Just ask Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia how it felt to go up against the Iowa defense.
Under long-time defensive coordinator Phil Parker, the Iowa defense is always a force to be reckoned with.
That trend continued last season as the Hawkeyes ranked in the top 10 overall in scoring defense (No. 8 overall), passing yards allowed (No. 10 overall), and total defense (No. 9 overall).
Parker's defense was stingy all season, keeping the Hawkeyes in most games and giving them chances to win.
Most people around the country would not recognize some of the names on Iowa's defense, but the Senior Bowl is giving some of those players a chance to showcase their abilities and how good the Iowa defense is year in and year out.
DL Max Llewellyn is cooking offensive lineman during Senior Bowl practices
After patiently waiting his turn to make an impact on the defensive line, Max Llewellyn had his best year as a Hawkeye last season.
Llewellyn compiled 26 total tackles (14 solo, 12 assisted), with 6.5 sacks, 5.0 passes defended, and 2.0 passes defended.
Ever since playing limited snaps during his freshman season, Llewellyn has diligently worked on his game and is now getting the chance to showcase his abilities ahead of the 2026 Senior Bowl.
Iowa’s Max Llewellyn had his best Senior Bowl practice on Day 3. Breaks out a nasty spin move here.
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 30, 2026
Llewellyn led Iowa’s defense in pressures this past season (45). pic.twitter.com/SJoQSQrLfh
Llewellyn absolutely COOKED the offensive lineman tasked with blocking him during a drill, and if they allowed players to sack the quarterback, he would've been toast.
Llewellyn broke out a nasty spin move, something he has been working on over the past few seasons with the Hawkeyes.
He used that move multiple times this season, shown by his team-leading 45 quarterback pressures last season.
Lewellyn is apart of the National Team, and will look to showcase his abilities one last time during the January 31 game in Mobile, Alabama.