With the 2025 regular season now in the rear-view mirror, all eyes are on bowl season and the College Football Playoff (CFP).
The Hawkeyes are not among the final 12 teams included in the CFP, but will head to Florida to take on Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
For over 20 seniors and graduate players, the ReliaQuest Bowl could be their last time playing football, and no one has opted out thus far.
Among the members of the talented senior class, three Hawkeyes have accepted invitations to the Panini Senior Bowl, including Beau Stephens, Drew Stevens, and TJ Hall.
Shortly after Stephens accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, another Hawkeye accepted an invitation to another showcase event after the season.
Invitation Accepted@HawkeyeFootball Edge Max Llewellyn (@maxllewellyn34) is East-West Shrine Bowl bound! ⭐️#Hawkeyes | #ShrineBowlWHOSNEXT 😎 pic.twitter.com/5ixSmg6y8L
— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) December 15, 2025
Senior defensive lineman Max Llewellyn was announced as a participant in the annual East-West Shrine Bowl.
The East-West Shrine Bowl brings together the best college players in one last effort to showcase their abilities before the NFL Draft.
The event has occurred annually since 1925 and not only benefits numerous college players but also provides aid to Shriners Children's.
Llewellyn has had a stellar season for the Hawkeyes, starting all 12 games at defensive end. He has compiled 22 total tackles (13 solo, nine assisted), including nine tackles for loss.
He also added six sacks and five passes defended.
Llewellyn became a full-time starter this season after being a regular contributor since joining the program in 2021.
Llewellyn was a big part of an Iowa defense that finished the regular season ranked No. 7 in passing yards allowed per game (158.2), No. 8 in points per game (14.7), and No. 8 in total defense (270.6 yards per game).