UNI’s Max Schmeltzer: A big-bodied, developmental DL with upside
Schmeltzer is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive lineman for Northern Iowa who arrived from Pleasant Valley after being listed as a tight end recruit, giving him an intriguing blend of length, frame, and athletic background that can translate well up front. UNI’s roster notes he did not see game action in 2025, so the appeal is more about projection than production right now: a versatile, multi-sport athlete with size and room to develop into a physical, high-motor line piece if he adapts quickly to the college game.
