The Iowa Football program puts players in the NFL. Period.
While many outside and casual observers view the Hawkeyes as a team that consistently fails to live up to lofty expectations, that could not be further from the truth.
Iowa failed to make the College Football Playoff for the first time this season, as it has in past seasons, but one thing remains constant: the Iowa program prepares players for the NFL.
The strength of the Iowa program is recruiting and developing players for success not only in college, but at the professional level as well.
That starts at the top with Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and will continue as long as he is at the helm of the program.
Under Ferentz's tutelage, over 90 players have been drafted, with 28 former Hawkeyes currently active in the NFL.
Of those 28 active players, five have achieved the honor of making a Pro Bowl roster.
Shoutout to the 5 former @HawkeyeFootball alumni grabbing @NFL Pro Bowl Honors this year 🐤🐤🐤@gkittle46 @TristanWirfs78 @TLinderbaum @cooperdejean@jackcampbell133
— Tyler Barnes (@TylerBarnesIOWA) December 23, 2025
Five former Hawkeyes were named to Pro Bowl rosters, underscoring that the Iowa program consistently produces high-caliber NFL talent.
Cooper DeJean, cornerback (Philadelphia Eagles)
Dating life aside, the NFL is buzzing about former Hawkeye defensive back and return ace Cooper DeJean.
DeJean burst onto the scene as a rookie last season, and after missing a handful of games following the rehab of a broken fibula, he was inserted into the starting lineup.
The Eagles' defense took a massive jump after DeJean was inserted in the starting lineup, and he even had a pick-six against Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl.
With the regular season wrapping up, DeJean has compiled 84 total tackles (59 solo, 25 assisted), 16 passes defended, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
George Kittle, tight end (San Francisco 49ers)
Shortly after notching 115 receiving yards and a touchdown against Indianapolis on Monday Night Football, George Kittle was named a Pro Bowl selection.
The nine-year NFL veteran is still getting it done, and while injuries have derailed him at points throughout this season and his career, when healthy, he is still a top-tier tight end.
After notching back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, Kittle's numbers are down slightly this season at 599, but he has caught seven touchdown passes and is a favorite target of Brock Purdy.
Jack Campbell, linebacker (Detroit Lions)
Linebacker Jack Campbell has really excelled over the past two seasons, and after head coach Dan Campbell gave him the keys to the Lions' defense, he has proven why he is a top linebacker in the NFL.
Even though the Lions' defense has struggled over the past few games, leading to a drop in the standings, Campbell is still the anchor of the defense alongside Aidan Hutchinson.
Campbell is ranked No. 3 in the NFL in total tackles (159) and No. 5 in forced fumbles (five). He has also added five sacks this season.
Tristan Wirfs, offensive tackle (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
After starting the year on the shelf with an injury, Tristan Wirfs continues to be an anchor on the offensive line for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.
Wirfs protected NFL legend Tom Brady during Tampa Bay's Super Bowl run, and he continues to provide great protection to Mayfield and the Buccaneers' backfield.
Wirfs is currently the highest-paid left tackle in the NFL, and has become one of the best offensive lineman in the league.
Tyler Linderbaum, center (Baltimore Ravens)
With a lot of skepticism concerning center Tyler Linderbaum's length and hand size coming out of Iowa, he has proven that projections don't matter.
Linderbaum has been an ironman for the Ravens' offensive line and has developed a great rapport with MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens made a strange move when they declined his fifth-year option, and contract extension talks have stalled while they work out a long-term deal.