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Leistikow: Way-too-early look at Iowa football’s NFL Draft prospects in 2026

Published

10 months ago

April 27, 2025

Leistikow: Way-too-early look at Iowa football’s NFL Draft prospects in 2026

TV announcers often say during Iowa football broadcasts something about the Hawkeyes being known for their offensive-line play. After all, that was the position specialty of longtime Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. So, it’s a familiar narrative.

Yet when it comes to the NFL Draft, Iowa really hasn’t been shuttling a ton of offensive linemen to the next level. Sure, there have been a handful of recent high-profile (and successful) picks – with first-rounders in tackle Tristan Wirfs (No. 13 overall) in 2020 and center Tyler Linderbaum (No. 25) in 2022. But entering the April 24-26 draft, those were the only two Hawkeye offensive linemen picked in the previous six drafts. And the 2025 draft only marginally reflected Iowa’s offensive-line resurgence of 2024, when the Hawkeyes ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten Conference in rushing.

The 2026 NFL Draft, though, should restore Iowa’s offensive-line prominence.

Yes, Iowa in 2025 did have multiple offensive linemen selected in the draft for the first time since 2015, when tackles Brandon Scherff (first round) and Andrew Donnal (fourth round) heard their names called. But both were taken in the seventh and final round, with Mason Richman (Seattle Seahawks) going No. 234 overall and Connor Colby (San Francisco 49ers) going No. 249 out of 257 picks.

Let’s take a spin through some of Iowa’s potential top prospects for the next year’s draft, which will take place April 23-25, 2026, in Ferentz’s hometown of Pittsburgh.

First-round talent: Gennings Dunker

Dunker (6-5, 316) plays a premium NFL position, offensive tackle, and has supreme strength and mobility that will translate well to the next level. Given the success that Wirfs had going from right tackle to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a rookie in 2020, some team will find comfort in adding a plug-and-play starter in Dunker, who never even thought of entering the 2025 draft – instead wanting to play a fifth year for offensive-line coach George Barnett.

The decision could pay off with first-round millions, as Dunker will be viewed as one of the top tackles in the country in 2025. If Iowa plays well and he stays healthy, Dunker will be mentioned as an Outland Trophy candidate. According to Pro Football Focus, Dunker was the highest-graded tackle in the Big Ten Conference and No. 5 nationally in his 588 snaps in 2024. He is mauler and finisher in the run game.

Dunker may need to slide to guard in the NFL, but we’ll see. Nonetheless he has a chance to become the seventh offensive lineman under Ferentz to be taken in the first round, joining Robert Gallery (2004), Bryan Bulaga (2010), Riley Reiff (2012), Scherff, Wirfs and Linderbaum.

Video: Logan Jones on decision to return to Iowa for 2025 season

Logan Jones discusses a variety of topics on December 20, 2024.

Another can’t-miss lineman: Logan Jones

Jones (6-3, 293) also surprised many by returning for a sixth-year season rather than entering the 2025 draft. His return was also motivated by playing another year for the well-liked Barnett (and Ferentz), and it’ll also be accompanied by Rimington Trophy hype as the nation’s top center.

Jones will be a fourth-year starter for the Hawkeyes and wears the same number (65) as Linderbaum did, flashing similar athleticism and strength as the former Rimington winner from Solon. Jones in 2024 received the fourth-highest grade of all FBS centers from Pro Football Focus. While center isn’t a premium NFL position, the second and third rounds are often sweet spots for top players at that position to be drafted.

Iowa has not had two offensive linemen selected in the first three rounds since Eric Steinbach and Bruce Nelson (both second-rounders) in 2003. Dunker and Jones could break that 23-year drought.

Video: QB Mark Gronowski details his decision to transfer to Iowa

Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski meets with the media on April 10, 2025.

Keep an eye on the quarterback: Mark Gronowski

Gronowski (6-3, 230) put off the NFL for one more year to transfer from South Dakota State to Iowa as a sixth-year senior. How he comes through offseason (throwing) shoulder surgery and performs regularly against power-conference competition will ultimately determine his 2026 draft stock.

But before his shoulder injury, he was viewed as a draftable prospect in the 2025 quarterback class. Gronowski’s accuracy against Big Ten defenses will be a big factor in his professional outlook. No question, he’s viewed as a winner (49-6 as a starter) with the ability to scramble for first downs.

Video: Max Llewellyn preparing for bigger role on Iowa defensive line

Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn meets with the media on April 3, 2025.

Who will be Iowa’s highest-drafted defender?

There are at least four obvious candidates and a wild-card fifth. Let’s look at each of them quickly.

