The Hawkeyes have a solid list of potential NFL Draft picks this year, but thankfully, one star defensive back decided not to be one of them.
Iowa has at least eight projected draft picks, and after losing multiple defensive players, especially in the secondary, Iowa could not afford to lose any more players.
Koen Entringer's shocking exit from the program via the transfer portal left Iowa with a huge hole in the secondary, but thankfully, another key member of the defense decided to stick around for at least one more season.
Zach Lutmer thankfully decided not to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft
Iowa is known for developing NFL-ready defensive talent, and the next potential NFL star luckily decided to come back for his junior season.
Zach Lutmer on returning to Iowa and not entering the NFL Draft: “There was maybe thoughts (of declaring for the draft) early, but I thought it was the best decision for me to come back. There was a lot of unfinished business that I needed to do and improve on. I didn’t feel like…
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) March 31, 2026
According to the Des Moines Register's Tyler Tachman, when he asked defensive back Zach Lutmer about returning to the program instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, he said he had early thoughts, but ultimately decided his best decision was to return.
He also believes he has unfinished business and a lot to work on next season, which encouraged his decision to return.
Iowa dodged a large metaphorical bullet with the announcement that he was never really entertaining a move to the NFL (at least not yet), because he did everything for the squad last season.
Lutmer is a versatile defensive back who can play cornerback, safety, and the CASH position. He also could be next in line to return kicks and punts with Jett Award winner Kaden Wetjen graduating.
Thankfully, Lutmer put his NFL dreams on hold for a little while longer, and he will be a key player for Phil Parker's defense next season.