For the first time in a long time, the Iowa defense has multiple question marks before next season, something you don't often hear.
The defensive line depth chart is tenuous at best after replacing all four starters. The secondary will have multiple new players stepping into expanded roles after losing starting safety Xavier Nwankpa and corners TJ Hall (graduation) and rising star Koen Entringer (transfer). There is widespread concern that Iowa's defense will regress, but rising star Zach Lutmer will be key to preventing that.
Zach Lutmer's high football IQ will be critical to the success of the Iowa defense
After becoming a solid contributor in 2024, Lutmer burst onto the scene last season as one of Iowa's most versatile and productive players in the secondary. Lutmer can slot in at cornerback, safety, or the CASH position, giving Phil Parker a weapon wherever he lines up. Lutmer racked up an impressive 71 total tackles, seven pass breakups, and three interceptions last season, and the defense will heavily lean on him next season.
During the Big Ten Football Media Days, Lutmer proved he is ready to be a leader, showcasing his elite football IQ.
Zach Lutmer explains the mental chess match he plays on the field: "Plays like that just come in my head, and it's on repeat. They've beat us on this play before. We have to remember that play and stick it in a file, pull it out at the right time." pic.twitter.com/TKw8yB8Cgb
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) July 29, 2026
Lutmer was one of the three players who represented the Hawkeyes at Big Ten Football Media Days alongside Addison Ostrenga and Jayden Montgomery. Lutmer was asked an intriguing question about how his football mind works, and he responded that he likes to get inside his opponents' heads. He will often call out random things to the defense to mess with the opposing offense, and he enjoys playing mental chess with them. Not only is he a master manipulator, but he essentially admitted he has a photographic memory for plays.
Tim Lester recalled a moment in the spring when he added a play the offense hadn't used since the fall, and even though it had been such a long time, Lutmer called out the play correctly. Lester was not only flabbergasted, but he also impressed that he remembered the play. Lutmer admitted that players think he studies the offensive playbook to get the jump on them, but that isn't the case. He often remembers plays that beat the defense and banks them for when they run it again. His football IQ is off the charts, and the defense's success hinges on his ability to diagnose plays and get the secondary in the right positions to succeed.
Don't be surprised if Zach Lutmer is in the Jim Thorpe Award conversation all season
Lutmer's productive season was a welcome surprise for the secondary, but now he will be expected to be one of the leaders of the unit. The Hawkeyes lost multiple starters throughout the secondary, and they will heavily rely on Lutmer to steady the ship. There is a good chance that we see a completely revamped safety depth chart, with transfers Tyler Brown and Anthony Hawkins projected as the starters, unless Lutmer takes one of the openings. Having an experienced leader that knows the system is invaluable, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he was added to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list.
The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the best defensive back in college football, and after a breakout 2025 season, Lutmer has to be in the early conversation. The first watch list for the award is released on August 12.
Last season, the three finalists for the award were Mansoor Delane (LSU), Leonard Moore (Notre Dame), and Caleb Downs (Ohio State), with Downs taking home the award. Downs had a productive season for a dominant Buckeyes' defense, but he still didn't put up the numbers that Lutmer did. Downs finished with 68 total tackles, two interceptions, and a pass breakup, all less than Lutmer. Lutmer has improved every season, and if he takes another step next season, he could easily win the Thorpe Award, with conversations about him leaving early for the NFL ramping back up.
Awards aside, Lutmer's versatility and production are keys to success for the defense next season, and if he struggles, or worse, suffers an injury, the defense will struggle. Even with Iowa's next man up mentality, you can't replace a player like that, and they need to take advantage of every moment he is on the field. Lutmer is often playing chess out there, while his opponents are playing checkers, and his insane football IQ will be on full display next season.
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