Defensive end Max Llewellyn (6-5, 258): Edge rushers are a premium position in the NFL, and Llewellyn ranked No. 18 nationally in that category, according to PFF, among FBS players in 2024. Llewellyn’s strength is on the pass rush (getting 288 snaps in a backup role last year) but needs to improve his run defense as a first-time starter in 2025.

Defensive tackle Aaron Graves (6-4, 300): The fourth-year senior has supreme physical traits and has racked up decent stats despite a system at Iowa that minimizes sheer numbers for interior defensive linemen. Graves showed durability last season, too, logging 612 defensive snaps and was graded as the No. 79 overall interior defender by PFF.

Safety Xavier Nwankpa (6-2, 215): Loaded with promise, the former five-star recruit needs to deliver with a big senior season to take the next step to the NFL. With his physical traits, Nwankpa could increase his stock considerably by flashing the ball-hawking skills that made him such a prized prospect out of Southeast Polk High School. Nwankpa hasn’t had an interception since the 2023 season opener.

Video: Iowa DB Koen Entringer talks development ahead of 2025 season

Iowa defensive back Koen Entringer meets with the media on April 3, 2025.

Defensive back Koen Entringer (6-0, 207): A fourth-year junior in 2025, Entringer probably has the most athleticism in the entire Iowa secondary and has a chance to explode this season with a starting role – either at strong safety or cash for defensive coordinator Phil Parker. Entringer could become a fast riser with a 2026 draft decision to make.

Linebacker Karson Sharar (6-2, 232): Including Sharar’s name on this list because of how highly his teammates and coaches have spoken of his raw ability. Now, the oft-injured fifth-year senior finally gets a chance to start after waiting his turn behind Nick Jackson for two years at weak-side linebacker. Breakout year loading?

Iowa always has a tight end, it seems

Iowa’s recent tight-end pipeline has gone from T.J. Hockenson to Noah Fant to Sam LaPorta to Erick All Jr. to Luke Lachey … to now Addison Ostrenga (6-4, 251).

Ostrenga has the physicality and athleticism to play in the NFL, but his stats have been muted in Iowa’s passing-challenged offense over the past several years. How he connects with Gronowski in each of their final years will determine whether he’s a draftable NFL prospect. Given Iowa’s pedigree at tight end, he’ll get a strong look.

Beau Stephens bullish about Iowa’s offensive line in 2025

The fifth-year senior should slot in as the Hawkeyes’ starting left guard again. He also talks about up-and-coming guard Kade Pieper.

Two more offensive linemen worth mentioning

It’s hard to say now how recently signed Division II transfer Bryce George (6-5, 314) will translate to the NFL until we see him going against Big Ten competition (like Penn State and Oregon) for nine regular-season games. George is expected to slot into a starting tackle spot (probably on the left side) for Iowa in 2025.

Additionally, it is on the table that left guard Beau Stephens (6-6, 322) sees a breakthrough as a fifth-year senior with a lot of experience.

How can terrific Iowa placekicker Drew Stevens get better yet?

Now going into his senior year, Stevens talks about the preparing coming off a year of great success.

Another Iowa specialist on the watch list

Tory Taylor was plucked as an elite punter in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Could senior placekicker Drew Stevens (6-0, 205) follow suit? Stevens has a rocket leg with extreme accuracy, connecting on 20 of 23 field goals a year ago with his only misses coming from 50-plus yards.

Given the ability of NFL kickers like Brandon Aubrey to change games by consistently hitting from 60-plus, Stevens does have a chance to show he’s a difference-making kicker who deserves to be drafted. Three kickers were taken in the 2024 draft (all in the sixth round).

Hawkeyes columnist Chad Leistikow has served for 30 years with The Des Moines Register and USA TODAY Sports Network. Chad is the 2023 INA Iowa Sports Columnist of the Year and NSMA Co-Sportswriter of the Year in Iowa. Join Chad’s text-message group (free for subscribers) at HawkCentral.com/HawkeyesTexts. Follow @ChadLeistikow on X.

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No. 3 Michigan holds off a late run by Iowa, beats the Hawkeyes 71-68

Published

8 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

No. 3 Michigan holds off a late run by Iowa, beats the Hawkeyes 71-68

IOWA CITY, Iowa — IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg scored 16 points apiece, and Aday Mara had two tiebreaking shots in the final 1:22 as No. 3 Michigan defeated Iowa 71-68 on Thursday night.

The Wolverines (28-2, 18-1 Big Ten) were held 18 points below their season scoring average, but managed to hold off the Hawkeyes (20-10, 10-9) in the closing seconds.

