The Iowa defense, led by long-time defensive coordinator Phil Parker, is always one of the best units in the country.
Parker employs a unique 4-5-2 (four linemen, two linebackers, five defensive backs) defensive scheme, which heavily relies on the four defensive linemen to get pressure on the quarterback.
If the line can pressure the quarterback and limit the run game, the Hawkeye secondary can mix their coverages and force opposing quarterbacks into bad throws or mistakes.
Parker's defensive scheme has yielded great results, as the Iowa defense has ranked in the top 20 in scoring defense during the past decade.
In 2023, the Hawkeye defense was stellar, ranking No. 4 in scoring defense (14.8 points per game) and No. 7 overall in total defense (282.5 yards per game).
The defense took a step back in 2024 due to a lack of depth in the secondary. This season, the Hawkeyes aim to return to form and reclaim their status as the dominant force they are known to be.
One of the projected strengths of the 2025 Iowa defense is the defensive line. Two 2024 starters, Ethan Hurkett and Aaron Graves, return, alongside contributors Kenneth Merrieweather, Max Llewellyn, and Brian Allen, giving the Hawkeyes multiple options on the line.
PFF College graded two of the Iowa edge rushers as the best returners in the Big Ten ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
Highest Graded Returning Big Ten Edge Rushers🔥 pic.twitter.com/1OU7YlY8FM
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 7, 2025
PFF College ranked Iowa senior edge rusher Max Llewellyn and graduate edge rusher Ethan Hurkett as the No. 2 and the No. 5 overall highest-graded returning edge rushers in the Big Ten ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
Llewellyn had a solid season for the Hawkeyes in 2024, tallying 22 tackles (14 solo, eight assisted), including 5.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss. He also had a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
It has been a great few weeks for Llewellyn after he was ranked 82 overall in the new College Football 26 video game and was ranked as the No. 2 highest-graded returning edge rusher by PFF College.
Hurkett also had a solid season for the Iowa defense, starting all 13 games at defensive end. He had 56 tackles (32 solo, 24 assisted), including a team-leading 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Hurkett is also highly ranked in the new College Football 26 video game, receiving an 88 overall rating.