The Hawkeyes have already scheduled their first visitor of the cycle, and Iowa football is formally back on the transfer portal trail. Pete Nakos of On3 reports that former Villanova defensive back Anthony Hawkins will be visiting Iowa this weekend. Chris Hummer of 247Sports has since confirmed the trip, stating that Hawkins will be in Iowa City on Saturday and Sunday, January 3–4. He will then continue his tour of Power Five shows with a Jan. 4–5 trip to Kentucky, then a stop at Big Ten rival Wisconsin on January 6.
The timing is noteworthy for Iowa. Hawkins offers an early chance to strengthen a secondary, which has long been a strength of Kirk Ferentz’s program, as the Hawkeyes prepare for the 2026 season after a convincing bowl victory. Hawkins became a name worth keeping an eye on as soon as the coaching staff found possible portal targets.
Hawkins, a player who is still in the early stages of his college career, has an impressive resume when he arrives from Villanova. This past season, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound redshirt freshman started all 15 games for the Wildcats and was a key member of their defense. Hawkins finished the season with 59 tackles, 11 pass breakups, four tackles for loss, two pass interceptions, and a fumble. These figures demonstrate both playmaking ability and consistency, which Iowa has historically valued in its defensive backs.
Analyzing the movie and data in greater detail only makes Hawkins’ case stronger. He recorded snaps at several positions throughout Villanova’s secondary, according to Pro Football Focus. He started six times as a slot corner, eight times at strong safety, and once at free safety. In today’s game, where defensive backs are frequently asked to wear multiple hats depending on matchups and schemes, that kind of versatility is particularly appealing.
Hawkins received 875 snaps overall during the season, according to PFF, which is a significant workload for a redshirt freshman. That experience is important. It demonstrates that he was trusted to be on the field during almost every significant moment and wasn’t merely a situational or rotational contributor. That degree of game exposure could make the transition easier for a player thinking about moving to the Big Ten.
Currently projected as a safety at the Power Five level, Hawkins, a native of Arnold, Maryland, offers Iowa options due to his positional flexibility. The Hawkeyes are known for producing defensive backs who can succeed in a variety of positions, including nickel, box defender, and deep safety. Hawkins immediately stands out due to his size and length, and Iowa usually targets him because of his ability to disrupt passing lanes, cover, and tackle.
In the secondary, Iowa does have some familiar faces returning for the 2026 campaign. Strong safety Koen Entringer is back to start, offering leadership and stability in the back end. Zach Lutmer, who started one game at cornerback and ten games at the CASH position in 2025, is also back. Although Iowa has a strong foundation thanks to that experience, more depth and competition are still necessary, particularly in a conference as physically demanding and pass-heavy as the Big Ten.
Hawkins could play a role in that. His presence would increase the defensive back room’s overall ceiling even if he doesn’t start right away. Iowa’s player development has always been fueled by competition, and adding a seasoned FCS starter could motivate all parties to improve. Hawkins will get a firsthand look at everything Iowa City has to offer during his upcoming visit, from the football facilities to the culture that has shaped the program for decades. Additionally, it will allow the Hawkeyes to demonstrate how Hawkins might fit into their future defensive strategies. Iowa will need to make a good impression in order to remain in the running with upcoming trips to Kentucky and Wisconsin.
However, it says volumes that Iowa will host Hawkins first. Early momentum can be important as the transfer portal continues to change college football. Anthony Hawkins is more than just a guest for the Hawkeyes; as the team prepares for the 2026 season, he is a sign that Iowa is prepared to be aggressive, deliberate, and competitive in the portal.
