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USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Iowa football offensive linemen dotting Phil Steele preseason All-Big Ten teams
The 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes may go as far as their offensive line takes them. The group is oozing with talent and is bringing in more experience than they have had up front in some time. The unit has cohesion and confidence, two things that, when paired with the second year of offensive coordinator Tim Lester, could be devastating for opposing defenses. The talented bunch up front is anchored by the trio of center Logan Jones, offensive tackle Gennings Dunker, and offensive guard Beau Stephens. The group, which could pave the way for big years for Kamari Moulton, Jaziun Patterson, and Mark Gronowski, is receiving early notoriety as each of the three has found themselves on Phil Steele's preseason All-Big Ten teams. Logan Jones and Gennings Dunker make up two of the spots on the All-Big Ten First Team, per Phil Steele, while Beau Stephens is slotted in as a preseason Second-Team All-Big Ten selection. With Mark Gronowski under center, the Hawkeyes figure to go for a more balanced attack in 2025, compared to the run-heavy offense they were forced into in 2024, due to quarterback injuries. With some balance and the ability to keep defenses guessing, the offensive line unit has the ingredients to be a special group this fall. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Iowa football OL shares unfiltered joy of dominating opposing DL
Offensive linemen are a bit of a different breed, but it takes that to succeed in the trenches, especially in the Big Ten. One of the best conferences in football, winning the line of scrimmage is often the precursor to overall team success in a conference that tests you week in and week out. For the Iowa Hawkeyes, they are rolling into 2025 with an experienced offensive line that features key veterans up front who can make life easier for offensive coordinator Tim Lester and transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski. One of those linemen, Gennings Dunker, especially enjoys life in the trenches. During some time with the Iowa media, he shared some unfiltered thoughts on how much he enjoys dominating opposing defensive linemen. "Oh, it's like crack. It's the best thing in the world. I love it. I wish I could get more of it. It's what you live for," Dunker said about winning in the trenches. "If you can run them into the goal post, that's nice too, but I'd rather put them on their back. That's my favorite," he continued. Dunker enters this season alongside Logan Jones and Beau Stephens, two other Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linemen receiving preseason notoriety. With a ground game that dominated last year, the Hawkeyes will look for plenty of situations where Gennings Dunker can be relied on to dominate his matchup. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
USA Today
03-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eight Iowa football players garner Phil Steele preseason honors
As the 2025-26 college football season approaches, eight Iowa football players received Phil Steele preseason honors, according to the college football publication's June 25 announcement. In total, five Hawkeyes garnered preseason All-America laurels, while eight earned preseason All-Big Ten accolades. According to the announcement, Iowa's All-American honorees include senior offensive tackle Gennings Dunker, senior defensive tackle Aaron Graves, and senior return specialist Kaden Wetjen, who were each selected as second-team All-Americans. Additionally, senior center Logan Jones was named a third-team All-American, while sophomore punter Rhys Dakin was picked as a fourth-team All-American by the publication. In regards to the All-Big Ten accolade, Iowa had two preseason second-team all-conference honorees in senior offensive guard Beau Stephens and senior kicker Drew Stevens, and a third-team selection in senior defensive end Ethan Hurkett. With the Hawkeyes set to open their 2025-26 campaign on Aug. 30 against FCS-level Albany at 5 p.m. CT at Kinnick Stadium, the Phil Steele honors will give many Iowa fans excitement as they wait to see the team take the field in the fall. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Loaded Iowa football offensive line boasts Big Ten's top returning tackle Gennings Dunker
The 2025 season for the Iowa Hawkeyes may run through the offensive line. The veteran group of linemen is loaded with Logan Jones at center, Connor Colby next to him, and Gennings Dunker as well. The group has experience, talent, and confidence from last season, where they paved the way for more than 2,500 rushing yards and opened up lanes for Kaleb Johnson on his way to an All-American year as the 2024 Big Ten Running Back of the Year. The trio could be the heart and soul of Tim Lester's offense with quarterback transfer Mark Gronowski under center. Fortunately, for Gronowski, he will have the best returning Big Ten offensive tackle protecting him in Genning Dunker. Dunker has topped Pro Football Focus' list of the highest-graded returning offensive tackles in the Big Ten ahead of 2025. Gennings Dunker enters his fourth season with Iowa and has 25 starts to his name after starting each game he was healthy over the last two years. The 2024 season saw him earn Second-Team All-Big Ten Honors from the coaches and Associated Press. A classic case of development, like so many Iowa Hawkeyes' success stories, Dunker was a three-star recruit from Lena Winslow High School in Lena, Illinois. As part of the class of 2021, he was the No. 38 interior offensive lineman, the No. 15 recruit in Illinois, and the No. 535 overall recruit, per 247Sports. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Two Iowa football offensive linemen in CBS Sports' top 150 2025 college football players
Two Iowa football offensive linemen in CBS Sports' top 150 2025 college football players It all starts up front for the Iowa Hawkeyes. As we saw last year, Tim Lester's offense goes as the offensive line goes. The better Iowa is in the trenches, the better off the entire offense will be. Fortunately, Iowa is looking like they should be ready to roll on the offensive line this year with some talent and experience returning up front. Two of Iowa's best in the trenches are also recognized as two of the best players in the entire country entering 2025. Center Logan Jones and fellow lineman Gennings Dunker each find themselves among CBS Sports' top 150 college football players in 2025. Logan Jones comes in at No. 71 due to his experience and veteran understanding along the offensive line. 71. Logan Jones, C, Iowa Veteran with over 2,000 snaps who plays with leverage, technique and edge. Lifts and torques DTs with strength and angles, and consistently reaches the second level to finish blocks. Nasty tone-setter on one of the most physical OLs in the country. - Blake Brockenmeyer, CBS Sports Not too far behind Jones is Dunker, coming in at No. 110, earning his spot on the list due to his toughness and physicality he brings each down. 110. Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa Old-school lineman with no gloves, no flash, just finishing ability. One of the best run blockers in the country. Excels in zone schemes with quick fits and great drive. Still raw in pass protection — opens too early and punches late — but a classic Hawkeye OL with real upside. - Blake Brockenmeyer, CBS Sports The run game was Iowa's bread and butter last year. That will be the case again in 2025. If Logan Jones and Gennings Dunker can stay healthy and put out the year that is expected from them, the Hawkeyes have a chance at being among the nation's best offensive line groups. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald
