Iowa OT Gennings Dunker known for mullet, crushing blocks at NFL Combine

The 22-year-old offensive lineman impressed with his performance and unique look at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Gennings Dunker, a 22-year-old offensive tackle from the University of Iowa, made waves at the 2026 NFL Combine with his impressive on-field performance and his distinctive mullet hairstyle. Dunker, a Des Moines native, emerged as one of the top offensive linemen in the country over his final two seasons with the Hawkeyes, earning All-Big Ten honors. His flowing locks and captivating interviews, including one about his love for Culver's coffee, have made him a media darling leading up to the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a Day 2 selection.

Why it matters

Dunker's unique look and personality have made him a standout prospect in this year's NFL Draft class, generating significant buzz and attention. As teams look to add talented offensive linemen, Dunker's combination of on-field production and off-field charisma could make him an attractive option for teams in need of a versatile and athletic tackle prospect.

The details

Dunker, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive tackle, starred at Iowa over his final two seasons, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025. He credits his distinctive mullet hairstyle, which he says helped former Iowa teammate Connor Colby perform better, as a key part of his success. Dunker's performance at the NFL Combine, including a 5.18-second 40-yard dash, has further boosted his draft stock, with most projections placing him as a late-first or early-second round selection.

  • Dunker redshirted as a freshman in 2022.
  • He emerged as a starter at right tackle in 2023, starting all 13 games.
  • Dunker earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025.
  • Dunker impressed at the 2026 Senior Bowl and continued his strong performance at the NFL Combine on March 1, 2026.

The players

Gennings Dunker

A 22-year-old offensive tackle who starred at the University of Iowa, known for his mullet hairstyle and impressive on-field performance.

Connor Colby

A former Iowa guard who Dunker says inspired him to grow his distinctive mullet, which Colby also wore during his college career.

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What they’re saying

“I did copy [former Iowa guard Connor] Colby because he had a season without one, a season with one. You know, he played a lot better with it.”

— Gennings Dunker, Iowa Offensive Tackle (The Daily Iowan)

“There's a correlation.”

— Gennings Dunker, Iowa Offensive Tackle (The Daily Iowan)

What’s next

Dunker is expected to be selected in the late first or early second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with many projecting him to be a key addition for teams in need of a talented and versatile offensive tackle prospect.

The takeaway

Gennings Dunker's unique look and captivating personality have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, showcasing that players can stand out both on and off the field. His combination of on-field production and off-field charisma could make him an attractive option for teams looking to add a dynamic offensive lineman to their roster.