Big Ten Network analyst Jake Butt names Kade Pieper top Big Ten player

Big Ten Network analyst Jake Butt ranked Iowa offensive lineman Kade Pieper as the sixth-best player in the Big Ten entering the 2026 season. The recognition comes as the fourth-year Hawkeye receives frequent preseason attention following his emergence as a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. Butt described the lineman as possessing classic Iowa traits including strength and technical proficiency, projecting a long professional career. Pieper is expected to anchor the Iowa offensive line alongside left tackle Trevor Lauck this season. The Hawkeyes will lean on their front unit to support the team's quarterback play throughout the early weeks of the schedule.

• 2:45 AMYahoo Sports — Big Ten Network analyst names Iowa OL among league's top 10 players