Iowa football sees nine defensive talents earn All-Big Ten recognition

The Iowa Hawkeyes have been, and will continue to be, built upon a stout, stingy defense. It has become the norm in Iowa City, and the defensive unit in 2025 was no exception.

The unit is ranked No. 9 in the country, entering conference championship weekend, in points allowed, with just 15.2 points given up per game. The unit allowed only 158 passing yards per game and held opposing rushing attacks to just 112 rushing yards per game at a measly average of 3.5 yards per carry.

The performance from Phil Parker's unit has seen a majority of the group earn recognition as nine defensive talents of the Hawkeyes have earned All-Big Ten honors.

On the defensive line, Aaron Graves earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and media, while Max Llewellyn and Jonah Pace each earned honorable mentions. The always-stout linebacker group saw Karson Sharar, who led the unit, also earn honorable mention honors.

The Hawkeyes made some hay in the secondary this season, seeing five defensive backs earn honors. Zach Lutmer earned Second-Team All-Big Ten recognition from the coaches, while TJ Hall and Xavier Nwankpa earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches. Koen Entringer and Deshaun Lee earned honorable mention honors.

In a program where defense is built upon success, the 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes once again proved that the unit is built to last and oozes with talent.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football sees nine defensive talents earn All-Big Ten recognition