There are very few players who fall into the category of irreplaceable, but Kade Pieper does that.
Ever since taking over as the starting right guard last season, Pieper's draft stock has significantly increased, and there were rumors he could forgo his final two seasons in Iowa City to become a sure-fire first-round draft pick. Pieper quickly shut down those rumors, and it was recently revealed he had a three-word response when OL coach George Barnett asked him about it: "Coach, I'm good."
Since announcing his return, Pieper has racked up preseason awards, including one from the oldest All-American team in the country.
Pieper earned a Walter Camp Preseason First-Team All-American selection
Pieper showcased his versatility during spring practices after rumors surfaced that he could be sliding over to center, and he took a bulk of the center snaps alongside Michael Myslinski. Kirk Ferentz and the program haven't made any official announcements, but everyone is expecting him to be the starting center next season.
Before he officially takes a snap as a center at the NCAA level, he is already projected as one of the top centers in college football.
University of Iowa fourth-year OL Kade Pieper has been named a Walter Camp Preseason First Team All American.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) June 30, 2026
Pieper earned a Preseason First-Team All-American selection by Walter Camp, the longest-running All-American team in college football history. The Walter Camp All-American teams have been selected since 1889, when Camp was the head football coach at Yale University. Since 1889, the Walter Camp All-American Team selections have been a staple of college football, entering their 137th year next season.
Pieper being selected isn't a surprise, given how well he performed last season and all the NFL buzz he continues generating, but it is a little surprising that he was named as the First-Team center, even though he has never taken a snap there. It demonstrates how highly people value his potential and versatility and how much the Hawkeyes need him.
Pieper went from a relative unknown before last season to a full-time starter to a staple of the offensive line group in just over a year, and he is easily one of Iowa's best players heading into the 2026-2027 season.
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