Iowa

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

Published

11 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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NCAA Wrestling Championships at-large bids announced

Published

9 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

NCAA Wrestling Championships at-large bids announced

The 330 wrestlers competing in Cleveland at the NCAA Championships are now set.

After the conference tournaments established the lion’s share of wrestlers, the NCAA announced the at-large bids on Tuesday, March 10, completing the rest of the field.

Brackets and seeds will be announced on March 10, but here’s a look at the contingents each state of Iowa program will be sending after the at-large bids were announced.

Iowa wrestling NCAA qualifiers

For the third year in a row, Iowa wrestling will be sending nine to the NCAA Championships. Victor Voinovich did not earn an at-large bid at 157 pounds after finishing ninth at the Big Ten Championships, one place outside of NCAA automatic qualification. He concludes his season with a 12-6 record.

Voinovich narrowly earned the starting job over Jordan Williams at 157, with Iowa coach Tom Brands saying it was very close, but Voinovich had shown a little more “fight” this year. Now that Voinovich hasn’t qualified for NCAAs, it’s a decision that will go further under the microscope.

What’s done is done, however, for Iowa. They’ll take Dean Peterson (125), Drake Ayala (133), Nasir Bailey (141), Ryder Block (149), Michael Caliendo (165), Patrick Kennedy (174), Angelo Ferrari (184), Gabe Arnold (197) and Ben Kueter (285) to Cleveland in hopes of salvaging what has been a tough season.

Iowa State wrestling NCAA qualifiers

For the first time since 2010, Iowa State will send all 10 wrestlers to the NCAA Championships. Vinny Zerban earned an at-large bid at 157 pounds despite falling short of the automatic qualifying threshold at the Big 12 Championships. Zerban suffered a concussion and medically forfeited out of the tournament after his first match in Tulsa. His health status will be worth monitoring NCAAs inch closer, from March 19-22.

The Cyclones look poised for one of their best postseasons in recent memory with their 10 qualifiers ―Stevo Poulin (125), Garrett Grice (133), Anthony Echemendia (141), Jacob Frost (149), Zerban, Connor Euton (165), MJ Gaitan (174), Isaac Dean (184), Rocky Elam (197) and Yonger Bastida (285). The loss of Evan Frost hurts the Cyclones, considering his pedigree and season as a whole, but Grice’s has earned several ranked wins since entering the lineup in February and could still add some much-needed team points as the team chases a team trophy.

Behind title contenders Elam and Bastida, proven podium threats in Poulin, Echemnedia, Jacob Frost and Zerban (if healthy), Iowa State will be in the mix for a top-four finish in Cleveland.

UNI wrestling NCAA qualifiers

Northern Iowa will send five to the NCAA Championships. Automatic qualifiers Julian Farber (133), Caleb Rathjen (149) and Ryder Downey (165) will be joined by Jared Simma (174) and Nick Fox (184), who each earned at-large bids. The number of qualifiers could extend to six, with Trever Anderson (125) being the alternate at 125 pounds for NCAAs. However, he had to medically forfeit out of the Big 12 Championships, so his health status would be in question if he got called up.

With that, Max Brady (141), Cael Rahnavardi (157), John Gunderson (197) and Adam Ahrendsen (285) will have their seasons come to an end. Brady, a true freshman, will still have three NCAA chances in his career after showing promising moments in relief of Cory Land’s season-ending injury. Gunderson, a U23 World team member, will return for next season as well. Rahnavardi and Ahrendsen were both in their final seasons of eligibility.

Following injuries to Land and Wyatt Voelker, it’s been a hard year for the Panthers. This is half the number of NCAA qualifiers that UNI had last season when they qualified 10 for the first time since 1986. The last time UNI had five or fewer qualifiers was 2016.

However, all five of their wrestlers have each shown moments of brilliance, either this season or in prior NCAA Championships. They may be a smaller crew than normal, but Downey, Rathjen, Farber, Simma and Fox are all ones to watch in Cleveland.

Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.

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DCI agent say he was fired for questioning Iowa college gambling probe

Published

21 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

DCI agent say he was fired for questioning Iowa college gambling probe

A former Iowa investigator is suing the state, claiming he was fired for criticizing a high-profile college sports gambling probe.
Mark Ludwick alleges his termination was retaliation for testifying that investigators conducted illegal searches and were told to mislead students.
The gambling investigation, which led to charges against dozens of student-athletes, has faced legal challenges over its methods.

A longtime investigator for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says he was forced out of the agency because he voiced reservations about a high-profile investigation into gambling in college athletics.

Mark Ludwick was hired by Iowa’s top investigative agency in 1997 and was terminated in November 2024, according to a lawsuit filed Feb. 20 in Polk County. According to his complaint, Ludwick was fired after two “frivolous” investigations, one claiming he’d exceeded the speed limit driving to a murder scene, and the other for assistance he provided to a domestic abuse victim.

