After paying his dues through his first two years with the program, offensive lineman Trevor Lauck is finally making the most of his opportunity.
The Iowa program is well-known for its offensive line development, and when guys enter the system, they don't often leave. Most players might not play a big role in the first couple of years, but when they trust the process, it pays off in a big way, and that is exactly the story with Lauck. We had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Lauck before the regular season begins to discuss everything from his new NIL deal with Casey's to his preparation heading into the season, and why he is so excited to get things going.
Casey's has an amazing deal on college football Saturdays that fans will want to know
Casey's all-new "Tailgate Tracker" shows that college football fans are waking up earlier and earlier to support their teams, and they are back to help hungry college football fans. Iowa fans are currently ranked No. 2 overall for the earliest-rising fans in Casey's "Tailgate Tracker," and Lauck has partnered with Casey's to rally fans from those early-morning tailgates through the final whistle.
This season, to help feed hungry fans and their crew, Casey's is offering 40 percent off eligible pizzas with code TOUCHDOWN. Lauck's favorite Casey's pizza is the Barn Burner, while also being a fan of the new chicken, bacon, barbecue, and onion pizza. If you're now craving some good Casey's pizza, so are we!
Lauck is ready for Saturday after a long offseason
After a long offseason of preparation and intense workouts, Lauck is chomping at the bit to get out there on Saturday. Lauck said he is feeling "really good" both physically and mentally, and after a lot of work on the fundamentals and improving wherever he can this offseason, he is raring to go.
"Just excited to get out there...it's been a long offseason getting better at the fundamentals and just working hard, so finally ready to show it off Saturday."Trevor Lauck, Iowa OL
There is no doubt that Lauck is locked in and ready to go, and if he even slightly improved on last season, he is going to have a heck of a year. Lauck won one of the starting tackle jobs in a close competition with Jack Dotzler last offseason, but he played so well that he forced Kirk Fwrent and George Barnett to keep him in the lineup. He started all 13 games at left tackle, earning Third-Team All-Big Ten (coaches) and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (media) last season.
After taking full advantage of his opportunity last season, Lauck isn't flying under the radar in 2026; he is a preseason First-Team All-Big Ten selection and has been named to the Outland Trophy preseason watch list alongside fellow veteran OL Kade Pieper. Lauck is poised for a big season, and he is ready to deliver.
Lauck is preparing like Saturday is his 'first time ever' playing
Consistency is the name of the game for Lauck, and he isn't taking his foot off the gas pedal now that he has become an integral part of the offensive line unit. He showed an incredible work ethic during last year's offseason and throughout the season, earning and keeping a starting job, but even as one of the squad's veterans this season, he isn't changing his mindset or preparation.
"I try to keep it the same honestly. Just prepare like it's my first time ever, you know?"Trevor Lauck, Iowa OL
Lauck is keeping it simple and is just trying to get better every day. He said he is always trying to find weaknesses in his game and work on those, while also using a lot of film study to prepare as best he can. Even with 13 career starts under his belt, Lauck is still treating each game like it's his first time ever playing.
Losing 3 veteran leaders hurts, but everyone is stepping up to fill the void
Lauck was a big part of the success of the offensive line unit that earned the Joe Moore Award last season, but the group is going to look a little different this year. Pieper and Lauck are the only returning starters on the offensive line after Beau Stephens, Gennings Dunker, and Logan Jones all headed to the NFL, and while you can't truly replace those guys, Lauck is confident in the guys he has around him, and has noticed everyone stepping up to fill those vacancies.
"Those guys were one of one players, and losing them definitely hurts...we're throwing in guys that have learned from the program and from out coaches and have been getting better behind the scenes."Trevor Lauck, Iowa OL
Not every program boasts elite offensive line development like the Iowa program, and even though some of the guys out there will be stepping into expanded roles, they have already been rigorously preparing behind the scenes, but have been blocked by some very talented players. Lauck voiced extreme confidence in those guys, and he is confident that they are just as excited to get going on Saturday against Northern Illinois.
Lauck is confident that the OL unit can elevate their game this season
Iowa's offensive line unit was so good last year that it could be hard to elevate their game even higher this season. With three key pieces missing, it could be an uphill climb, but Lauck is extremely confident that the group learned a lot from those upperclassmen last season, and they can be just as good, if not better, this season.
"The ability to learn from them last year I think is going to help us this year, and hopefully be just as good, if not better than last year."Trevor Lauck, Iowa OL
It is hard to imagine the offensive line unit being better than last season, but Lauck is confident that they can be after using the blueprint laid out last season by a stellar group of veteran leaders. If the offensive line can come close to the level they played at last season, the Hawkeyes will be in great shape and can take advantage of all the weapons they have. The running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends are all very deep this season, and in typical Iowa offensive lineman fashion, Lauck said he is ready to pave the way for all the talented running backs they have on the roster.
Lauck is extremely excited and ready to go for week one against NIU, and we couldn't be more excited for him and the rest of the program.
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