Big-time players tend to make big-time plays, and Iowa is leaning on that formula in 2026.
The Hawkeyes already have two names drawing national attention: defensive back Zach Lutmer and offensive lineman Kade Pieper, both viewed by CBS Sports as among the top players in the country. The question now is who else is ready to break out and join them in that kind of spotlight.
Lutmer looks like Iowa’s best defensive back, and his role in the CASH position should put him everywhere at once. He flashed last season, then took a bigger leap with the kind of ball skills and physical tackling that make him hard to ignore.
PICK ‼️Zach Lutmer gets the ball right back for @HawkeyeFootball 😤📺: Peacock pic.twitter.com/5n15Nmqymt
Pieper brings a different kind of value, but just as much impact. Back for 2026, he’s seen as a top NFL Draft prospect and can line up at center or guard, which only strengthens an Iowa offensive line that is already one of the program’s best units.
Another player set for a bigger stage is Moulton. After spending 2024 behind Kaleb Johnson, he led Iowa with 878 yards last season, even with his workload reduced by Mark Gronowski. This year gives Moulton a chance to become the centerpiece of the offense.
Trevor Lauck deserves mention, too. Pieper may be getting more of the buzz, but Lauck has first-round potential of his own and helps lock down the tackle spot at a time when Iowa still has quarterback questions.
On defense, Iowa dipped into the FCS ranks for help and found a proven name in Kahmari Brown. The Elon transfer was an FCS All-American and posted 16.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss in two seasons, giving the Hawkeyes a real shot at fixing a defensive line that needs reinforcements.
At linebacker, Jayden Montgomery is set for one spot, with Cam Buffington the likely leader at the other. Montgomery brings the traditional thumper style, while Buffington offers length, speed, and the kind of agility that fits the modern spread game.
In Other News...
Former Hawkeye Kaden Wetjen Is Making Draft Doubters Look Wrong
Kaden Wetjen got his first NFL preseason action with the Pittsburgh Steelers and wasted little time showing why he has turned into one of the more intriguing former Hawkeyes to watch this summer. The former Iowa return specialist, now trying to carve out a role as both a return man and slot receiver, helped himself with two catches for 79 yards and a touchdown while also handling multiple kick and punt returns.
For Iowa fans, the appeal is familiar: Wetjen keeps finding ways to make himself useful. He has been expected to earn his keep in the pros on special teams first, with a chance to grow on offense as he goes, and he said the support from teammates and coaches has helped him keep developing. The bigger question now is how much more he can force his way into the conversation after a strong start. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Is Finally Closing The Book On Ben Kueter In Football
Ben Kueters football future at Iowa has been drifting in one direction for a while, and Kirk Ferentz finally put a clear endpoint on it. The Hawkeyes coach confirmed Kueter will not be on the 2026 football roster as the former multi-sport standout turns his full attention to wrestling, the sport in which he has already emerged as an All-American while working back from multiple surgeries.
For Iowa, it closes the book on a player who has not taken the field since 2023 and will reach a third straight season away from the football roster. It also reflects the reality that Kueters path has steadily narrowed toward wrestling, where his progress has continued even as his football career faded into the background. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Fans Finally Get A Real Look At Camp's Biggest Battle
Kids Day at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday morning will give Iowa fans their first real look at the 2025 Hawkeyes since spring practice, and there is plenty to watch in an open workout that usually offers more hints than answers. The quarterback race remains the biggest attraction, with Hank Brown and Joe Hecklinski still sorting out the job, while the receiving group and the defensive line rotation also figure to draw close attention as camp rolls on.
The wideouts bring a fresh layer of intrigue, especially with new transfer Tony Diaz expected to be in the spotlight, and the practice should offer at least a clearer sense of how the pieces are fitting together. Even so, coaches and early camp observations have suggested this is more of a checkpoint than a finish line, so fans should leave Kinnick with plenty of impressions but not a final verdict on Iowas most important battles. [Read more 🡒]