Big Board Bombshell in Iowa City as Stephens & Hall Go NFL — Hawkeyes Dominate CBS Sports Draft Watch
Big Board Bombshell in Iowa City as Stephens & Hall Go NFL — Hawkeyes Dominate CBS Sports Draft Watch
The Hawkeyes NFL Draft Standouts have spoken and the Iowa football world is buzzing. After another rip‑roaring college season that saw the Hawkeyes offensive line earn the prestigious Joe Moore Award and the defense shine under coordinator Phil Parker, two of Iowa’s brightest stars Beau Stephens, Offensive Guard (No. 49), and TJ Hall, Cornerback (No. 65) have officially declared for the NFL Draft, sending a seismic shock through the 2026 NFL scouting landscape.
In a year where elite talent is plentiful across the country, Iowa State Penman’s pro football pipeline continues to pump out bona‑fide NFL prospects. With nine representatives set to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the Hawkeyes are once again proving that when it comes to developing pros, few programs in the nation compare.
Hawkeyes NFL Draft Standouts — A Deep Look at CBS Sports Big Board Rankings
According to the latest CBS Sports 2026 NFL Draft Big Board, which ranks the top 125 draft‑eligible players in the country, four Iowa stars landed spots on the list a testament to the strength of the program, staff, and development culture in Iowa City.
Here’s how the Hawkeyes fared:
1. Beau Stephens, Offensive Guard – No. 49
2. TJ Hall, Cornerback – No. 65
3. Gennings Dunker, Offensive Guard/Tackle – No. 107
4. Logan Jones, Center – No. 109
While all four earned well‑deserved national recognition, it’s Stephens and Hall who have taken the next step officially announcing their entry into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Beau Stephens — From Hawkeyes Anchor to NFL Prospect
Standing 6‑foot‑5 and tipping the scales around 330 pounds, Beau Stephens was the cornerstone of Iowa’s offensive front this season. No one questioned his draft potential after a campaign that blended physical dominance with elite technique.
Across 13 games, Stephens rarely conceded pressure. His ability to bend, anchor, and finish blocks consistently bottled up some of the toughest defensive fronts in the Big Ten. Analysts praised his athletic footwork, hand placement, and football IQ — traits that NFL scouts hunt for in guards.
In one memorable mid‑season clash, Stephens countered Michigan State’s defensive rush so effectively that Iowa rushed for over 200 yards, setting the tone for a knock‑down, drag‑out offensive performance. That game, along with consistent tape throughout the season, helped vault him up the CBS Sports board and ultimately fueled his decision to declare.
Speaking publicly after his draft announcement, Stephens said, “Iowa gave me everything I needed from coaching to competition. Now I’m ready to take that next step and prove I belong at the next level.” That confidence, both grounded and earnestly expressed, mirrors the mentality that endeared him to the Hawkeyes faithful.
TJ Hall — Secondary Standout Turned NFL Cornerback
While the Hawkeyes have become known for their offensive line production, defensive backs have also flourished under long‑time defensive coordinator Phil Parker. Now, TJ Hall has joined that lineage of quality NFL defensive backs.
Clocked with impressive speed and sticky coverage ability, Hall earned his No. 65 ranking on the CBS Sports Big Board by neutralizing top‑flight receivers all season long. What stood out most to scouts was his film discipline a rare mix of instincts and technique that belies his young career.
In a defining game against Wisconsin, Hall blanketed the opponent’s No. 1 target for nearly the entire contest forcing punts, breaking up passes, and making plays downfield. It was precisely the kind of performance NFL talent evaluators circle when projecting pro success.
Hall reflected on his decision to go pro with humility and drive. “I’ve put in the work here at Iowa. I believe in my game, and I think I can compete at the highest level. It’s been a dream to wear this jersey, and now it’s time to chase the next one.”
Dunker & Jones — Still Big Board, Still Prospects to Watch
Though not part of the official NFL Draft declaration like Stephens and Hall, Gennings Dunker and Logan Jones remain significant names on the draft radar.
Gennings Dunker (No. 107) blended versatility at both guard and tackle a premium for offensive linemen in today’s NFL. Scouts admire his athleticism and football toughness.
Logan Jones (No. 109) anchored the interior, showcasing intelligence, leverage control, and consistent patience against bull rushers.
Both players now prepare for the NFL Combine with everything to gain and many expect teams to take a serious look at them early on Day 3 of the draft.
What This Means for Iowa Football and NFL Draft 2026
The continued presence of Hawkeyes on draft boards speaks volumes about the culture Iowa has built. It’s not just about developing players it’s about preparing them with fundamentals, discipline, and professional poise.
NFL Scouting Combine Invitations
All four Hawkeyes listed on the CBS Sports Big Board are expected to receive official invites to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine a critical evaluation stage where athletic metrics, interviews, and on‑field drills can elevate or reposition a prospect’s stock.
For Stephens and Hall, the Combine marks the first official step toward cementing where they’ll land come draft weekend. For Dunker and Jones, it’s another chance to impress and climb higher on team boards.
Hawkeye Nation Reacts Legacy and Expectations
Across social platforms and in Iowa City, fans and former players alike are celebrating. There’s pride not only in the individual achievements of Stephens and Hall but in the program’s consistency.
This isn’t an isolated success. Iowa has sent countless offensive linemen and defensive backs to the NFL over the years and now Stephens and Hall are poised to join those ranks.
Veteran NFL scouts have remarked that Iowa players come “pro‑ready” because of coaching style, grit, and game preparation all intangible qualities that don’t always show up on stat sheets.
Final Thoughts
The Hawkeyes NFL Draft Standouts narrative is more than numbers and rankings it’s about a tradition that breeds professionals, leaders, and competitors. Stephens and Hall are next up and whether it’s lining up in a packed NFL stadium or hearing their names called on draft night, the next chapter of their careers is now officially underway.
As the Hawkeyes head to Indy for the Combine and the draft approaches, one thing is clear: Iowa City football fans don’t just watch the draft they expect to be a part of it.
