Iowa's defense was solid again last season in Phil Parker's 13th season as the defensive coordinator.
The Hawkeyes ranked in the top 25 in scoring defense (No. 8 overall), total defense (No. 9 overall), passing yards allowed (No. 10), and rushing defense (No. 17).
No one ever worries about a Phil Parker-coached defense, but the Hawkeyes have multiple holes in every defensive group before next season.
After the transfer portal window closed, the Hawkeyes added 15 players from the portal and 18 from the 2026 recruiting class.
With a new roster comes new roster predictions, and he is how it could look ahead of spring ball.
Defensive line
This defensive group has the most holes of any on the defensive, with Ethan Hurkett (graduation), Jonah Pace (graduation), Aaron Graves (graduation), and Brian Allen Jr. (transfer) all exiting the program.
- Defensive end: Iose Epenesa (RS FR)
- Defensive tackle: Bryce Hawthorne (JR)
- Defensive tackle: Brice Stevenson (JR)
- Defensive end: Kahmari Brown (JR)
Outside of returning starter Bryce Hawthorne, Iowa must replace three starters on the defensive line.
Iowa is thin at the defensive tackle positions, but it did bring in multiple options from the transfer portal, including Brice Stevenson (Holy Cross) and Kahmari Brown (Elon).
Both players were extremely productive, albeit against weaker competition, but it wouldn't be a surprise if they emerge as the starters before the start of the season.
Iowa also has Kenneth Merrieweather and rising star Devan Kennedy vying for snaps at defensive end, and they could easily start, with Brown providing bench depth.
Linebackers
The linebackers' room was one of the biggest question marks going into last season before Karson Sharar took command.
This season, Iowa has more experienced players, but we may see all-new starters in the middle of Iowa's defense.
- Middle linebacker (MIKE): Cam Buffington (SO)
- Weak-side linebacker (SAM): Jayden Montgomery (SR)
- Outside linebacker (WILL): Derek Weisskopf (SO)
Landyn Van Kekerix will also be in play for the outside linebacker spot, but the Hawkeyes should have a solid linebacking corps this season.
Defensive backs
After Koen Entringer unexpectedly headed to Louisville via the transfer portal, the Hawkeyes made several signings to sure up the back end
- Left corner: Deshaun Lee (SR)
- Strong safety: Xavier Styles (SO)
- Free safety: Tyler Brown (JR)
- Right corner: Rashad Godfrey Jr.
- CASH: Zach Lutmer
The Hawkeyes have some intriguing players after focusing heavily on defensive players in the transfer portal, and two, potentially three, new additions could start in the secondary next season.
Zach Lutmer emerged as a star last season and can play any spot in the secondary, including corner, safety, and the CASH position, and if anyone struggles or Phil Parker isn't confident, he can plug him in anywhere.
Jaylen Watson, transfer Anthony Hawkins, and freshmen Jacob Wallace and Darion Jones could all factor in as well.