Iowa’s Week 7 bye brought a little recognition for Zach Lutmer, who was named a Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinalist by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation.
The honor puts the Hawkeyes defensive back among 16 players selected as the country’s top defensive standouts, with the award spotlighting impact on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.
Lutmer has opened all six games at free safety for Iowa in 2026 and has piled up 34 tackles. His stat line also includes four pass breakups and one tackle for loss.
He delivered his biggest performances in two straight key games, leading the Hawkeyes with a career-high 12 tackles in the comeback win at Michigan on Sept. 26, then following that with a team-best 11 tackles against Ohio State on Oct. 3.
The Rock Rapids, Iowa, native already has a strong resume in hand. In 2025, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors, was selected as Iowa’s Roy Carver Most Valuable Player for defense, and has twice received the Team Hustle Award.
His work extends beyond Saturdays, too. Lutmer is a two-time CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-Big Ten selection, and he has served as a Player Council representative in both 2025 and 2026.
Iowa’s recent history with the award has been notable. The last Hawkeye to win it was linebacker Josey Jewell, now with the Carolina Panthers, in 2017. James Morris came the closest after that, finishing as a finalist in 2013, while Desmond King in 2016, Cooper DeJean in 2023 and Jay Higgins in 2024 all reached the semifinalist stage.
Semifinalists for the 2026 award will be announced in mid-November.
Iowa will return to the field Saturday, Oct. 24, at Minnesota for the annual battle for the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy. Kickoff from Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on FS1.
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The challenge is obvious. Belhomme is a three-star prospect by 247Sports, but his recent offer list includes Auburn, Florida State, Notre Dame and Texas A&M, which puts Iowa in a crowded race for a player with plenty of options. For a program that has long valued secondary talent, the late push is another sign that the Hawkeyes are willing to fight for a future piece in Phil Parkers room, even if the competition is already fierce. [Read more 🡒]
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Iowa Just Reopened A Quarterback Debate Fans Dreaded
Iowas Week 8 depth chart brought back the kind of quarterback uncertainty Hawkeye fans hoped the offense had put to bed, with an OR sitting between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. The move comes after Hecklinski impressed in relief of an injured Brown, throwing for 208 yards and three touchdowns in his debut and giving the staff a meaningful alternative under center.
Offensive coordinator Tim Lester said both quarterbacks are healthy, but the coaching staff has not confirmed who will start. For a team still trying to find stability on offense, that leaves Iowa in a familiar waiting game, with the depth chart offering little clarity and the decision now looming over the next stretch of the season. [Read more 🡒]