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Lena Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa OL Gennings Dunker Wows at NFL Combine with Mullet and Skills
The 22-year-old offensive lineman turned heads at the 2026 NFL Combine with his impressive physical attributes and viral hairstyle.
Mar. 2, 2026 at 7:23pm
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Gennings Dunker, a standout offensive lineman from the University of Iowa, has become a sensation ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The 6'5", 319-pound prospect captured national attention at the NFL Combine, not only for his impressive on-field performance but also for his iconic mullet hairstyle that earned praise from analysts. Dunker, a native of Lena, Illinois, overcame a COVID-19 pandemic-shortened high school career to become a mainstay on the Hawkeyes' offensive line, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. His combine results, including a top-3 finish in the 20-yard shuttle, have experts projecting him as a potential second-round pick, with some believing he could even climb into the mid-first round.
Why it matters
Dunker's rise to prominence is a feel-good story for football fans, as the small-town Illinois native has overcome adversity to become one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism, coupled with his unique personal style, have made him a must-watch player leading up to the draft. Dunker's success could also inspire other young athletes from small communities to pursue their NFL dreams.
The details
At the 2026 NFL Combine, Dunker turned in a solid performance, showcasing his pro-ready physical attributes. He ran a 5.18-second 40-yard dash, posted a 1.83-second 10-yard split, and finished third among offensive linemen in the 20-yard shuttle with a time of 4.63 seconds. Dunker also tied for sixth in the vertical jump at 32.5 inches and tied for 21st in the broad jump at 9 feet. Beyond his athletic abilities, Dunker's character has also garnered attention, as he is a two-time champion in hay toss competitions and went viral for his love of Culver's coffee during a Senior Bowl interview.
- Dunker redshirted his freshman year at the University of Iowa due to injury.
- From 2023 through 2025, Dunker started 38 games at right tackle for the Hawkeyes.
- Dunker's exceptional play earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025.
The players
Gennings Dunker
A 22-year-old offensive lineman from Lena, Illinois, who played at the University of Iowa and is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What they’re saying
“Gennings Dunker has the greatest mullet in the history of the combine.”
— Rich Eisen
What’s next
Dunker is expected to be a high draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with some analysts projecting him to be selected as early as the mid-first round.
The takeaway
Gennings Dunker's rise from a small-town Illinois high school to becoming one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft is an inspiring story. His combination of size, strength, athleticism, and unique personal style have made him a must-watch player leading up to the draft, and his success could motivate other young athletes from similar backgrounds to pursue their NFL dreams.