Three Hawkeyes Earn First-Team All-Big Ten Honors in 2026
The 2026 All-Big Ten Football Team is out, and the Iowa Hawkeyes are well represented. Three Iowa players earned first-team all-conference honors, headlining a group of seven Hawkeyes recognized across the four all-conference teams released this week by Athlon Sports.
Offensive linemen Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, along with safety Zach Lutmer, secured first-team selections. Tight end DJ Vonnahme landed on the second team, while running back Kamari Moulton, defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne, and cornerback Deshaun Lee earned fourth-team recognition.
The selections are based on projected performance for the 2026 season, factoring in career production but emphasizing what evaluators expect from players this fall.
Which Iowa Players Made the 2026 All-Big Ten First Team?
Iowa's strength in the trenches showed up clearly in the first-team selections. Pieper and Lauck anchor an offensive line that has been a cornerstone of the Hawkeye program's identity under head coach Kirk Ferentz. Physical, disciplined play up front remains a hallmark of Iowa football, and these two linemen reflect that tradition.
Lutmer earned his first-team spot at safety, bringing range and tackling ability to the Hawkeye secondary. Iowa's defensive backfield has long produced NFL-caliber talent, and Lutmer appears poised to add his name to that list in 2026.
How Does Iowa Compare to the Rest of the Big Ten?
Oregon led all programs with 19 selections across the four teams, followed by Ohio State with 16, Indiana with 15, and Michigan with 10. Iowa's seven total picks place the Hawkeyes in solid standing within the expanded conference, which now stretches from the East Coast to the West Coast.
The Big Ten's growing footprint has intensified competition for all-conference recognition. With programs like USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon now in the league, making these teams carries more weight than ever before.
What Does Vonnahme Bring to the Second Team?
Tight end DJ Vonnahme represents the kind of reliable, physical presence at the position that Iowa has built its reputation around. His second-team selection signals that evaluators see him as one of the top tight ends in a conference loaded with talent at the position. Vonnahme joins a second-team tight end group that includes Benjamin Brahmer from Penn State.
Which Other Hawkeyes Earned Recognition?
Three additional Iowa players landed on the fourth team:
- Kamari Moulton, RB - Moulton adds depth to a running back room that has consistently produced in Iowa's pro-style offense.
- Bryce Hawthorne, DL - Hawthorne's selection reflects the Hawkeyes' ongoing ability to develop defensive linemen who can compete at the highest level of the conference.
- Deshaun Lee, CB - Lee rounds out the Iowa contingent, earning recognition in a secondary that continues to be a strength for the program.
Who Headlines the 2026 All-Big Ten First Team?
Beyond Iowa's selections, the first team features several of the biggest names in college football. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and running back Bo Jackson lead the offense. Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson and center Iapani Laloulu earned first-team spots as well.
On defense, Oregon placed four players on the first team, including defensive lineman A'Mauri Washington, edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, cornerback Brandon Finney Jr., and safety Koi Perich, who also earned first-team kick returner honors.
Why Do These Projections Matter for Iowa Fans?
Preseason all-conference teams offer an early look at which players evaluators believe will define the upcoming season. For Iowa, having seven players recognized, including three on the first team, suggests the program continues to develop talent that competes with the best in the nation.
The Hawkeyes open the 2026 season looking to prove these projections right on the field. With a foundation built on line play, defensive toughness, and disciplined execution, Iowa's recognized players reflect the core values that have kept the program competitive year after year.
How Are All-Big Ten Teams Selected?
Athlon Sports bases its all-conference teams on projected 2026 performance. Career statistics and past awards factor into the evaluation, but the primary focus is predicting which players will perform at the highest level this fall. Team strength does not influence selections, meaning players from rebuilding programs can earn recognition if their individual talent warrants it.