The Iowa football program has traditionally been known for three things: elite defense, solid line play, and development.
Despite often being held back by a subpar offense, the defense keeps the squad in games by completely shutting down opponents. That trend continued last season, as the Hawkeye defense ranked No. 8 overall in scoring defense, allowing 15.6 points per game, and No. 9 overall in total defense. Over the past five seasons, Iowa has ranked in the top 20 in total defense each season, including No. 2 overall in 2022-2023. It will be interesting to see if Iowa can keep that trend going this season with a revamped defensive line and new safeties, but Zach Lutmer will do his best to make sure it happens.
DB Zach Lutmer was added to the Nagurski Trophy Watch List
After redshirting in 2023, Lutmer played in every game over the past two seasons, breaking out for the Iowa defense in 2025. Lutmer showcased his versatility by lining up at safety, cornerback, and at the CASH position, as well as on special teams. Lutmer had a career year with the Iowa defense in his third season with the program, and everyone is expecting big things from him next season.
6 is a 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 💰@LutmerZach ➡️ @NagurskiTrophy Watch List 🏆 pic.twitter.com/iWNjXmvzWc
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 4, 2026
Lutmer started all 13 games for the Hawkeyes, and he definitely made the most of his first season as a full-time starter. He racked up 71 total tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss, and had three interceptions, including a dynamic pick-six in Iowa's 41-3 rout of Minnesota at Kinnick Stadium. Lutmer is one of the many success stories from the Iowa defense after paying his dues and developing in the system, and is now being recognized for it.
Lutmer has been added to the Nagurski Trophy Watch List before the 2026-2027 season. The Nagurski Trophy is awarded annually to the top defensive player in college football, and Lutmer could become the first player in Iowa program history to win the award. It would put him among the best Iowa defensive players of all time, and it is an achievement no other player has accomplished, despite how dominant the defensive unit has historically been.
After a dynamic 2025-2026 campaign, Lutmer was named a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection (coaches) and will need a repeat performance for the Hawkeyes to be successful this season. Phil Parker and the defense are replacing all four starters on the defensive line and at safety, and Lutmer's veteran leadership and production are critical for the secondary this season. The defense has some question marks, but Lutmer definitely isn't one of them.
Why Lutmer will be an All-American and could also add the Nagurski to his trophy case
Last season, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez won the Nagurski Trophy after tallying 117 total tackles and four interceptions for the Red Raiders' defense. Linebackers have an easier path to the award due to being in the center of the defense with the ability to rack up tackles, but Lutmer was one of the best tacklers in college football as a defensive back, and upping his production slightly should put him in the conversation. If Lutmer stays healthy, there is no doubt he will be one of the most productive players on the Iowa defense, especially with a brand new front four.
The Iowa defense excels when all three levels are working in harmony, including getting pressure up front, the linebackers staying home, and the secondary staying in their lanes, and if one of those links in the chain is broken or doesn't do their job, the rest falls apart. Iowa returns some talent up front in Iose Epenesa and Bryce Hawthorne, and brought in talented tackle Brice Stevenson, and if they outperform expectations, that makes the secondary's job even easier. If the front four can get pressure on the quarterback and force him into some early or off-time throws, Lutmer will have a field day.
Don't be surprised if Lutmer not only increases his production, but also earns All-American status en route to another dynamic season.
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