NCAA approves medical hardship waiver for Hawkeyes lineman Myslinski

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has approved a medical-hardship waiver for Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Michael Myslinski, granting the graduate student a sixth year of eligibility. The decision, confirmed by Myslinski on social media on May 29, 2026, finalises a process that offensive line coach George Barnett described as a significant administrative step for the programme.

Myslinski, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, has endured a career marked by significant physical adversity. His collegiate appearances have been sporadic, limited to one game each in 2021 and 2022, zero games in 2023, and four games in 2024. However, the 2024 season marked a turning point, during which he played in eight games, earned second-team guard honours, and was named the team’s Comeback Player of the Year.

The waiver approval allows Myslinski to return to the field for the 2026 season, where he is expected to compete for a starting position on the offensive line. Head coach Kirk Ferentz indicated that while Myslinski participated in spring practices rotating between centre and right guard, Kade Pieper currently holds the edge for the starting centre position.

Myslinski’s path to the roster included filling in for Pieper after the starter was injured during Iowa’s 26-21 loss at USC in the previous season. With Pieper likely to anchor the centre position, Myslinski is positioned to compete for a starting role at right guard, potentially sharing time in a rotational capacity with freshman Lucas Allgeyer.

Offensive line coach George Barnett also identified walk-on Cael Winter as a possible option at centre, suggesting a competitive depth chart. Myslinski, who did not participate in the final open spring practice on April 25, stated after the session that he has been healthy for the past two years and feels the best he has in his entire career.