For the past 18 months, we've heard how much Schottenheimer loves a particular player, yet he's hardly been seen on the field. That has to change in 2026.
There are a couple of things we know about Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer since he took the job last season.
One, he wants to change the culture. Two, he's a players' coach, loving to build relationships with his players and have hard conversations.
And the third is he loves himself some Hunter Luepke.
The bulldozing fullback is one of Schottenheimer's favorite players due to his versatility, yet we've hardly seen Hunter in games.
Last season, he played just 21 percent of the offensive snaps, and half of the special teams snaps.
Equally adept at playing fullback, running back, tight end, and even showing his receiving chops, there isn't much Luepke can't do. But it's all been in a limited capacity.
Which begs the question, why haven't we seen much of him under Schottenheimer's watch if the head coach loves nearly everything about him?
Schottenheimer has stated this offseason that he wants his offense, which was one of the best in football last season, to evolve. They can't run it back.
And he even hinted that Luepke could get used more.
"We got to evolve. We're looking at some different things. Maybe a little bit more two-back, letting Hunter Luepke do some things," Schottenheimer said via The Athletic's Jon Machota.
So how exactly are we going to get more Hunter in 2026?
Could it be as a running back/fullback?
Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, and Malik Davis are the top three options, and last season, Hunter averaged 4.4 yards per rush. Williams and Davis were at 4.8.
So, there isn't much difference there.
Tight end could also be an option. and whether that is as a blocking tight end or receiving is unknown, and given Luke Schoonmaker hasn't elevated in the manner many had hoped, he could lose some snaps to Hunter.
Receiver is more out of the backfield, as Luepke totaled 109 yards and a touchdown from 13 receptions in 2025, which is only 23 fewer yards than Schoonmaker from one less reception.
We've heard Schottenheimer praise Luepke for his work in the system, but now he might be the key to helping it evolve in 2026.
Now, I'm not saying for Hunter to be a key figure in any capacity, but he needs more snaps, because for the most part, when he's on the field, he produces.
It might be time for Schottenheimer to walk the walk with Hunter after talking the talk for over a year.
Let Hunter loose, Brian.