Iowa’s Kade Pieper Named Big Ten Preseason Honoree Alongside Ohio State Stars

Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Kade Pieper has been named to the Big Ten’s 2026 preseason honors list, the conference announced Monday ahead of Big Ten Football Media Days. The list, selected by a media panel, includes 12 players from seven of the 18 Big Ten programs. Pieper is the lone Hawkeye representative, joining two Ohio State Buckeyes and other standouts from across the conference.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith headline the list, which also features Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker, Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff, Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond, Indiana linebacker Rolijah Hardy, Indiana defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker, Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Smith, and Oregon defensive back Koi Perich.

The recognition comes as the Big Ten gears up for what promises to be a competitive 2026 season. Pieper’s inclusion highlights Iowa’s continued strength in the trenches, a hallmark of the program under head coach Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes have long prided themselves on developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen, and Pieper is the latest to earn conference-wide acclaim.

Iowa’s Kade Pieper: A Rising Star on the Offensive Line

Kade Pieper, a junior from Ankeny, Iowa, has emerged as a key anchor for the Hawkeyes’ offensive line. His selection to the preseason honors list reflects his consistent performance and leadership in the 2025 season, where he helped pave the way for Iowa’s rushing attack and protected the quarterback effectively. Pieper’s physical style and technical proficiency have drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike.

“Kade is a hard worker who brings it every day,” said a team source familiar with the program. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, and this honor is well deserved.”

Iowa fans will be watching closely as Pieper looks to build on his momentum heading into the 2026 campaign. The Hawkeyes are expected to compete for a spot in the Big Ten title game, and Pieper’s performance will be critical to their success.

Ohio State Stars Dominate Preseason Predictions

While Pieper represents Iowa, the spotlight shines brightest on Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes duo were among the most dominant players in the Big Ten last season and have been tipped for major honors in 2026.

Sayin, a Heisman finalist in 2025, threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns with a 77% completion rate. Smith, meanwhile, posted back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, hauling in 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025. Their production helped Ohio State finish the regular season undefeated and earned them spots on the Big Ten’s preseason honors list.

In a recent Cleveland.com poll, Ohio State received 15 of 31 first-place votes to lead the conference, ahead of Oregon (11) and Indiana (5). Smith also earned 21 of 31 first-place votes for Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, while Sayin received just two. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore had eight.

“Smith and Sayin are generational talents,” said a Big Ten analyst. “They’re the kind of players who can carry a team to a championship, and Ohio State is lucky to have them.”

What This Means for Iowa and the Big Ten

The Big Ten preseason honors list offers a glimpse into the conference’s top talent, but it also underscores the depth of competition Iowa faces. With Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana all boasting high-profile stars, the Hawkeyes will need strong performances from players like Pieper to stay in contention.

Iowa’s schedule includes key matchups against several of the honorees’ teams, including a showdown with Ohio State in October. Pieper’s ability to neutralize the Buckeyes’ defensive line could be a deciding factor in that game.

“Every week in the Big Ten is a battle,” Pieper said in a recent interview. “You have to bring your best, and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Other Big Ten Honorees to Watch

Beyond Sayin, Smith, and Pieper, the list includes several players who could make an impact in 2026. Oregon’s Dante Moore and USC’s Jayden Maiava join Sayin as the conference’s top quarterbacks. Moore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2025, while Maiava posted 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns.

At wide receiver, Indiana’s Charlie Becker and Rutgers’ KJ Duff join Smith. Becker had 679 receiving yards and four touchdowns, while Duff recorded 1,084 yards and seven scores. Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond, Indiana linebacker Rolijah Hardy, and Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Smith round out the defensive honorees.

Oregon defensive back Koi Perich is also on the list, adding to the Ducks’ strong representation.

Looking Ahead: Iowa’s 2026 Season

For Iowa, the focus now shifts to the season opener. The Hawkeyes will rely on Pieper and a veteran offensive line to control the line of scrimmage and support a balanced attack. With a tough schedule ahead, including road games at Ohio State and Penn State, Pieper’s leadership will be essential.

“We have a lot of talent on this team,” Pieper said. “It’s about putting it all together and executing when it counts.”

Iowa fans can expect a hard-nosed, disciplined team that reflects the values of the state: hard work, resilience, and community pride. Pieper’s recognition is a testament to those values, and it sets the stage for an exciting season.

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