Iowa went on an 11-1 run to tie the game at 64 with 1:56 to play before Mara banked in a shot before the shot clock expired, putting Michigan in front again. After Iowa’s Cam Manyawu scored inside to tie the game at 66, Mara, who finished with 14 points on 7-for-10 shooting, scored off a lob with 43 seconds left to put the Wolverines ahead to stay.

Iowa had chances to tie the game on back-to-back possessions, but missed three shots on one of the possessions and lost the ball on another after a turnover by Tavion Banks with seven seconds left.

The Hawkeyes had a final chance to tie the game after Lendeborg made two free throws with four seconds remaining, but Bennett Stirtz’s 3-pointer try was long.

Elliot Cadeau added 11 points for the Wolverines, the Big Ten regular-season champions.

Stirtz led Iowa with 21 points. Manyawu had 14.

Michigan had a 38-25 rebounding edge on the Hawkeyes.

The game was tied at 30 at halftime. Michigan shot 50% from the field, but committed 12 turnovers that Iowa turned into 16 points.

The Hawkeyes were 11 of 31 from the field, with Stirtz especially struggling to make shots. Stirtz, Iowa’s leading scorer this season, made just one of his first nine shots, then hit back-to-back 3-pointers in a 27-second span to give Iowa a 30-28 lead.

Up next

Michigan: Hosts No. 8 Michigan State on Sunday.

Iowa: At No. 9 Nebraska on Sunday.

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Iowa

Iowa women’s wrestling star Kylie Welker on competing for official NCAA championship

Published

20 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Iowa women’s wrestling star Kylie Welker on competing for official NCAA championship

Wrestling-Women

March 5, 2026

Iowa women’s wrestling star Kylie Welker on competing for official NCAA championship

March 5, 2026

Kylie Welker chats with NCAA Digital’s Sophie Starkey about the success of Iowa women’s wrestling and the possibility of winning the inaugural NCAA sanctioned championship.

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Iowa House OKs ‘3 strikes’ bill with 20-year prison terms. What to know

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Iowa House OKs ‘3 strikes’ bill with 20-year prison terms. What to know

Iowans who commit multiple serious crimes would face a mandatory 20-year prison sentence under a “three strikes” bill passed by House lawmakers.
Republicans said the bill would keep Iowans safe and “prioritize victims and public safety over criminals.”
A nonpartisan state agency says the bill would disproportionately impact Black Iowans and could require the state to spend millions to build a new prison.

Repeat offenders convicted of multiple serious crimes would receive a mandatory 20-year prison sentence under a bill passed by House lawmakers.

House lawmakers debated for more than an hour about high costs, lack of prison space and the bill’s impact on Black Iowans before voting 68-23 to pass House File 2542, sending it to the Iowa Senate.

Seven Democrats, including Minority Leader Brian Meyer, D-Des Moines, joined Republicans in voting in favor of the bill.

“It will put public safety first,” said the bill’s floor manager, Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison. “It will ensure that the debt to victims and society is paid. It will prioritize victims and public safety over criminals. It will establish real and effective deterrence that is nonexistent in our current system. It will reduce chaos and violence in our society.”

Here’s what to know about the bill.

What would the House Republican three strikes bill do?

Iowans who accumulate three strikes would face a mandatory 20-year prison sentence, with no parole, under the bill.

That would replace Iowa’s current law that says habitual offenders must serve a minimum three-year prison sentence before they are eligible for parole.

All felonies, as well as aggravated misdemeanors involving sexual abuse, domestic abuse, assault and organized retail theft would be considered level-one offenses that are worth one full strike.

Other aggravated misdemeanors, as well as serious misdemeanors involving assault, domestic abuse and criminal mischief would be considered level-two offenses worth half a strike each.

Lawmakers amended the bill to remove theft, harassment and possession of a controlled substance from the crimes that would count toward a person’s strikes.

And the amendment specifies that the bill would only apply to convictions that occur beginning July 1, 2026.

If someone is arrested and convicted of multiple offenses, only the most serious charge would count towards the defendant’s strikes.

Convictions would not count toward someone’s total if more than 20 years passes between a prior conviction and their current conviction.

Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, tried unsuccessfully to amend the bill to say that only a violent crime would qualify as someone’s third strike, but Republicans rejected the amendment.

“The bill still scores murder, felony embezzlement and felony theft the same, even though they are very different crimes,” Wilburn said. “One point is one point and three gets you 20 years with no ability for parole or judicial discretion.”

Holt said the legislation leaves room for judicial and prosecutorial discretion.