The real reason, Ludwick alleges, is that officials were embarrassed after Ludwick testified under oath about what he regarded as weaknesses in their sports wagering investigation, which resulted in dozens of Iowa State University and University of Iowa student-athletes facing suspensions, 25 being criminally charged and 19 pleading guilty to underage gambling.

Ludwick testified in early 2024 he believed investigators had conducted illegal searches to identify the online gamblers and that he and other agents had been directed to lie to students about whether they were subjects of the investigation. He also alleged that stress about the case contributed to another agent’s fatal heart attack, although the agent’s relatives disputed the connection.

Now Ludwick is accusing the state of violating Iowa’s whistleblower protection statute. He declined through his attorney to comment. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office also declined to comment, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety, which includes the DCI, did not respond to an inquiry about the case.

Gambling investigation raised constitutional concerns

In the gambling investigation, DCI investigators used software tools provided by GeoComply, a Canadian company that contracts with online sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings, to look for evidence of illegal gambling activity. Using a GeoComply system, the investigators created a so-called “geofence” around college athletic facilities that allowed them to detect student athletes using wagering accounts registered to parents and friends to place bets ― sometimes on their own games.

Although the investigation resulted in numerous arrests and suspensions, it also drew controversy, in particular for agents’ failure to obtain warrants before conducting their location searches. GeoComply, which had encouraged Iowa to use its service, responded by cancelling the state’s access.

A large group of current and former students sued the state, accusing investigators of violating their constitutional rights. In November 2025, a federal judge ruled that the state’s investigation “does not comport with the Fourth Amendment,” which provides protection from illegal searches.

Nonetheless, the court dismissed the lawsuit, finding the officers involved were entitled to immunity. An appeal is pending.

Ludwick’s reservations emerge in depositions

Ludwick was an experienced investigator for the DCI, working on high-profile cases including the 2015 murder of Shirley Carter, whose son was tried and acquitted, and the 2017 deaths of two girls in a fire started by a relative.

While not the lead agent on the 2023 gambling investigation, Ludwick was tapped to assist by interviewing some of the student athletes. He later testified he grew concerned that the state’s geofence searches amounted to illegal, warrantless searches, and declined to participate in the case any further. He alleges that other DCI agents shared his concerns and also maneuvered to avoid being involved in the case.

Ludwick says he reported his concerns to his superiors. In January 2024, he was deposed by defense attorneys for four of the students, and “testified truthfully during his deposition that he believed an illegal search had been conducted.” Defense attorneys cited Ludwick’s remarks within days in filings covered by numerous media outlets, including the Des Moines Register, which “caused embarrassment and increased scrutiny for the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Commissioner Bayens, and other employees,” Ludwick’s suit states.

According to the complaint, officials launched an investigation into Ludwick for speeding on March 5, weeks after the embarrassing testimony was reported. On Aug. 8, officials initiated a second investigation after, Ludwick says, “he attempted to help a victim of domestic abuse flee her abuser.” He denies his actions violated Iowa law or department policy.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.

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Iowa

Official Site of The ECHL | ECHL announces Voluntary Suspension of Iowa Membership for 2026-27 Season

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

The ECHL announced today that the League’s Board of Governors has approved the request of the Iowa Heartlanders’ Membership for a Voluntary Suspension for the 2026-27 Season.

During the suspension period, the organization will evaluate strategic alternatives aimed at ensuring a sustainable long-term future for professional hockey in the Corridor, including potential investment or ownership partnerships that support the continued success of the Membership.

The ECHL will continue to work with the Heartlanders’ ownership group during the suspension period as the organization evaluates its future. The League remains committed to the continued growth and stability of its member teams and markets.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision that followed months of careful evaluation,” said Heartlanders owner Michael Devlin. “Despite significant efforts to stabilize and strengthen the organization, we concluded that stepping back for a season is the most responsible course while we review long-term solutions. As stewards of the team, we believe this step gives the organization the best opportunity to return on a stronger and more sustainable footing.”

“We worked through every potential path that might have allowed us to continue uninterrupted,” Heartlanders President Matt Getz said. “Ultimately, we believe this pause provides the organization the best opportunity to position the Membership for long-term success.”

The Iowa organization expresses deep gratitude to the fans, partners, players, staff and the City of Coralville who have supported the Heartlanders since the team’s founding.

The ECHL will play with 30 Members during the 2026-27 season.

About the ECHL

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 30 teams in 23 states and one Canadian province for its 38th season in 2025-26. There have been 778 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including 10 who have made their NHL debuts in the 2025-26 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 30 of the 32 NHL teams in 2025-26, marking the 28th consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.