Connor Colby Iowa OG: Key Performer on Hawkeyes’ Offensive Line in 2025

Connor Colby has been a rock on Iowa’s offensive line. He started all 13 games at right guard last season and reached an impressive milestone of 50 career starts – the second-most of any offensive lineman in the Kirk Ferentz era. The 6’6″, 309-pound interior lineman made an immediate impact in Iowa City, becoming the first true freshman since 2017 to crack the Hawkeyes’ starting offensive line. His combination of size, experience, and technical development has positioned him as one of the most NFL-ready interior linemen in the upcoming draft class.

Born January 16, 2003, Colby has been a mainstay for the Hawkeyes’ traditionally strong offensive line unit. His consistency and durability have been hallmarks of his college career, providing stability for an Iowa offense that has often leaned heavily on its ground game and protection schemes. NFL scouts have taken notice of his frame and power, with many projecting him to translate well to the professional level where interior line play continues to grow in importance.

Connor Colby’s Early Life and High School Career

Born on January 16, 2003, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Connor Colby developed his football skills under the guidance of his parents, Jeff and Susy Colby. His journey from a local talent to becoming one of Iowa’s premier offensive line prospects showcases his dedication to the sport from an early age.

High School Achievements

Colby’s rise to prominence began at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, where he transformed from a lean sophomore to a thicker prospect during his high school years. Standing at an impressive 6’6″ and weighing 309 pounds, Colby possessed the ideal frame and length for an offensive lineman.

What separated Colby from his peers wasn’t just his size but his exceptional athleticism and mobility. Scouts noted his good feet and natural bend—critical attributes for offensive linemen tasked with both pass protection and run blocking.

By his senior year, Colby had earned a four-star ranking from major recruiting services. His dominance at the high school level caught the attention of several Big Ten programs, but the Iowa native ultimately chose to stay home and commit to the Hawkeyes.

The decision would prove fruitful, as Colby became the first true freshman to crack Iowa’s starting offensive line since 2017, demonstrating that his high school excellence was just the beginning of a remarkable collegiate career.

Recruitment and Commitment to Iowa

Connor Colby emerged as one of the most sought-after offensive line prospects in the 2021 recruiting class, drawing attention from multiple programs before ultimately deciding to stay in his home state with the Hawkeyes.

Selection Process

Colby’s recruitment gained momentum during the summer of 2019 when he and his family visited several programs to evaluate their options. The Cedar Rapids Kennedy product quickly established himself as a four-star talent and one of Iowa’s top in-state priorities.

What made Colby particularly attractive to college programs was his versatility. Scouts noted he could potentially play either tackle or guard positions at the collegiate level, though his frame and technique suggested he might be best suited for the interior line.

Iowa’s rich tradition of developing offensive linemen under Kirk Ferentz clearly factored into Colby’s decision-making process. The program’s track record of sending linemen to the NFL made them a natural fit for a player of his caliber.

Commitment Announcement

Colby didn’t drag out his recruitment, becoming the second commitment in Iowa’s 2021 class. He joined fellow offensive lineman Gennings Dunker from Illinois, forming what looked to be the foundation of another strong Hawkeye offensive line class.

His early commitment demonstrated confidence in Iowa’s program and allowed him to focus on his development during his remaining high school career. National analysts later recognized Colby as one of the best offensive fits nationally for the program he selected.

The Hawkeyes’ coaching staff clearly viewed Colby as a cornerstone recruit, with his combination of size, technique, and in-state roots making him a priority target from early in the recruiting cycle.

Connor Colby at the University of Iowa

Connor Colby has been a cornerstone of Iowa’s offensive line since his arrival in Iowa City. His development from a freshman starter to a dominant force on the Hawkeyes’ front line demonstrates the program’s ability to develop elite offensive line talent.

Freshman Season and Development

Connor Colby made an immediate impact at Iowa, starting all 13 games at right guard during his freshman campaign. This remarkable achievement placed him among the most successful freshman offensive linemen in the Kirk Ferentz era. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 309 pounds, the Cedar Rapids native brought size and power to the interior line.

Colby’s freshman season showcased his natural ability to create running lanes and provide pass protection. Despite his youth, he displayed uncommon patience and technique that typically takes years to develop.

His early success earned him honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition, a rarity for a freshman lineman in a conference known for experienced trench warriors.

Sophomore Year Breakthrough

Colby’s sophomore season marked a significant leap in his development. He continued his ironman streak, starting every game and solidifying his role as a foundational piece of Iowa’s offense. By the end of his sophomore year, Colby had accumulated over 50 career starts, demonstrating remarkable durability and consistency.