“There are deferred sentences, there are plea bargains,” he said. “There is plenty of opportunity for grace and judicial discretion in the legislation that we are proposing.”

Bill could cost millions, require Iowa to build a new prison, agency says

A fiscal analysis of the bill by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency said it could cost Iowa nearly $165 million more per year by 2031 based on the cost of housing inmates for longer prison stays.

FY 2027: $33 million
FY 2028: $66 million
FY 2029: $99 million
FY 2030: $132 million
FY 2031: $164.9 million

The agency said if the bill had been in effect between fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2025, there would have been 5,373 people who qualified for the 20-year mandatory minimum sentence.

“An increase in the prison population due to increased (length of stay) will require the DOC to build additional prison(s),” the agency states. “The size, security and other features that a future prison may require cannot be determined, but costs would be significant.”

The analysis noted that South Dakota appropriated $650 million last fall to build a 1,500-bed prison.

As of March 1, the Iowa Department of Corrections’ website describes the state’s prison system as being overcrowded by 25%, with 8,705 inmates compared to a capacity of 6,990.

The Office of the State Public Defender could see a projected cost increase of $1.6 million due to an increased number of trials resulting from the legislation.

But the agency’s estimates come with a caveat — the Department of Corrections did not respond to its requests for data.

“The LSA has not received a response to multiple requests for information from the DOC,” the note states. “Without additional information, the LSA cannot estimate the total fiscal impact of the bill.”

Holt called the fiscal note “an embarrassment to the Department of Corrections” and “an agenda masquerading as math.”

“It is clear, in my judgment, that because they did not like the legislation they went all out and extreme to create a fiscal note that cannot be taken seriously in its assumptions,” he said. “It assumes that nothing will change, that there will be no deterrent factor and that the numbers will continue as usual.”

Black Iowans would be disproportionately impacted by the law

The Legislative Services Agency analysis says the bill “may disproportionately impact Black individuals if trends remain constant.”

Of the 29,438 people convicted in fiscal year 2025 of felonies and aggravated misdemeanors that constitute a level one offense under the bill, the agency said about 70% were White, 22% were Black and 9% were other races.

Iowa’s overall population is 83% White, 4% Black and 13% other races, the agency said.

It’s not clear how the bill’s impact would change to account for the House amendment removing some crimes from counting towards the three strikes.

“Expanding three-strike laws will intensify disparities — and that’s what this statement shows — by mandating longer sentences, limiting judicial discretion,” Wilburn said. “We already have a habitual offender statute. We already have one in place. We have a 10-year low in recidivism in our correctional system.”

Rep. Angel Ramirez, D-Cedar Rapids, said California’s three strikes law, passed in the 1990s, worsened racial disparities, and “Iowa is about to repeat the same mistake.”

“I urge every member here, do not pass legislation that our own minority impact statement tells us will deepen inequality in our state,” Ramirez said.

Holt said minority communities in Iowa are impacted by crime and that the legislation “will make citizens of all colors safer.”

And he said the minority impact statement “tells only one side of the story, doesn’t it? It tells the criminal’s story. What about the victim’s story?”

“What about the mother who will continue to tuck her kids in at night and read them Bible stories because she never became the next victim of a violent career criminal?” he said. “Where is that data point in the minority impact statement?”

House lawmakers also approved separate legislation that would increase Iowa’s statewide bond schedule, Senate File 2399.

That bill passed on a vote of 74-19.

Iowans could see more information on judges’ rulings

Iowans would have access to more information about judges’ rulings ahead of the state’s judicial retention elections under a separate measure, House File 2719, which passed on a 73-19 vote.

The Iowa secretary of state’s office would be required to publish information including:

The percentage of cases in which the judge set a bond amount lower than the state’s bond schedule
The frequency that the judge releases someone on their own recognizance for a violent offense compared to a nonviolent offense
The frequency that the judge’s final sentence is lower than statutory recommendations or a prosecutor’s recommendations
The number of times the judge issues a deferred judgement, deferred sentence or suspended sentence
The number of times the judge’s rulings are reversed on appeal due to abuse of discretion or error of law
The average time it takes the judge to rule on a motion or case
The number of cases the judge has resolved compared to the number of cases on the judge’s docket

The data would have to be displayed with a five-year trend line beginning five years after the bill takes effect.

The Secretary of State’s Office would also be required to maintain a searchable database of all judicial opinions and orders for the judge’s current term and the preceding six years. The decisions would be redacted when appropriate.

And judges would have the opportunity to write a 2,000-word personal statement on their judicial philosophy or data trends present in their rulings.

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.

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