Michael Myslinski, an offensive lineman for the Iowa Hawkeyes, received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA after a medical hardship waiver was approved, extending his collegiate career despite a history of injuries.
Myslinski’s college debut came in the 2021 season against Indiana, but a knee injury restricted him to a single game that year; subsequent seasons saw him appear in just one game in 2022, none in 2023, and four games in 2024 before a full‑season return.
In 2024 he emerged as a second‑team regular, logged eight games played, and was honored with the team’s Comeback Player of the Year Award; he also stepped in for the injured starting right guard Kade Pieper during the loss to USC, earning 57 offensive snaps.
A Fresh Outlook for Iowa’s Line
With veterans Beau Stephens and Logan Jones moving on, Myslinski is now in the mix to start at either center or guard next season, and he says he feels healthier than ever, describing the past two years as the best of his career.
Coach Tim Lester and analyst Chad Leistikow have highlighted his resilience, while Pro Football Focus notes the potential impact of his experience on the Hawkeyes’ front line, and the NCAA’s decision underscores the growing recognition of medical hardship cases in college sports.