Iowa Football Names 2026 Leadership Council

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa football program has named 17 players to the 2026 Leadership Council, it was announced Thursday by Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz.

The group includes one graduate, seven seniors, seven juniors and two sophomores. The purpose of the group is to assist in formulating policies and being involved in team decision-making throughout the year. Players were selected following coaching staff and player input.

The 2026 Leadership Council includes graduate Michael Myslinksi, seniors Jack Dotzler, Luke Gaffney, Will Hubert, Deshaun Lee, Jayden Montgomery, Kamari Moulton, Addison Ostrenga and Landyn Van Kekerix, juniors Hank Brown, Trevor Lauck, Zach Lutmer, Kade Pieper, Reece Vander Zee and Jaylen Watson and sophomores Cam Buffington and Jeremy Hecklinski.

The Hawkeyes open the 2026 season with three straight home games, beginning with a Sept. 5 contest against Northern Illinois. 

2026 Iowa Football Leadership Council

Name	Year	Pos.	Hometown
Hank Brown	Jr.	QB	Nashville, Tenn.
Cam Buffington	So.	LB	Winfield, Iowa
Jack Dotzler	Sr.	OL	Waunakee, Wis.
Luke Gaffney	Sr.	DL	Robins, Iowa
Jeremy Hecklinski	So.	QB	Marietta, Ga.
Will Hubert	Sr.	DL	Omaha, Neb.
Trevor Lauck	Jr.	OL	Indianapolis, Ind.
Deshaun Lee	Sr.	DB	Belleville, Mich.
Zach Lutmer	Jr.	DB	Rock Rapids, Iowa
Jayden Montgomery	Sr.	LB	Suamico, Wis.
Kamari Moulton	Sr.	RB	Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Michael Myslinski	Grad.	OL	Jacksonville, Fla.
Addison Ostrenga	Sr.	TE	Sun Prairie, Wis.
Kade Pieper	Jr.	OL	Norfolk, Neb.
Landyn Van Kekerix	Sr.	LB	Rock Valley, Iowa
Reece Vander Zee	Jr.	WR	Rock Rapids, Iowa
Jaylen Watson	Jr.	DB	Detroit, Mich.