(Iowa City, IA) — Three University of Iowa football players are receiving national recognition before the 2026 season even begins.
The Football Writers Association of America announced Tuesday that defensive back Zach Lutmer has been named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which honors the nation’s top defensive player. Offensive linemen Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck were both selected to the Outland Trophy watch list, recognizing the country’s top interior lineman on offense or defense.
Lutmer started all 13 games at the CASH position last season, recording 71 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, a touchdown, and seven pass breakups. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the league’s coaches after helping Iowa rank among the nation’s top 10 in both scoring and total defense. He was also named Iowa’s Roy Carver Most Valuable Player on defense.
Pieper enters the season as one of the nation’s most decorated offensive linemen after earning multiple preseason first-team All-America honors. The guard started every game in 2025 and was a key member of Iowa’s Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line, helping the Hawkeyes dominate the ground game while ranking among the nation’s best in pass protection.
Lauck, a preseason second-team All-American, also started all 13 games at left tackle last season. The Indianapolis native earned third-team All-Big Ten honors and helped anchor the offensive line that captured the Joe Moore Award.
The Hawkeyes have a strong tradition with the Outland Trophy, producing four winners in program history, including Brandon Scherff in 2014 and Robert Gallery in 2003.
Iowa opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 when it hosts Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
