Even though the Hawkeyes will be losing multiple key players on defense, the program got some great news this week about a returning player.
The Iowa defense had another stellar season under Phil Parker, and aside from a few stumbles along the way, the unit kept the team in every game.
The secondary was a bright spot for the Iowa defense that ranked No. 8 overall in total defense during the regular season.
A big part of that was the play of the secondary, which ranked No. 7 in passing yards allowed per game this season (158.2).
The secondary had some big question marks heading into the season, but multiple players stepped up for the unit.
TJ Hall cemented himself as Iowa's clear No. 1 cornerback, Xavier Nwankpa had his best season as a Hawkeye after a move from strong to free safety, Zach Lutmer established himself as a do-it-all defensive back, and Koen Entringer lived up to his captain status.
All those players combined helped the Iowa defense live up to its reputation as being one of the best units in college football.
With the success of the secondary, rumors started to fly that one key contributor might head to the NFL. Luckily for Hawkeye fans and the program, those rumors have been squashed for now.
Kirk Ferentz indicates that DB Koen Entringer will not turn pro, unless something changes. Would be a major recruiting "win" for the Hawkeyes if he stays.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) December 18, 2025
According to the Des Moines Register's Chad Leistikow, Kirk Ferentz indicated that rising-star defensive back Koen Entringer does NOT plan to go pro after this season.
That would be a gigantic win for the Hawkeye secondary, who will lose TJ Hall, and Entringer's ability to play all over the secondary as a CASH, LEO, or cornerback gives the defense a lot of flexibility.
With Deshaun Lee and Zach Lutmer also returning, as well as Jaylen Watson and Rashad Godfrey Jr., this is great news for the program.
It is never a bad thing to have multiple options in the defensive secondary and if Entringer comes back for his senior season, the Hawkeye defense will be loaded next season.