There is no question that Kirk Ferentz prepares his players for the next level, and that has been a consistent trend since his early days in Iowa City.
Ferentz has sent over 100 players to the NFL since taking over as head coach in 1999, including a program-record seven during the 2026 NFL Draft. Three of the seven players selected were offensive linemen and have the potential to make an immediate impact in their rookie seasons. The program is well known for its development, but one area where it stands out is the development of offensive linemen. Two of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL are former Hawkeyes, and one has been consistently in the conversation for the best offensive tackle in the league.
Former Hawkeye, Iowa native Tristan Wirfs was named to the NFL's Top 100 Players list
After signing a massive deal with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, former Hawkeye Tyler Linderbaum became one of the highest-paid centers in the NFL. Linderbaum spent the first four years of his NFL career blocking for Lamar Jackson in Baltimore before they inexplicably declined his fifth-year option and failed to reach an agreement before he hit the free agent market. He is not the only Hawkeye to recently receive a massive payday, and it proves just how much the league values former Iowa offensive linemen.
In 2024, former Hawkeye star Tristan Wirfs signed a five-year, $140.63 million contract extension, with $88.24 million in guaranteed money. That is the most guaranteed money for an offensive tackle in NFL history. After blocking for Tom Brady in his rookie season, Wirfs established himself as one of the best blockers in the league and has remained a consistent presence in the NFL's Top 100 Players list year after year. Before the 2026-2027 season, that trend continued.
Mount Vernon, Iowa.
— Bound Iowa (@Bound_IA) August 5, 2026
Tristan Wirfs comes in at #52 in the @NFL Top 100.#iahsfb pic.twitter.com/JIAgoGV5io
The Mount Vernon, Iowa native and former Hawkeye star OL was once again named to the NFL's Top 100 Players list. Wirfs checked in at No. 52 on this year's list, down from No. 28 last season. Wirfs suffered multiple injuries last season, causing him to miss the start of the 2025 regular season and a total of five games, causing him to drop 24 spots on this year's list, but when he is healthy, he is arguably the best offensive tackle in the NFL. Wirfs has a rare combination of speed and athleticism for his size, and he is extremely versatile. Wirfs is the only player in NFL history to earn First-Team All-Pro at both left and right tackle.
Wirfs showcased his athleticism and versatility with the Hawkeyes, jumping out of the deep end of a pool during the summer and becoming a First-Team All-American in 2019. Wirfs was a tremendous athlete in high school, excelling in football and wrestling, but the Iowa program harnessed his immense talent and developed him into a first-round NFL Draft pick. Wirfs already has a decorated NFL career, with a Super Bowl title (2020), two First-Team All-Pro selections (2021, 2024), and five Pro Bowl selections (2021-2025) on his resume.
Wirfs success mirrors the success the Iowa program has developing players, and as long as Kirk Ferentz is in charge, we will continually see former Hawkeyes on the NFL's Top 100 Players list.
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