IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa football program has named 17 players to the 2026 Leadership Council, it was announced Thursday by Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz.
The group includes one graduate, seven seniors, seven juniors and two sophomores. The purpose of the group is to assist in formulating policies and being involved in team decision-making throughout the year. Players were selected following coaching staff and player input.
The 2026 Leadership Council includes graduate Michael Myslinksi, seniors Jack Dotzler, Luke Gaffney, Will Hubert, Deshaun Lee, Jayden Montgomery, Kamari Moulton, Addison Ostrenga and Landyn Van Kekerix, juniors Hank Brown, Trevor Lauck, Zach Lutmer, Kade Pieper, Reece Vander Zee and Jaylen Watson and sophomores Cam Buffington and Jeremy Hecklinski.
The Hawkeyes open the 2026 season with three straight home games, beginning with a Sept. 5 contest against Northern Illinois.
2026 Iowa Football Leadership Council
| Name | Year | Pos. | Hometown |
| Hank Brown | Jr. | QB | Nashville, Tenn. |
| Cam Buffington | So. | LB | Winfield, Iowa |
| Jack Dotzler | Sr. | OL | Waunakee, Wis. |
| Luke Gaffney | Sr. | DL | Robins, Iowa |
| Jeremy Hecklinski | So. | QB | Marietta, Ga. |
| Will Hubert | Sr. | DL | Omaha, Neb. |
| Trevor Lauck | Jr. | OL | Indianapolis, Ind. |
| Deshaun Lee | Sr. | DB | Belleville, Mich. |
| Zach Lutmer | Jr. | DB | Rock Rapids, Iowa |
| Jayden Montgomery | Sr. | LB | Suamico, Wis. |
| Kamari Moulton | Sr. | RB | Fort Lauderdale, Fla. |
| Michael Myslinski | Gr. | OL | Jacksonville, Fla. |
| Addison Ostrenga | Sr. | TE | Sun Prairie, Wis. |
| Kade Pieper | Jr. | OL | Norfolk, Neb. |
| Landyn Van Kekerix | Sr. | LB | Rock Valley, Iowa |
| Reece Vander Zee | Jr. | WR | Rock Rapids, Iowa |
| Jaylen Watson | Jr. | DB | Detroit, Mich. |
