Iowa Hawkeyes received some very positive news this week, which could help stabilize one of the program’s most crucial units going into the upcoming season, despite the fact that there will likely be some significant turnover on the defensive side of the ball. Under longtime coordinator Phil Parker, Iowa’s defense once again proved to be the team’s strongest point. The unit regularly gave the Hawkeyes a chance to win every Saturday, despite a few setbacks. As a result of Parker’s system and the players’ excellent execution of it, Iowa finished the regular season ranked No. 8 in the country for overall defense.
The secondary was one of that defense’s greatest assets. Iowa’s defensive backfield turned out to be among the best in college football after the season began with many unanswered questions and unproven players. With just 158.2 passing yards given up per game, the Hawkeyes ended the season ranked seventh in the country. That figure is particularly noteworthy in a time when explosive passing offenses are the norm.
That success can be attributed to a number of players. TJ Hall established himself as Iowa’s unquestionable top cornerback, consistently earning the most difficult assignments and holding his own each week. After switching from strong safety to free safety, which opened up his range and playmaking potential, Xavier Nwankpa had his best season as a Hawkeye. As a flexible, all-around defensive back, Zach Lutmer made a significant contribution in coverage, run support, and special packages.
Then there was Koen Entringer, who fulfilled his role as captain and developed into one of Iowa’s secondary’s most dependable and versatile players. Parker had a great deal of flexibility in how he set up the defense because he could line up at CASH, LEO, or cornerback. Entringer was a quiet but vital component of the Hawkeyes’ defensive identity because of his football IQ, toughness, and consistency. With that degree of output and adaptability, rumors regarding Entringer’s future quickly began to circulate. As the season came to an end, there was increasing conjecture that the up-and-coming defensive back might try his luck in the NFL. Hawkeye supporters were naturally worried about losing Entringer as well, given that the team was already getting ready to lose a number of important players.
This is why I was so relieved by this week’s update. Head coach Kirk Ferentz stated that Entringer plans to return to Iowa City for another season rather than enter the NFL Draft, according to Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register. Ferentz’s remarks strongly imply that Entringer will return in black and gold next fall, even though nothing is ever official until it is.
That would be a huge victory for Iowa’s secondary. TJ Hall is already expected to leave the Hawkeyes, and it’s never simple to replace a true shutdown corner. Entringer’s return considerably lessens that blow. Parker will be able to rearrange pieces without having to start from scratch thanks to his leadership, experience, and positional flexibility.
This kind of consistency is what keeps Iowa’s program competitive year after year. Communication, trust, and experience are key components of Phil Parker’s defenses. Even as younger players take on more responsibility, the return of an experienced leader like Entringer helps guarantee that those standards are upheld. Having too many strong defensive backs is never a bad thing, and Iowa’s defense might be even more formidable the following season if Entringer does return for his senior year. Even though the Hawkeyes are saying goodbye to some familiar faces, the foundation is still solid because important players have decided to run it back. It appears that Iowa’s defense will be prepared to take the lead once more.
