Iowa Football's Offensive Line Faces Youth Movement

Redshirt junior Trevor Lauck becomes veteran leader with key departures to NFL

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an Iowa football offensive line, with sharp, overlapping planes of black, gold, and crimson colors representing the raw power and movement of the players.Iowa's offensive line faces a critical transition as it reloads with young talent after key departures to the NFL.Iowa City Today

The Iowa Hawkeyes football team is facing a youth movement on their offensive line as they head into the 2026 season. Redshirt junior Trevor Lauck is suddenly the veteran leader of the group after the departures of Beau Stephens, Logan Jones, and Gennings Dunker to the NFL Draft. Head coach Jack Dotzler is optimistic about the young talent stepping up to fill those key roles.

Why it matters

Iowa's offensive line has been a strength of the program in recent years, helping power the team's running game and protect the quarterback. With multiple starters leaving for the NFL, the Hawkeyes will need to quickly develop their younger linemen to maintain that level of play and keep the offense humming.

The details

Trevor Lauck, a redshirt junior, was a stalwart on the offensive line last season and is now being counted on to provide veteran leadership for the group. The Hawkeyes lost Beau Stephens, Logan Jones, and Gennings Dunker to the NFL Draft, leaving significant holes to fill. Head coach Jack Dotzler is confident in the young talent on the roster, but acknowledges it will take time for them to develop and gel as a unit.

  • The 2026 season kicks off in September.

The players

Trevor Lauck

A redshirt junior offensive lineman who is now the veteran leader of the group after key departures to the NFL.

Beau Stephens

A former Iowa offensive lineman who was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Logan Jones

A former Iowa offensive lineman who was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Gennings Dunker

A former Iowa offensive lineman who was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jack Dotzler

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what they're feeding these guys,”

— Jack Dotzler, Head Coach

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will look to develop their young offensive linemen during spring and summer practices ahead of the 2026 season opener.

The takeaway

Iowa's offensive line faces a critical transition period as it replaces multiple starters headed to the NFL. The development of the younger players on the roster will be key to the Hawkeyes maintaining their strong offensive line play and overall team success in 2026.