The Athletic’s yearly ‘Freaks List’ has become a benchmark for measuring the physical extremes of college football, a tradition started by veteran reporter Bruce Feldman in 2005.
In the 2026 edition, Iowa’s offensive lineman Kade Pieper vaulted to No. 8, posting a 680‑pound squat and a 37.4‑inch vertical jump that underscore his rare blend of size and explosiveness.
Iowa’s Defensive Front Remains Unstoppable
Defensive lineman Kahmari Brown secured No. 28, leading the Colonial Athletic Association in tackles, sacks and forced fumbles, while also posting a blistering 1.56‑second 10‑yard dash that highlights his quickness off the line.
Joining him, defensive back Zach Lutmer ranked No. 38, setting a new Hawkeye record with a 3.81‑second shuttle time and a 575‑pound squat, numbers that align with the fastest times recorded at the NFL combine.
The list also features other Iowa standouts such as safety Cooper DeJean and former star Josh Jackson, reinforcing the program’s reputation for producing physically imposing defensive backs.
Beyond the Hawkeyes, top performers from across the country include South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor, who earned the distinction of being named the list’s overall top player for the third time, and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith along with Oregon’s A'Mauri Washington, both returning from the previous year’s rankings.
Feldman’s compilation, drawn from measurements at the NFL combine and first‑hand evaluations, continues to shape recruiting narratives, offering prospects a public showcase of the attributes that translate to professional success.