping draft boards for the 2027 NFL Draft (if he declares), and it's easy to see why.
He has already been named to the Outland Trophy and Rimington Award Watch Lists, and should be in the mix for at least one prestigious award before the end of the season.
Trevor Lauck, offensive tackle
2025: 13 games played (13 starts) at left tackle, Third-Team All-Big Ten (coaches)
Trevor Lauck had a very familiar path to stardom as fellow Outland Trophy Watch List member Kade Pieper, making the most of his first chance to start on the offensive line last season. Lauck was neck-and-neck with Jack Dotzler for the starting left tackle role, and narrowly beat him out. Lauck showed why he was the best choice for the position, and Dotzler should start opposite him at right tackle next season. Lauck is one of the more athletic tackles you will find, prompting his meteoric rise up draft boards.
Lauck is already near the top of most draft boards for offensive tackles if he declares for the 2027 NFL Draft, and he has the size (six-foot-five, 314 pounds) and versatility to be a star player at the next level, and has a similar skill set and build to former Hawkeye Gennings Dunker. Dunker was a fourth-round pick in the 2026 Draft, and Lauck has the potential to go even higher than that. If he stays healthy, Lauck could earn his 26th career start and could easily be a top draft pick if he forgoes his final collegiate season.
Much like Pieper, Lauck will be a leader of the offensive line this season and play a key role in Iowa's success on offense. If either Lauck or Pieper wins the award, they will become the fifth Hawkeye to ever win it and the third under Kirk Ferentz (Robert Gallery - 2003, Brandon Scherff - 2014).
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