Iowa has long counted on a deep defensive line to absorb injuries and keep its front competitive, a strategy that helped the Hawkeyes sustain success over recent seasons.
The 2025 line, featuring Ethan Hurkett, Max Llewellyn and Aaron Graves, has now moved on, leaving a noticeable gap in the roster.
At the interior, Brice Stevenson and Bryce Hawthorne are expected to anchor the unit, while the edge will be manned by a three‑man rotation that includes veteran Kenneth Merrieweather, transfer Kahmari Brown and five‑star recruit Iose Epenesa.
Coaches anticipate as many as six or seven new starters, yet the depth beyond those five names remains a question mark.
With limited game experience, Will Hubert and Luke Gaffney are being asked to step into larger roles should the core group be plagued by injuries.
Transfers Emmanuel Olagbaju and Lance Ingold add size and versatility, though Ingold will need time to adjust to the rigors of Big Ten play.
Defensive line coach Kelvin Bell stresses the importance of keeping at least six players ready to rotate, ensuring fresh legs throughout games.
A new era under Phil Parker
Under new defensive coordinator Phil Parker, Iowa is entering a transitional phase that could test the unit’s resilience early in the season.