The offensive line at Iowa has been one of the most prestigious units throughout the 21st Century, in large part due to Kirk Ferentz and his appreciation for the trenches.
Outside of the tight end room, the offensive line has been the position that Iowa has had the most success in when it comes to placing players into the NFL. From Robert Gallery to Riley Reiff to Brandon Scherff to Tristan Wirfs, and so many more along the way, the Hawkeyes are known for developing professional offensive linemen. And the 2025 group could provide a few more names to add to that list.
It’s been surprising to see the Iowa offensive line struggle over the past five years. The unit has had great individuals, but the overall line has been middling, to say the least. Part of that is due to terrible quarterback play, but you can’t blame the signal caller for all of it.
George Barnett took over as the offensive line coach in 2021 after Tim Polasek left. Polasek did great work with the line, and Barnett has struggled to find that consistency.
However, this year’s line could be the turning point. With proven veterans and intriguing young talent, the 2025 Iowa offensive line could be a game-changer. Let’s take a deeper dive into the unit.
Who’s projected to start on the offensive line in 2025?
Starters from left to right: Jack Dotzler, Beau Stephens, Logan Jones, Kade Pieper, Gennings Dunker
This is the starting line from the spring and will probably be how the line shakes out when the Hawkeyes take the field for the season opener. Jones, Dunker, Stephens, and Pieper are no-brainers to start. The biggest question with the line is at the left tackle position, where I have Jack Dotzler starting. Let’s take a deeper look at each member of my projected starting line.
Who’s projected to back up the starters on the offensive line?
Projected backup line from left to right: Trevor Lauck, Leighton Jones, Cael Winter, Michael Myslinski, Cannon Leonard
The projected backups for the Iowa offensive line are younger guys with high upside. While they might not get to play much in 2025, barring injury, getting to learn and play behind greats like Jones and Dunker will help their development immensely. Let’s take a look at the players who could very well make up the future of Iowa’s offensive line.
Final thoughts on the offensive line in 2025
Iowa’s offensive line has some experienced veterans in Jones, Dunker, and Stephens, as well as some younger guys who could jump in and contribute immediately. The big question will be what Iowa gets from the left tackle position. If Dotzler is good, this offensive line could have a fantastic season. If the left tackle spot is a question mark all season, things could get iffy.
Hawkeye fans will get their first look at the offensive line in action when Iowa hosts Albany on August 30. A lot more questions will be answered when they travel to face Iowa State the following week in the Cy-Hawk game.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football 2025 season positional preview: Offensive line
Reporting by Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
