The Iowa Football program under Kirk Ferentz has been a model of consistency since he took over for legendary coach Hayden Fry in 1999. The Hawkeyes have had only four losing seasons since Ferentz took over, the last in 2012 (4-8, 2-6 Big Ten).
Over the past five seasons, the Hawkeyes have won at least eight games in every season, excluding 2020 when the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During that timespan, the Hawkeyes have a combined 42-20 (31-13 Big Ten) record, and one postseason victory (21-0 over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl).
Ahead of the 2025-2026 season, "College Football Report" released its Big Ten All-2020s team, and the Hawkeyes are well-represented.
All 2020s Big Ten Football Team 🏈🏆 pic.twitter.com/p2Z8gdTo9f
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) July 28, 2025
The Hawkeyes have four players on the Big Ten All-2020s team, second only to Ohio State's seven.
Tyler Linderbaum, center (2018-2021)
Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz has an extensive background coaching offensive linemen, many of whom have gone on to succeed in the NFL. Tyler Linderbaum is a prime example of how well Ferentz develops offensive linemen.
Before joining the Hawkeyes in 2018, Linderbaum played offensive and defensive line for Solon High School in Solon, Iowa, and was also an accomplished wrestler.
Linderbaum became the starting center in 2019, and never looked back. He notched 34 career starts and earned the Rimington Trophy during his final year, given to the best center in college football.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Linderbaum with the No. 25 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has been a Raven for four seasons.
The Ravens did decline his fifth-year option, so if they do not reach an agreement on a long-term contract, Linderbaum could be a free agent after this season.
Jack Campbell, linebacker (2019-2022)
Jack Campbell became a staple of the Iowa defense after developing in the program. Campbell, a Cedar Falls, Iowa native, joined the Hawkeyes in 2019, and was a productive reserve player.
Campbell was primarily a reserve during his first two seasons in the program, but became a starting linebacker during his junior season, and took advantage of his opportunity.
During the 2021-2022 season, Campbell racked up a stunning 143 total tackles (57 solo, 86 assisted), including 3.5 tackles per loss and one sack. His 143 tackles ranked No. 1 in the nation.
He continued his production in his final year in Iowa City, tallying 128 total tackles (60 solo, 68 assisted).
The Lions selected Campbell with the No. 18 pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and Head Coach Dan Campbell recently stated the defense is "his defense" ahead of next season.
Jay Higgins, linebacker (2020-2024)
One of the most recent players on this list, Jay Higgins, had to wait his turn behind star linebacker Jack Campbell before he became a massive contributor for the Hawkeyes' defense.
After Campbell went to the Detroit Lions, Higgins stepped in, and the Iowa defense did not skip a beat.
During his final two seasons in Iowa City, Higgins amassed 295 total tackles (132 solo, 163 assisted), including 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He also tallied five interceptions.
Despite his massive production, Higgins somehow went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, but signed a preferred free agent deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Cooper DeJean, defensive back (2021-2023)
One of the most dynamic playmakers on the list, Cooper DeJean was a joy to watch on defense and special teams for the Hawkeyes during his three seasons in Iowa City.
DeJean played sparingly during his freshman season (2021), but became a staple of the defense and the special teams unit during his second season.
During his second season, DeJean became a starting cornerback, starting 10 games at corner and 3 at the CASH position. He tallied 75 total tackles (56 solo, 19 assisted), including three tackles for loss.
He also added five interceptions and eight pass breakups, and 165punt return yards (16.5 yard average).
During his final season in Iowa City, DeJean was limited due to a season-ending injury he suffered during a September practice, hampering his draft stock.
The Philadelphia Eagles selected the former Iowa star with the No. 40 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he made an immediate impact for the Eagles' defense.
After missing the first five games while rehabbing his injury, he was inserted into the lineup and gave a boost to an already stout Eagles' defense.
He is most known for his pick-six against Patrick Mahomes during last year's Super Bowl, and was recently named as the No. 60 overall player on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025 list.