Gennings Dunker is thrilled to join the Pittsburgh Steelers and reconnect with his former Iowa teammates, highlighting the strong connection between Iowa graduates and the NFL team. Dunker, drafted in 2026 as the Steelers moved up in the third round, will join fellow Hawkeyes including Kaleb Johnson and Yahya Black. The team’s trend of drafting Iowa players continues with the recent addition of Kaden Wetjen. This camaraderie is expected to ease Dunker’s transition into the NFL as they all aim to solidify their roles within the league.

By the Numbers
  • Kaden Wetjen led the FBS in kickoff return yards in 2024.
  • Wetjen also led in punt return yards in 2025, scoring three touchdowns on punt returns.
Yes, But

While the Iowa-to-Pittsburgh pipeline is strong, not all former teammates have had immediate success in the NFL, with players like Kaleb Johnson seeking to rebound from tough rookie seasons.

State of Play
  • The Steelers have welcomed multiple Iowa players in recent drafts, fostering a robust team chemistry.
  • Dunker and his Iowa peers are now under pressure to perform and validate their drafting decisions in an increasingly competitive NFL landscape.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Dunker and his teammates will focus on training camps and exhibition games to establish their presence on the Steelers' roster and navigate their respective growth trajectories in the league.

Bottom Line

The success of the Iowa players in Pittsburgh hinges on their ability to quickly adapt and leverage their shared experiences on the field to build a winning culture within the team.