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Two Hawkeye offensive linemen are named to the Outland Trophy watchlist

The Outland Trophy is given annually to the nation's best interior lineman
ByJordan Underwood|
Nov 2, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) and offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) carry the Heartland trophy after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) and offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) carry the Heartland trophy after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz has always been a highly regarded offensive line coach.

Before taking over the head coaching position with the Hawkeyes, Ferentz was the offensive line coach for the Hawkeyes from 1981 to 1989 under Hayden Fry and in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens from 1993 to 1998.

Under Ferentz's tutelage, the Hawkeyes have produced eight First Team All-Americans on the offensive line and six first-round NFL Draft picks.

The strength of the Iowa offense is in the running game and offensive line, and when the line can excel in the Hawkeyes' zone-blocking scheme, few teams can slow them down.

Before the 2025-2026 season, two Iowa offensive linemen have been named to the Outland Trophy watchlist. The Outland Trophy is given to the best interior lineman (offensive or defensive) in the nation.

Gennings Dunker, right tackle

Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker blocks for running back Kaleb Johnson during a September 2023 game.
Sep 2, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) and offensive lineman Gennings Dunker (67) in action as Utah State Aggies safety Ike Larsen (6) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa senior offensive lineman Gennings Dunker continues to gain recognition ahead of his fifth season in Iowa City.

The six-foot-five, 315-pound lineman from Lena, Illinois, was named as the best returning offensive tackle by PFF College and has now been named to the Outland Trophy watchlist.

Dunker was a dominating force on the right side of the offensive line and was part of the offensive line group that was named a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, given to the nation's top offensive line unit.

Dunker started 11 games at right tackle for Iowa last season and earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors as a junior.

Logan Jones, center

Iowa center Logan Jones prepares to snap the football to Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara during a September 2024 game.
Sep 7, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara (12) prepares to take the snap from offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa senior offensive lineman Logan Jones is also garnering recognition before his senior season. Jones was a staple for the Hawkeyes' offensive line last season, and was on the Outland Trophy preseason watchlist last season as well.

Jones, a six-foot-three, 302-pound center from Council Buffs, Iowa, looks to lead a veteran offensive line group this season and pave the way for success for new quarterback Mark Gronowski.

Gronowski was recently named to the Maxwell Award watchlist, given annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

After last season, Jones was named All-Big Ten First Team and All-American Honorable Mention selections.

The Iowa program has had four players win the Outland Trophy, including Brandon Scherff (2014), Robert Gallery (2003), Alex Karras (1957), and Cal Jones (1955).

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