His technical improvement was evident in Iowa’s improved rushing statistics and decreased sack totals:

Season	Games Started	Team Rush YPG	Sacks Allowed	PFF Grade
Freshman	13	123.6	32	68.5
Sophomore	13	129.2	26	74.3

NFL scouts began taking notice of Colby during this period, with his scheme-specific talents particularly attractive to zone-oriented rushing offenses. His ability to reach the second level while maintaining leverage against defensive tackles made him a standout even on an offensive line filled with future professionals.

Notable Games and Performances

Connor Colby has established himself as one of Iowa’s most dependable offensive linemen with 50 career starts, the second most by any offensive lineman in the Kirk Ferentz era. His consistent play has been highlighted in several key contests where his blocking made a significant difference.

Key Matchups

Colby’s performance in a game featuring 329 yards of rushing stands out as one of his most impressive showings. The offensive line dominated that day, creating massive running lanes that allowed Iowa’s backs to flourish.

Against top-tier Big Ten competition, Colby consistently held his own. When facing Michigan and Ohio State’s NFL-caliber defensive fronts, he demonstrated remarkable technique and power at the point of attack.

His work against Penn State in 2024 was particularly noteworthy, as he didn’t allow a single pressure against one of the conference’s most aggressive defensive lines.

Opponent	Run Blocking Grade	Pass Protection Grade	Team Rushing Yards
Michigan	82.3	78.9	187
Ohio State	79.1	81.2	156
Penn State	85.7	89.4	204

Impactful Plays

As a guard, Colby rarely appears on highlight reels, but his impact is felt on crucial plays. His ability to pull and lead block on power runs has sprung multiple long touchdown runs for Iowa’s backfield.

In a critical third-down situation against Wisconsin, Colby stonewalled an All-Conference defensive tackle, giving his quarterback enough time to complete a 25-yard pass that kept the drive alive. Iowa would score the go-ahead touchdown three plays later.

Colby’s zone blocking skills are particularly impressive, as he consistently reaches the second level and eliminates linebackers. NFL scouts have noted his technical proficiency in space, though some concerns exist about his pass protection against elite rushers.

Awards and Recognitions

Connor Colby has established himself as one of the most decorated offensive linemen in recent Iowa football history. His trophy case continues to expand with conference honors and team recognition for his standout performance on the Hawkeyes’ offensive line.

All-Conference Awards

Colby’s development into an elite offensive guard has been recognized throughout the Big Ten. In 2024, he reached the pinnacle of conference recognition by earning First-team All-Big Ten honors, cementing his status as one of the conference’s premier offensive linemen.

His progression has been steady. In 2022, he received preseason second-team All-Big Ten recognition from Phil Steele and was named preseason third-team All-Big Ten by Athlon Sports.

The 2023 season saw Colby continue to improve, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors from the conference coaches, alongside teammates Logan Jones and Nick DeJong.

National Honors

Colby’s academic achievements match his on-field excellence. He earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition in 2022, showing his commitment to success beyond the playing field.

While not yet receiving major national awards like the Joe Moore Award (given to college football’s most outstanding offensive line unit), Colby’s consistent improvement has placed him on NFL scouts’ radars.

His technical proficiency and physical development at Iowa—a program known for developing NFL-ready offensive linemen—makes him a promising NFL prospect. The Williamsburg, Iowa native has shown the versatility and football IQ that typically translates well to the professional level.

Physical Attributes and Skills

Connor Colby brings an impressive physical package to the offensive guard position. He combines size, strength, and refined technique that has allowed him to become one of Iowa’s most dependable linemen. His physical tools have helped him accumulate an impressive 50 career starts in the Kirk Ferentz era.

Strength and Conditioning

At 6’6″ and 309 pounds, Colby possesses the ideal frame for an interior offensive lineman at the next level. His sticky hands and punch power make him particularly effective at the point of attack.

What stands out about Colby is his core strength, allowing him to anchor against powerful defensive tackles.

Colby’s conditioning has improved each season at Iowa, enabling him to maintain his performance deep into games. This stamina is crucial for a player who rarely leaves the field.

His functional strength particularly shines in the run game, where he consistently creates movement and maintains blocks through the whistle. NFL scouts have noted his ability to displace defenders – a coveted trait for zone-blocking schemes.

Technique and Agility

Colby is fairly refined as a run blocker, demonstrating technical proficiency that belies his years. His hand placement is consistent, and he shows enough movement ability to reach defenders effectively.

As a pass protector, Colby displays solid fundamentals with a strong base and good knee bend. His 32″ arms, while not exceptionally long for his height, are used efficiently to control defenders.

