Iowa football is staring down a major transition, with a senior class that’s not just big in numbers-28 seniors and graduates-but massive in impact. This group has been the backbone of a Hawkeye run that’s seen 44 wins since 2021, including a Music City Bowl victory over Kentucky in 2022. And with the ReliaQuest Bowl still ahead, there’s a shot at adding a 45th to that total.
This senior class hasn’t just filled out the roster-they’ve defined it. And the accolades tell the story.
Three Hawkeyes earned First-Team All-American honors following the 2025 regular season. Offensive lineman Beau Stephens was named to the Associated Press list, while center Logan Jones racked up a haul-earning First-Team honors from the AP, AFCA, FWAA, Sporting News, and Walter Camp, the five outlets used to determine consensus All-American status. Wide receiver Kaden Wetjen also made the cut with four of those five.
Add in sophomore Kade Pieper, who earned First-Team recognition from Pro Football Focus-while not part of the consensus All-American formula, it’s still a strong nod to his breakout season.
Beyond the honors, several seniors are already lining up opportunities to showcase their talents on the national stage. Defensive back TJ Hall, edge rusher Max Llewellyn, kicker Drew Stevens, and the aforementioned Stephens have all accepted invites to postseason all-star games, including the Panini Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl.
And now, another name joins that list: Xavier Nwankpa.
The senior safety has officially accepted an invitation to play in the 2026 Altrua HealthShare Hula Bowl, set for January 10 in Deland, Florida. It’s the longest-running all-star game in college football, dating back to 1946, and only seniors get the call. This year, Nwankpa earned his.
It’s a fitting capstone for a player who’s elevated his game in a big way. After shifting from strong safety to free safety during the offseason, Nwankpa has thrived in the Hawkeye secondary.
He’s posted a career-high 69 total tackles-47 of them solo-forced two fumbles, and picked off one pass. It’s been the most complete season of his Iowa career, and now he gets one more opportunity to show scouts what he can do.
For Iowa, the challenge ahead is clear: replacing a senior class that’s been as productive as it’s been consistent. But for guys like Nwankpa, the next chapter is already beginning-with a trip to the Hula Bowl and a shot to make one final impression before the NFL comes calling.