Iowa · Big TenIowa’s Offensive Line May Have a New Center for the 2026 Opener
Cael Winter has eight career snaps, but Kirk Ferentz currently has the walk-on ahead of more experienced options at center with Iowa’s season opener against Northern Illinois approaching.
AUG 26, 2026
01 · The NewsWhat Happened
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said Wednesday that Cael Winter would start at center if the Hawkeyes played their opener today. Kade Pieper would line up at right guard. Winter is a 6-foot-3, 294-pound walk-on from Waukee Northwest who chose Iowa over a Division II opportunity at Pittsburg State. He appeared in four games last season and played eight snaps. The rest of Iowa’s projected line has Trevor Lauck at left tackle, Leighton Jones at left guard and Jack Dotzler at right tackle. Ferentz said the quarterback, placekicker and punter competitions were still too close to call. Iowa opens against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5 at Kinnick Stadium.