Iowa football OL accepts Senior Bowl invite
Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes WireFri, January 16, 2026 at 10:45 PM UTC·2 min read
With the 2025 season wrapped up, the attention now shifts to the NFL draft for several Hawkeyes.
The Iowa football program is no stranger to putting tons of players into the NFL, and this year looks like it'll be no different. There are numerous Hawks who should hear their name called during draft weekend or find themselves signed to a roster not long after. For those players, this time of year is crucial to show scouts what you're capable of at the next level.
There are tons of different games and events that players can participate in to put their names on the NFL's radar, but no event is more prestigious than the Senior Bowl.
The Hawkeyes already had four players heading down to Mobile, Ala., for the Senior Bowl in cornerback TJ Hall, guard Beau Stephens, kicker Drew Stevens, and defensive lineman Max Llewellyn. Those Hawks will be joined by one more, as offensive tackle Gennings Dunker has now accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Officially Accepted!
OL Gennings Dunker (@gennings_dunker) from @HawkeyeFootball is headed to the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl 🔥#TheDraftStartsInMobile #WherePlayersPlay pic.twitter.com/G64lNa2DKB
— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 12, 2026
The Panini Senior Bowl is where the best of the best players in college football, who have exhausted all of their eligibility, get a chance to practice and play a game in front of numerous NFL coaches, scouts, and executives. Many guys have seen their draft stock rise immensely based on a strong performance during Senior Bowl festivities. That's exactly what Dunker is hoping to accomplish.
Dunker is already seen as a probable day two selection on draft weekend, with some mock drafts having him selected in the first round. NBC Sports' latest mock draft had Dunker going to the New England Patriots with the 30th overall pick. A strong performance at the Senior Bowl could lift Dunker into a unanimous first-round pick, especially given the positional importance of offensive tackle.
Given Iowa's track record of developing offensive linemen, Dunker's tape, and his ideal frame for the position, Hawkeye fans should hear his name called pretty early come NFL draft weekend.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football OL Gennings Dunker accepts Senior Bowl invite
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