Lauck, Pieper Named Lombardi Award Semifinalists

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa fourth-year offensive linemen Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper have been named 2026 Lombardi Award semifinalists, it was announced Wednesday.

The award is presented to the college player who best embodies the values and spirit of legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi. These qualities are include character, discipline and excellence both on and off the football field.

Lauck (left tackle) and Pieper (right guard) anchor the trenches for the Hawkeyes, having started the last 21 consecutive games together dating back to the start of last season. Lauck, Pieper, and the Hawkeye offensive line were also recently named to the 2026 Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll, highlighting their collective dominance in the trenches. Furthermore, both were foundational starters for Iowa's 2025 offensive line unit that captured the prestigious Joe Moore Award as the nation’s Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit.

Lauck earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025, anchoring the blind side by allowing just six pressures and zero sacks across 303 pass-blocking snaps.

Pieper has enjoyed a stellar 2026 campaign, earning midseason first-team All-American accolades from the Associated Press, Sporting News, On3, Yahoo, and The Athletic, while also landing on the Outland Trophy Watch List. In 2025, Pieper surrendered just five pressures and zero sacks over 749 snaps at right guard.

Behind their leadership, Iowa’s rushing attack is averaging 174.3 yards per game over the first eight contests of the 2026 season. The Hawkeyes have put up impressive ground performances this fall, including 298 yards in Week 1 against Northern Illinois, 422 yards in Week 3 against UNI, and 263 yards in Week 6 at Washington.

Lauck (left tackle) and Pieper (right guard) anchor Iowa's offensive line, both starting the last 21 games dating back to last season.

Lauck was a third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2025. He allowed just six pressures and zero sacks across 303 pass-blocking snaps a season ago.

Pieper is a midseason first-team All-American by the Associated Press, Sporting News, On3, Yahoo and The Athletic. He is also on the Outland Trophy Watch List. Pieper allowed just five pressures and zero sacks over his 749 snaps at right guard in 2025.

Iowa’s rushing attack is averaging 174.3 yards over the first eight games of the 2026 season, which ranks 48th nationally. The Hawkeyes rushed for 298 yards in Week 1 against Northern Illinois, 422 yards in Week 3 against UNI and 263 yards in Week 6 at Washington.

Finalists for the award will be announced in December.

The No. 21 Hawkeyes (6-2, 3-2) return to action Saturday, traveling to Evanston to face Northwestern (6-2, 3-2). Kickoff is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. (CT).