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CHICAGO -- University of Iowa fourth-year offensive lineman Kade Pieper has been named to the Big Ten Conference Preseason Honors List, it was announced Tuesday by the league office.
Twelve student-athletes from all 18 conference schools were selected by a media panel.
Pieper, a 2026 Walter Camp Preseason first-team All-American, started all 13 games at guard in 2025 and is coming off a breakout campaign where he earned Pro Football Focus first-team All-America and third-team All-Big Ten accolades. He was also a cornerstone of an Iowa's offensive line that took home the prestigious Joe Moore Award in 2025.
Behind Pieper and the front five, the Hawkeyes outrushed their opponents in nine of their 13 games a year ago. Additionally, Iowa's protection unit surrendered an average time-to-pressure of just 2.8 seconds, ranking as the fifth-best mark nationally.
The Hawkeyes have had 14 players named to the Big Ten Preseason Honors List in the last 13 seasons.
Defending national champion Indiana has three of the 12 players selected for preseason honors to lead all teams. The Hoosiers' representatives include wide receiver Charlie Becker, linebacker Rolijah Hardy and defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker.
Ohio State, Oregon and Rutgers each had two players selected. Quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith made it for Ohio State. Oregon's picks were quarterback Dante Moore and defensive back Koi Perich. The Rutgers honorees were wide receiver KJ Duff and running back Antwan Raymond.
Other players earning preseason honors include Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Smith and Southern California quarterback Jayden Maiava.