Iowa’s offensive line will be losing its biggest piece heading into next season.

Tuesday evening, starting offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs announced that he will forgo his final season at Iowa and will pursue a career in the NFL. His announcement comes the same day that defensive end A.J. Epenesa also made the decision to depart from Iowa City and head to the draft.

“These past 3 years have been the ride of a lifetime,” Wirfs said. “Getting to compete with my brothers and represent the state of Iowa is something I will hold with me forever.

“With that being said, after a lot of discussion with my mom and family, I have decided to forgo my senior season and declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.”

Wirfs was an impact player for the Hawkeyes from the moment he stepped on campus. He played in 35 career games along the front line at Iowa, and was a member of a team that finished with a winning record every year and was 3-0 in bowl games.

Many expect Wirfs to be a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.