Zach Hiney | Hawkeyes Wire

On a team full of veteran stars, the Iowa football program got a huge breakout campaign from a young defensive back last season.

The Hawkeyes turned to sophomore Zach Lutmer to lead the defense on the back end. And Lutmer stepped up to answer the challenge. He became a chess piece for defensive coordinator Phil Parker to move around the field. Lutmer played at boundary corner, slot corner, safety, and the cash position in 2025. That versatility has earned the attention of a major college football award.

Lutmer was named to the Bronko Nagurski Award preseason watch list. The Nagurski Award is presented annually to whichever player the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) deems to be the best defensive player in the country.

Last season, Lutmer amassed 71 total tackles, seven passes defended, three interceptions, and a touchdown. With TJ Hall, Xavier Nwankpa, and Koen Entringer all gone from the secondary, Lutmer will take on a bigger leadership role for that unit. His inclusion on the Nagurski Trophy watch list indicates that the media believes he can do just that.

Lutmer will look to join Hall and Nwankpa on NFL rosters next year by putting together an even stronger 2026 campaign.