Phil Steele's All-Big Ten list hints at a special season incoming for the Hawkeyes

The weather is heating up, which means we are inching closer to college football.

With 81 days until Iowa starts the 2026 season against Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium, rankings lists are starting to come out at a feverish pace, with multiple Hawkeyes already earning recognition. Even with multiple question marks on both sides of the football and special teams, there is no doubt the Hawkeyes will have some playmakers next season.

Long-time college football writer Phil Steele's preseason rankings lists have become a staple of the summer, and his All-Big Ten teams list is chock-full of Hawkeyes.

Phil Steele named 5 Hawkeyes to his preseason All-Big Ten teams

Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes are looking to make their first College Football Playoff in program history, and in order to accomplish that goal, these five players will be relied on to produce at the highest level.

A lot of the usual suspects made Phil Steele's preseason All-Big Ten teams list, including dynamic playmaker Zach Lutmer and Kade Pieper, who should easily be among Iowa's top-producing players next season.

Kade Pieper, offensive line

Projection: First-Team All-American, First-Team All-Big Ten

In his first season as the starting right guard, Kade Pieper opened a lot of eyes. The Iowa offensive line was a veteran group in 2025, featuring Logan Jones, Gennings Dunker, and Beau Stephens, and Pieper found a way to stand out.

Pieper was named an All-American selection alongside teammate Logan Jones and was rumored to make the jump to the NFL after a stellar season. Pieper revealed he never truly entertained the idea of leaving the program after his sophomore season, which was amazing news for the program and fans.

Returning for his junior year, Pieper showcased his versatility in the spring by taking snaps at both guard and center, and even though no announcement has been made, he has a great chance to be Iowa's starting center next season. Regardless of where Pieper lines up, he will be a leader of the offensive line as they attempt to earn the Joe Moore Award in back-to-back seasons.

Trevor Lauck, offensive line

Projection: Second-Team All-Big Ten

If there was anyone who made the most as a first-year starter, it was offensive lineman Trevor Lauck. Lauck was in a heated battle with fellow offensive lineman Jack Dotzler for one of the starting tackle spots before last season, and he ultimately won the job.

After winning the job, he never relinquished it, starting all 13 games at left tackle. He was a pleasant surprise for the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line, and is even projected to be one of the top tackles selected in next year's NFL Draft. PFF ranked Lauck as the No. 6 OT prospect and the No. 34 overall prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Alongside Pieper, Lauck will be heavily relied upon as an anchor for the offensive line, and they need him to live up to his high preseason ranking.

Zach Lutmer, defensive back

Projection: Third-Team All-American, Second-Team All-Big Ten

Iowa native Zach Lutmer is another prime example of the Hawkeye program identifying an underrecruited player and turning him into an All-Big Ten-caliber performer. Lutmer joined the program in 2023, but played in only one game. He ultimately redshirted and played most on special teams during his redshirt freshman season in 2024.

Last season, Lutmer established himself as a multi-faceted playmaker who could play multiple positions in the Iowa secondary. He played defensive back, safety, and CASH for the Iowa defense last season, with his best position as CASH or safety.

Lutmer's defensive versatility will be key for the Hawkeye defense this season, and it would not be a surprise if he took the next step in his development.

Eli Ozick, kicker

Projection: Third-Team All-Big Ten

Talented placekicker Eli Ozick is entering his first season with the Hawkeye program after transferring from North Dakota State this offseason. Ozick attended an Iowa men's basketball game against UCLA last winter and decided to make Iowa City his new home for the next few seasons.

Ozick was stellar for the Bison last season, connecting on 19 of 23 field goal attempts, including a long of 54 yards. Ozick was also part of the Bison's 2024 FCS National Championship-winning squad and brings extensive experience to the special teams unit.

With new special teams coordinator Chris Polizzi also in his first year, Ozick's development is paramount for the program.

DJ Vonnahme, tight end

Projection: Fourth-Team All-Big Ten

Of all the players on Phil Steele's list, DJ Vonnahme might have the biggest gripe with his positioning after a dynamic redshirt freshman campaign. Vonnahme burst onto the scene after Iowa dealt with multiple injuries to the tight end group, including starter Addison Ostrenga, and he made the most of his opportunity.

After torching the Vanderbilt defense for 146 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in Iowa's thrilling victory in the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl, the freshman sensation finished the season with 436 total receiving yards and three touchdowns. Even though his projected spot on Steele's All-Big Ten teams list is too low for our liking, even making a team shows how dynamic Vonnahme was last season.

The tight end room will be even more loaded this year with Ostrenga, Zach Ortwerth, Thomas Mayer, Mason Woods, and Eli Johnson all vying for snaps, and it wouldn't be surprising if Vonnahme won the starting job.

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