Iowa Defense Preview 2025: New Parts, Same Elite Production

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2025 Iowa Preview
Iowa Offense Breakdown 
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season 

- Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson combined for almost 900 tackles in their careers. (Yes, a bulk of Jackson's were at Virginia, but he was amazing for the Hawkeyes over the last two seasons.)

But as always, there are tackles to be had in the Iowa linebacking corps. Jaden Harrell didn't get to see much time, but he should be great in place of Higgins in the middle. Karson Sharar did a little more, and now he has to be the new Jackson.

- There's plenty of turnover up front. The ends should have a good rotation, and the tackles are nice, but there must be more plays behind the line.

End Max Llewellyn and tackle Aaron Graves tied for second on the team with eight tackles for loss, and Ethan Hurkett led the way with 6.5 sacks.

Tackle Jonah Pace came up with four sacks and 11 tackles for loss last year for Central Michigan, and Bryce Hawthorne (South Dakota State) was a big signing for the interior.

- The secondary is loaded with veterans. The corner combination of TJ Hall and Deshaun Lee is solid - Lee made 42 tackles - but they don't have the jobs locked down. No matter what, they'll play big roles, but the Hawkeyes need more big plays from the position.

The safeties will be fine, but it'll take a little bit. Xavier Nwankpa is a good tackler at either safety spot, and then it gets interesting. Koen Entringer has a little experience and can pop. 

Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season 
2025 Iowa Preview
Iowa Offense Breakdown