One Hawkeye senior is headed to Florida for one final All-Star game

Iowa Football will have the challenging task of replacing a stellar senior class at the conclusion of this season.

The Hawkeyes have 28 seniors or graduates on this year's roster, and a majority have made a lasting impact on the program.

Since 2021, Iowa has compiled 44 wins, with a potential 45 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Included in the 44 wins is a victory in the 2022 Music City Bowl against Kentucky.

After the 2025 regular season concluded, three Hawkeyes earned First All-American honors, including Beau Stephens (AP), Logan Jones (AP, AFCA, FWAA, Sporting News, Walter Camp), and Kaden Wetjen (AFCA, FWAA, Sporting News, Walter Camp).

Sophomore Kade Pieper also earned a First-Team nomination from Pro Football Focus, which is not one of the five outlets recognized by the NCAA to determine consensus All-American status.

Four Hawkeye seniors have also accepted invitations to showcase events after Iowa's season ends, including TJ Hall (Panini Senior Bowl), Max Llewellyn (East-West Shrine Bowl), Beau Stephens (Panini Senior Bowl), and Drew Stevens (Panini Senior Bowl).

Earlier this week, another Hawkeye senior accepted an invitation to play in the longest-running All-Star game in college football.

Senior safety Xavier Nwankpa accepted an invitation to play in the 2026 Hula Bowl on January 10 in Deland, Florida.

The Hula Bowl is reserved for only seniors, and has been played annually since 1946

Nwankpa, a Pleasant Hill, Iowa native, has had a stellar season in the Hawkeye secondary following a position change from strong safety to free safety during the offseason.

This season for the Hawkeyes, Nwankpa compiled a career-high 69 total tackles (47 solo, 22 assisted), two forced fumbles, and one interception.

Nwankpa is having his best season in a Hawkeye uniform this year, and he will get one last chance to showcase his abilities in front of multiple scouts at the 2026 Hula Bowl.