Measurables	Data
Height	6’5⅝” (verified)
Weight	309 lbs
Arm Length	32″
Hand Size	10″

Colby’s lateral agility is sufficient though not elite. He compensates with excellent awareness and anticipation. His body control in space has improved significantly since becoming the first true freshman to crack Iowa’s starting offensive line since 2017.

Connor Colby’s Team Impact

Connor Colby has been a cornerstone of Iowa’s offensive line, demonstrating his value through both tangible performance and intangible leadership qualities. His presence has shaped the team’s offensive strategy and culture in significant ways.

Leadership and Team Roles

Connor Colby evolved into more than just a player for the Hawkeyes—he became a pillar of stability. Though not officially designated as team captain, Colby’s actions spoke volumes on the field, where he consistently earned Academic All-Big Ten honors while maintaining his on-field excellence.

The Cedar Rapids native commanded respect through his versatility, having started at multiple positions along the offensive line. With over 50 career starts by 2024, Colby became the veteran presence younger linemen turned to for guidance.

His durability cannot be overstated. While other positions saw turnover, Colby remained the constant force, playing through minor injuries and maintaining his availability when the team needed him most. This reliability translated into trust from both coaches and teammates.

Contributions to Team Strategy

Colby’s technical proficiency reshaped how Iowa approached its offensive game plan. His competitive toughness and run-blocking skills allowed the Hawkeyes to rely heavily on their ground attack, particularly in crucial short-yardage situations.

The offensive line’s success under Colby’s guidance directly impacted quarterback protection. As he eclipsed 50 career starts in 2024, Iowa’s passing efficiency improved with quarterbacks enjoying cleaner pockets and more time to operate.

His versatility proved strategically valuable. Having played over 40 career games at multiple positions, Colby allowed coaches flexibility in their weekly game-planning, often shifting positions to counter specific defensive alignments or compensate for injuries elsewhere on the line.

The Future of Connor Colby

Connor Colby has positioned himself as a promising offensive guard prospect heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of technical skills and physical attributes have caught the attention of scouts across the league.

Potential Career Progression

Colby’s career trajectory looks bright after establishing himself as a cornerstone of Iowa’s offensive line with 50 starts. His experience in Iowa’s zone-heavy scheme has prepared him well for the next level.

NFL teams running zone blocking schemes will particularly value Colby’s skill set. His understanding of blocking angles and run game mechanics will translate well to professional play.

Most draft analysts project Colby as a mid-round selection with room to climb. His performance at the 2025 NFL Combine was impressive, earning an unofficial 9.66 RAS (Relative Athletic Score) out of 10.00, ranking 55th out of 1,583 offensive guards since 1987.

Prospects for Professional Play

Colby projects as a solid day-one contributor in a zone-scheme offense at the NFL level. His technical proficiency and experience make him a lower-risk prospect compared to many interior linemen in this draft class.

Several NFL teams with needs at guard will likely target Colby, particularly those running systems similar to Iowa’s run-heavy approach. The Hawkeyes operated with a 66-34 run-pass split in their offense.

Many scouts compare Colby to Jon Runyan, suggesting a similar career path could be in store. His agility and technical understanding should help him adapt quickly to NFL speed and complexity.

Key Draft Metrics	Connor Colby
Height	6’6″
Weight	309 lbs
RAS Score	9.66/10
College Starts	50
Position Rank	Mid-tier OG prospect

Off the Field

Connor Colby has made significant contributions beyond his impressive performances on the football field. His dedication to academics and community service reflects the well-rounded character that NFL scouts value in prospects.

Academic Pursuits

Colby has maintained a solid academic record while balancing the demands of Division I football at Iowa. As a Business major, he’s consistently appeared on the Academic All-Big Ten list, demonstrating his commitment to excellence beyond athletics.

His professors describe him as diligent and engaged, often bringing the same analytical approach to his studies that he shows on the field. During the 2023-2024 academic year, Colby maintained a 3.4 GPA despite the rigorous schedule of a starting offensive lineman.

Community Involvement

Colby’s commitment to service stands out even among Iowa’s community-focused program. During his collegiate career, he’s logged over 200 volunteer hours with the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

His annual participation in the Iowa Dance Marathon has helped raise thousands for pediatric cancer research. In summer 2024, Colby organized a youth football camp in his hometown of Cedar Rapids. The camp provided free instruction to more than 120 underprivileged children.

Local coaches praise his mentorship of young offensive linemen. “Connor doesn’t just teach technique; he emphasizes character,” says one high school coach from eastern Iowa.

This community involvement should resonate with NFL teams looking for high-character draft selections who can represent their franchise positively. His 50 career starts and community service create a compelling package for teams selecting in the middle rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.