Iowa Hawkeyes rely heavily on defense every year. It is now the program’s culture rather than just its reputation. And that identity remained strong in 2025 as well. Iowa’s defense stood tall among the best in the country as the regular season came to an end and conference championship weekend drew near, garnering widespread recognition throughout the Big Ten and demonstrating why defensive excellence has become the standard in Iowa City.
With just 15.2 points allowed per game, the Hawkeyes had the ninth-best scoring defense in the nation going into the weekend. That level of stinginess is intentional. It resulted from physical consistency, disciplined execution, and a team-wide comprehension of defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s expectations. Iowa smothered opponents rather than merely stopping them. By limiting teams to just 158 passing yards per game, the Hawkeyes put quarterbacks in awkward situations, interfered with timing, and prevented big-play opportunities. Opponents did not perform any better on the ground. Iowa gave up a pitiful 3.5 yards per carry while limiting running games to just 112 rushing yards per game. These figures demonstrate Iowa’s toughness in the trenches and its structural soundness at every level in a conference known for traditional, smashmouth football.
Individual recognition was a direct result of the team’s overall performance. Nine Hawkeye defenders were named to the All-Big Ten team, which is a credit to both their individual output and a defensive scheme that rewards skill and preparation.
The defensive line set the tone up front. Coaches and the media both named Aaron Graves to the Second Team All-Big Ten, continuing his rise as one of the league’s most disruptive players. Graves has gradually established a reputation for leading double teams, using strength and skill to remove blockers, and anchoring a front that seldom provided opponents with clear lanes to work with. Jonah Pace and Max Llewellyn received honorable mention selections alongside him. Although their contributions may not always be evident in eye-catching statistics, Iowa’s line remained impactful and fresh for the entire four quarters thanks to their ability to hold edges, collapse pockets, and rotate well.
Iowa once again demonstrated its ability to produce dependable, steady tacklers who play smart football at linebacker. This season, Karson Sharar led the team and was nominated for honorable mention. Sharar exemplified the consistency the program takes pride in, whether he was filling gaps against the run, dropping into coverage, or cleaning up plays that spilled past the line. However, the secondary was where Iowa’s defense really excelled in 2025. The Hawkeyes’ combination of depth, discipline, and ball-hawking ability on the back end was unmatched by many teams in the conference and possibly the entire nation. This group was so dominant from beginning to end that five defensive backs were named to the All-Big Ten.
One of the most dependable safeties in the league, Zach Lutmer was named by the coaches to the Second Team All-Big Ten. Lutmer’s intuition constantly leaped off the screen. He tackled with accuracy, read quarterbacks well, and provided a steadying presence that made it easy for Iowa to switch up their coverages. In the meantime, the coaches named safety Xavier Nwankpa and cornerback TJ Hall to the Third Team All-Big Ten. While Nwankpa demonstrated the range, athleticism, and versatility that have made him one of the most exciting young players in the conference, Hall was a crucial contributor due to his ability to stick with receivers and limit explosive plays.
Koen Entringer and Deshaun Lee completed the list with honorable mention awards for their secondary work. Their rise provided Iowa with the depth that defenses at the championship level depend on. The Hawkeyes didn’t just fill in gaps when injuries occurred or the schedule changed; instead, they added more talented players. When considered collectively, these nine honorees demonstrate that Iowa’s defensive identity is unwavering. Phil Parker’s team continues to produce defenses that are nationally renowned, fiercely competitive, and fundamentally sound. Even though the 2025 team isn’t the most spectacular, it’s made to last and succeed.
This season confirmed that the Hawkeyes are still among the hardest teams to move the ball against in a program where defense is the cornerstone. One shutdown performance at a time, they are elevating a tradition rather than merely upholding it.
