Preseason praise for Iowa's defense is betting on Kirk Ferentz quelling a real concern

Whenever anyone talks about Iowa Football, three things come to mind: a solid defense, elite special teams, and running the rock.

The Hawkeyes stayed true to all three of those last season, stifling teams in the passing game, dominating on special teams, and heavily relying on the running game. Even with veteran quarterback Mark Gronowski under center, the offense was much more effective when he ran the ball or let the offensive line create massive holes for the running backs. Unfortunately for the program, they are experiencing something every team goes through at some point: massive turnover.

The program is returning only 10 players, which will force multiple players into expanded roles, but people still aren't worried about the defense.

On3 Sports ranked Iowa's defense as one of its top 10 units heading into next season

If there is one thing we can always count on, it's the Iowa defense under Phil Parker. For the first time in a long time, there are multiple questions about the Iowa defense, especially on the defensive line, but that hasn't stopped people from putting the unit among the elites in college football.

On3 Sports' J.D. Pickell ranked Iowa on his list of the top 10 defensive units heading into next season, placing them at No. 9 overall. Iowa was one of four Big Ten programs on his list, including Oregon (No.1), Ohio State (No. 8), and Indiana (No. 10). The Hawkeyes' ranking just below Ohio State and just above Indiana proves there is still plenty of talent on the defense, and the unit has the potential to be one of the top in the country.

Iowa's defense was stellar again last season, ranking No. 8 overall in scoring defense and No. 9 overall in total defense, but the unit has one glaring issue heading into next season. The defensive line lost four starters from last season, including Aaron Graves (graduation), Ethan Hurkett (graduation), Max Llewellyn (graduation), and Brian Allen (transfer), as well as multiple regular contributors, including Jonah Pace (graduation) and Jeremiah Pittman (graduation).

Replacing four starters is hard enough, especially when all four were upperclassmen and provided years of experience and veteran leadership to the group. The only three "locks" for starting roles are Iose Epenesa, Bryce Hawthorne, and Kenneth Merrieweather, all of whom have limited starting experience but a lot of potential. The program added multiple talented transfers in the offseason, but they are all from smaller programs, so it's unknown if their skills will translate.

Even with all the questions about the defensive line, Iowa's defense could be better this season due to solid linebackers and secondary units. The Hawkeyes did lose multiple key players in Xavier Nwankpa (graduation), Koen Entringer (transfer), TJ Hall (graduation), and Karson Sharar (graduation), but have depth in both units that should inspire a ton of confidence. Iowa's secondary ranked No. 10 overall in passing yards allowed last season (172.7 yards per game) and has the potential to be even better this season.

Potential superstar Zach Lutmer will lead the unit, but the program also returns defensive backs Deshaun Lee, Rashad Godfrey Jr., and Jaylen Watson, and starting linebacker Jayden Montgomery and rising star Cam Buffington. That also does not mention all the talented defensive backs Iowa added from the portal. The reason Iowa's defense will be so good next season is because of those two units, and even if the defensive line struggles early, most teams have shifted to a more pass-heavy offensive scheme, which could work in Iowa's favor.

No one should ever question a Phil Paker-coached defense, and even with some question marks, On3's ranking further proves that we have nothing to worry about.

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