Breaking Down Iowa’s 2026 Defense: Holes to Fill, Talent to Watch
When it comes to Iowa football, there’s one constant you can count on: Phil Parker’s defense is going to show up. Year in and year out, the Hawkeyes bring a brand of gritty, disciplined, and fundamentally sound defense that’s become a hallmark of Parker’s 13-year run as defensive coordinator.
Last season was no different - Iowa finished top 10 nationally in scoring defense, total defense, and passing yards allowed. They were top 20 against the run, too.
That’s elite territory.
But heading into 2026, things get interesting.
The Hawkeyes are facing turnover across every level of the defense. Graduation and the transfer portal have left holes to patch, and while Parker has a track record of developing talent and building cohesive units, this year’s group will need to come together quickly.
Let’s take a closer look at how the defense is shaping up as spring ball approaches.
Defensive Line: A Unit in Transition
This group takes the biggest hit. The departures of Ethan Hurkett, Jonah Pace, and Aaron Graves to graduation - plus Brian Allen Jr. via transfer - leave Iowa without three of its four starting linemen from last season. That’s a lot of production and leadership walking out the door.
The lone returning starter is Bryce Hawthorne, who will be counted on to anchor the line and help guide a new-look group. Depth at defensive tackle is especially thin, but Iowa dipped into the transfer portal to bolster the interior. Brice Stevenson (Holy Cross) and Kahmari Brown (Elon) arrive with strong résumés - albeit from smaller programs - and both have the tools to step in and contribute right away.
At defensive end, keep an eye on Kenneth Merrieweather and Devan Kennedy. Merrieweather has been in the mix, while Kennedy is generating real buzz as a rising star.
If both take a step forward, this group could stabilize faster than expected. Brown, who could slide inside or provide depth on the edge, gives them some flexibility.
Still, this unit has the most question marks heading into the spring. The talent is there, but it’s going to take some time to build chemistry and find the right rotation.
Linebackers: Young, but Not Green
Linebacker was a major concern heading into last season - and then Karson Sharar stepped up and solidified the middle. Now, with Sharar gone, the Hawkeyes are once again looking to retool.
The difference this time? There’s more experience in the room, and a few guys who look ready to take the reins.
Here’s how the projected starting trio looks:
- MIKE (Middle Linebacker): Cam Buffington (SO)
- SAM (Weak-side Linebacker): Jayden Montgomery (SR)
- WILL (Outside Linebacker): Derek Weisskopf (SO)
Buffington and Weisskopf are both young but have flashed the kind of athleticism and instincts that Parker loves in his linebackers. Montgomery brings senior leadership and a physical edge on the weak side.
Also worth noting: Landyn Van Kekerix is in the mix for the WILL spot. He’s got the speed and range to make an impact, and even if he doesn’t crack the starting lineup, expect him to see plenty of snaps.
This group may not be loaded with household names - yet - but the pieces are there to form a solid, if not standout, unit.
Secondary: Reloading, Not Rebuilding
The back end of Iowa’s defense took a hit when Koen Entringer unexpectedly transferred to Louisville. That move left a hole in the secondary, but the Hawkeyes responded by aggressively targeting defensive backs in the portal and on the recruiting trail.
The projected starters:
- Left Corner: Deshaun Lee (SR)
- Right Corner: Rashad Godfrey Jr.
- Strong Safety: Xavier Styles (SO)
- Free Safety: Tyler Brown (JR)
- CASH (Nickel/Hybrid): Zach Lutmer
Lutmer is the X-factor. He’s the kind of versatile defender every coordinator dreams of - capable of playing anywhere in the secondary. Whether he lines up at corner, safety, or in the CASH role, he brings toughness, football IQ, and a knack for making plays.
Deshaun Lee brings experience at corner, while Godfrey Jr. is a promising talent who could solidify the other side. Styles and Brown round out the safety spots, giving Iowa a young but athletic duo on the back end.
There’s also a wave of newcomers who could push for playing time. Transfer Anthony Hawkins and freshmen Jacob Wallace and Darion Jones are names to watch, and Jaylen Watson adds more depth to a group that suddenly has options.
Final Thoughts: A Familiar Challenge for Parker
This isn’t the first time Phil Parker has had to replace key pieces, and it won’t be the last. What’s different this time is the sheer volume of turnover - especially in the trenches. But if there’s one coach who’s earned the benefit of the doubt, it’s Parker.
The Hawkeyes may not have the same level of continuity they’ve enjoyed in recent years, but they’ve got talent, versatility, and a defensive identity that doesn’t waver. Spring ball will be all about figuring out who fits where - and how quickly this group can gel.
Don’t expect Iowa’s defense to fall off a cliff. There will be growing pains, sure. But come fall, it’s a safe bet that this unit will once again be one of the toughest, most disciplined defenses in the Big Ten.