Iowa Football had another stellar with Kirk Ferentz and Phil Parker at the helm.
The Hawkeyes finished with a 9-4 (6-3 Big Ten) record and were led by their defense once again last season.
In Parker's 13th year at the helm of the defense last season, the Iowa defense ranked in the top 20 in rushing defense (No. 17 overall), passing yards allowed (No. 10 overall), scoring defense (No. 8 overall), and total defense (No. 9 overall).
Death, taxes, and Iowa having a stout defense.
The program continues to add talent to the defense roster to maintain the high standard set and to attract top prospects nationwide.
2028 LB prospect Jameer Miles has Iowa on his initial top-10 list
Under Phil Parker's tutelage, the Hawkeyes have produced multiple NFL-ready defenders, especially at the linebacker position.
Players like Jack Campbell, Josey Jewell, Nick Niemann, Anthony Nelson, Jay Higgins, and Nick Jackson have all succeeded in the NFL, and one of the top linebacker prospects in 2028 could be the next in line.
Forever grateful for my first 10!@Jmack37 @247Sports @PrepRedzoneIL @GregSmithRivals @On3 pic.twitter.com/diay4fL1Xd
— Jameer Miles (@JameerMiles13) February 6, 2026
Illinois native and one of the top 2028 linebacker prospects, Jameer Miles, has the Hawkeyes on his initial top-10 list of preferred destinations.
It is very early in the recruiting stages for the 2028 class, but Miles is already turning heads as one of the current top-100 prospects in the class.
247Sports has ranked Miles as a four-star prospect, Illinois' No. 4 overall prospect, the No. 6 overall linebacker prospect, and the No. 100 overall prospect in the 2028 recruiting class.
Miles' ranking could easily jump before everything is said and done as he has already proven to be one of the best pur prospects in the class
As a sophomore at Carmel Catholic High School, Miles stuffed the stat sheet with 74 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss, five interceptions, three sacks, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
Iowa will compete with multiple college football powerhouses to recruit Miles, including Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, but securing a commitment from him would give the program a great head start in the 2028 class.