Iowa football trio named to preseason Athlon Sports All-America teams

As the 2026 Iowa football season creeps closer, Athlon Sports named three Hawkeyes to its annual preseason All-America teams.

Junior offensive lineman Kade Pieper was named to Athlon Sports' preseason first-team All-America offense, junior offensive lineman Trevor Lauck to its second-team All-America offense and junior defensive back Zach Lutmer to its fourth-team All-America defense.

Pieper was terrific last season for the Hawkeyes at right guard, starting all 13 games there as the unit captured the Joe Moore Award. A native of Norfolk, Neb., Pieper was a third-team All-Big Ten selection by the media last season.

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound lineman is making the transition to center for Iowa to replace Logan Jones, who was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Lauck leapt into a starting role for the first time in his Hawkeye career as well, starting all 13 games at left tackle as he replaced longtime starter Mason Richman. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle was a third-team All-Big Ten choice by the coaches.

Lastly, Lutmer is expected to be a force on the back end of Phil Parker's defense. A 6-foot, 205-pound defensive back, Lutmer started all 13 games for Iowa at its Cash position, totaling 71 tackles, 10 passes defended, seven pass breakups, 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, one sack, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown.

Iowa opens its 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 against Northern Illinois from Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football trio named to preseason Athlon Sports All-America teams