A Season of Transition
Iowa’s defensive line will look markedly different when the Hawkeyes open the 2026 season, after the program said goodbye to three pivotal linemen who helped anchor the unit in recent years.
Max Llewellyn, a seventh‑round pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 2026 NFL Draft, departed along with Aaron Graves, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent, and Ethan Hurkett, a two‑year starter who left the program after his senior season.
To counteract the losses, the coaching staff turned to the transfer portal, welcoming four newcomers: Brice Stevenson, Kahmari Brown, Emmanuel Olagbiju and Lance Ingold. Brown, who posted 16.5 sacks in two seasons at Elon, including a 12‑sack sophomore campaign, is expected to provide an immediate pass‑rush threat.
Veterans such as Bryce Hawthorne and Kenneth Merrieweather, who have logged multiple seasons in the Iowa system, are slated to shoulder larger responsibilities, while redshirt freshman Iose Epenesa shows promise as a potential difference‑maker on the interior.
Coach Kirk Ferentz and his assistants have repeatedly stressed that the development of these players will be the linchpin of the defense, urging them to accelerate growth through spring practices and strength‑conditioning programs.
What to Watch in 2026
The progress of the line will be a central narrative as the Hawkeyes navigate a schedule that includes tough Big Ten opponents, and early indicators suggest the unit could be both more aggressive and more versatile than in recent years. Fans and analysts alike will be tracking how quickly the new pieces click, especially as the team integrates younger talent like Devan Kennedy and Drew Campbell, who have been described as under‑the‑radar contributors with the potential to surprise.