Iowa’s defense enters the 2025 season with a significant reshuffle, as key pieces of its secondary have been forced to adjust.
A Setback in the Secondary
Transfer safety Tyler Brown, who arrived from James Madison, has been sidelined throughout camp after a muscle strain was diagnosed. The injury removes a player who started every game for the Dukes last year and contributed heavily to their pass rush.
The Hawkeyes will also be without two former starters at safety, Xavier Nwankpa and Koen Entringer, both of whom have transferred to Louisville. Their departures leave a void that the coaching staff hopes to fill with a mix of home‑grown talent and newcomers.
Leadership Emerges
Veteran cornerback Deshaun Lee and returning defensive back Zach Lutmer are being counted on to anchor the backfield. Lee posted 34 tackles and two interceptions in his last season, while Lutmer logged 71 tackles, seven pass breakups and three picks while starting all 13 games at the CASH position.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz has repeatedly highlighted Lee and Lutmer as the foundation of the secondary, stressing that competition among capable players will determine the final rotation.
With the new pieces still being evaluated, the Hawkeyes hope the experience and depth they retain can compensate for the losses and keep their defensive schemes aggressive.