Story by
Iowa football DB named Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinalist
- Story by
- Iowa football DB named Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinalist
As No. 16 Iowa football (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) enjoys its Week 7 bye, Hawkeyes defensive back Zach Lutmer has been named a Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinalist by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation.
The 16 quarterfinalists represent the finest defensive players in college football who have had the biggest impact on their teams on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Lutmer has started the first six games at free safety in 2026, recording 34 tackles, including four pass breakups and one tackle for loss. In Iowa 's come-from-behind win at Michigan on Sept. 26, the Rock Rapids, Iowa, native led the team with a career-high 12 tackles, and then led the team with 11 tackles against Ohio State on Oct. 3.
In 2025, Lutmer earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. He was also selected as Iowa's Roy Carver Most Valuable Player for defense and is a two-time Team Hustle Award recipient.
Off the field, Lutmer is a two-time CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-Big Ten selection, as well as a two-time Player Council representative (2025 and 2026).
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The last Hawkeye to win the award was linebacker and current Carolina Panther Josey Jewell, who won the honor in 2017. Outside of Jewell, James Morris came closest, finishing as a finalist in 2013, while Desmond King (2016), Cooper DeJean (2023), and Jay Higgins (2024) earned recent semifinalist honors.
Semifinalists for the 2026 award will be announced in mid-November.
Iowa returns to action at Minnesota (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) for the annual battle for the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy on Saturday, Oct. 24, from Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on FS1.
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
/20
Iowa's Kirk Ferentz named to Bear Bryant Coach of the Year watch list
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
/20
Iowa football climbs in US LBM Coaches Poll rankings in idle week
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20
/20
Iowa football rises again in latest AP Top 25 rankings
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football DB named Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinalist
