There’s a different kind of excitement building around Iowa football this offseason and it’s wearing No. 97.
With just 97 days remaining until the Iowa Hawkeyes return to the field, attention is quickly turning toward freshman defensive lineman Iose Epenesa, one of the most talked-about young defenders in the program before he’s even played a full collegiate season. For Iowa fans, the name alone already carries weight. But coaches, teammates, and recruiting analysts believe this version of the Epenesa legacy could become something special all on his own.
The 6-foot-3, 260-pound defensive end arrived in Iowa City carrying enormous expectations after becoming one of the nation’s top defensive line recruits in the 2025 class. According to recruiting rankings, Epenesa finished as a five-star caliber prospect and one of the top defensive linemen in America after dominating at Edwardsville High School in Illinois.
And now, after getting his first taste of college football during the 2025 season, the freshman defender is beginning to look like a player who could make an immediate impact in the Hawkeyes’ defensive rotation.
Epenesa appeared in four games during his first year with Iowa and recorded his first collegiate tackle for loss in a 41-3 victory over Minnesota. While the stat line itself may not jump off the page yet, Iowa’s coaching staff viewed those snaps as important early development for one of the most physically gifted defenders on the roster.
What makes the hype even louder is the family history behind him.
The Epenesa name has become deeply connected to Iowa football over the years. His father, Eppy Epenesa, played defensive line for the Hawkeyes in the 1990s, while older brothers A. J. Epenesa and Eric Epenesa also suited up for Iowa. A.J. eventually became one of the most dominant pass rushers in program history before being selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 NFL Draft.
That connection alone instantly made Iose one of the most recognizable recruits Iowa has signed in recent years.
But people around the program insist this isn’t simply another family storyline.
Recruiting analysts repeatedly pointed to his explosiveness, power, and versatility throughout high school. At Edwardsville, Epenesa piled up 173 career tackles, 40 tackles for loss, and 22 sacks while becoming one of Illinois’ most feared defensive players. During his senior season alone, he recorded 51 tackles, seven sacks, and blocked a field goal.
He also excelled outside football.
Epenesa competed in basketball and track and field, where he became a standout thrower and set school records in the shot put. That multi-sport athleticism has shown up immediately in Iowa practices, where coaches have praised his movement and raw physical tools.
The hype surrounding him intensified further during national all-star events before college.
Epenesa participated in both the U.S. Navy All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl, two showcases featuring many of the top high school football players in the country. Reports from practices in San Antonio described him as one of the most impressive defensive linemen at the event, with evaluators highlighting his speed off the edge and ability to overpower offensive tackles.
For Iowa fans, that’s exactly the type of defensive identity the program has built its reputation on under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
The Hawkeyes have consistently developed NFL-caliber defenders, especially along the defensive line. And with several veteran departures forcing Iowa to reload defensively entering the 2026 season, younger players like Epenesa are expected to receive major opportunities much sooner than expected.
That possibility has already sparked plenty of offseason discussion among Hawkeye fans online.
In recruiting discussions and fan forums, many supporters have openly wondered whether Iose could eventually become even more athletic than his older brother A.J. One Reddit user called the Epenesa family “the greatest dynasty in Iowa football history,” while others pointed to his combination of size and explosiveness as a perfect fit for Iowa’s defensive scheme.
The pressure that comes with those expectations would overwhelm many freshmen.
But those close to Epenesa say he’s embraced the challenge from the beginning.
In interviews during his first months at Iowa, the freshman defender explained that he understands the family legacy but wants to create his own identity within the program. That mindset helped convince him to commit to Iowa despite receiving major offers from programs like Miami, Missouri, Penn State, and Utah.
And physically, he already looks prepared for Big Ten football.
At 260 pounds with elite strength and athleticism, Epenesa enters 2026 with a frame capable of handling meaningful snaps in Iowa’s defensive front. Recruiting services even compared his style of play to former Auburn standout and NFL defensive lineman Marlon Davidson because of his ability to rush the passer while still holding up against the run.
That versatility could become critical for Iowa this season.
The Hawkeyes are searching for new defensive playmakers after key roster changes this offseason, and spring practice reports already identified Epenesa as one of the younger defenders worth watching closely.
For now, though, the excitement continues building day by day.
With 97 days left until Iowa football officially returns, the timing feels almost too perfect. No. 97 has already become one of the most intriguing names on the Hawkeyes’ roster, and if early signs are accurate, Hawkeye fans may soon see another Epenesa terrorizing opposing quarterbacks inside Kinnick Stadium.
The legacy is already there.
Now comes the part Hawkeye fans have been waiting for watching Iose Epenesa write his own chapter.
