If Iowa played today, walk-on Cael Winter would start at center.
Kirk Ferentz made that announcement on Wednesday morning during his meeting with reporters.
Winter, a 6-foot-3, 294-pound lineman out of Waukee Northwest, chose his walk-on opportunity at Iowa over a chance at Division II Pittsburg State in Kansas. Now, he's set to anchor a Hawkeye offensive line that hopes to repeat as Joe Moore Award winners
.Winter appeared in four games last season, logging eight snaps per Pro Football Focus.
Kirk Ferentz: Cael Winter at center if game 1 was today, Kade Pieper at right guard.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) August 26, 2026
Too close to call at QB, PK and P.
Jarriett Buie in the rotation at WR, is a camp riser.
On Monday during the Big Ten Network's training camp tour, the Hawkeyes' offensive
line looked like this from left to right: Trevor Lauck at left tackle, Leighton Jones at left guard, Winter at center, Kade Pieper at right guard and Jack Dotzler at right tackle.
The Hawkeyes' offensive line will block for a group of running backs that features top returning rusher Kamari Moulton. Moulton ran for 878 yards and five touchdowns. Iowa added transfer back L.J. Phillips Jr., who ran for an FCS-best 1,921 yards. Phillips had 19 rushing scores in 2025.
Iowa opens its 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 by hosting Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football walk-on currently in line to start along OL in opener
