With a pair of talented defensive backs departing the program, Kirk Ferentz knew he had to hit the transfer portal to fill that roster hole.
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Ferentz and theHawkeyesdid exactly that, bringing in a trio of transfer safeties: third-year Tyler Brown from James Madison, third-year Xavier Styles from Robert Morris and third-year Anthony Hawkins from Villanova. Brown was the most highly regarded of the group, with many expecting him to start right away on the back end.
Brown is still nursing a muscle strain and didn't appear on Iowa'sseason-opening depth chart. In his absence, Ferentz named Hawkins as the starter at strong safety. In his media availability on Tuesday, the longtime head coach broke down what's stood out to him about Hawkins' game this offseason.
"He's been impressive," Ferentz said. "He's an impressive young guy and did a good job last year at his previous stop, and we were intrigued when he showed up here in January. He's been good every phase of the way. Still learning, still growing. There's a lot to learn back there, especially at the safety position. There's a lot of thought process and what have you. It helps he's got a guy like (Zach) Lutmer back there helping him. No, he's done a really good job, and he does have good range. He's a big, tall guy. Probably one of the taller safeties I've ever seen, at least since we've been here. Eager to see him play. He's done a good job in practice."
Hawkins, a 6-foot-3 safety from Annapolis, Md., was stellar with Villanova in 2025. He racked up 57 total tackles, nine passes defended, two interceptions, and a forced fumble en route to being named an FCS Freshman All-American. He brings a big frame and a knack for being around the football, a great trait for a defensive back to have.
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The Hawkeyes will rely on Hawkins to step up with Brown sidelined. When the latter returns to the mix, Iowa could have one of the better, under-the-radar defensive back rooms in the Big Ten.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is pictured during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
The Iowa Hawkeyes football team stretches during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Senior Consultant to the Head Coach Tom Moore and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz watch the football team run a punting drill during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) looks to pass the football during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, , on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa running back Kamari Moulton (28) carries the football away from the reach of Iowa defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald (16) scrambles Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) throws a pass Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) readies for the snap Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa assistant head coach Seth Wallace huddles with defensive players Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) catches the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa running back Xavier Williams (26) carries the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa tight end DJ Vonnahme (81) catches the football as Iowa linebacker Jack Laughlin (47) defends Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa quarterback Hank Brown (9) carries the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa quarterback Tradon Bessinger (4) passes the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa defensive back Ty Hudkins (20) and Iowa tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) reach for the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The pass landed incomplete.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa wide receiver Isaiah Oliver (89) dives for the footbal as Iowa defensive back Ronnie Hill (16) defends Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa punter Boston Everitt (49) punts the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) looks to pass the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa quarterback Tradon Bessinger (4) passes the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa quarterback Hank Brown (9) passes the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa running back Xavier Williams (26) carries the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa wide receiver Jarriett Buie (0) attempts to catch the football as Iowa defensive back Darion Jones (1) defends Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa wide receiver Xavier Stinson (6) catches the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker waves to patients at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz talks to the football team during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is pictured during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is pictured during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
The Iowa Hawkeyes football team stretches during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Senior Consultant to the Head Coach Tom Moore and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz watch the football team run a punting drill during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) looks to pass the football during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, , on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa running back Kamari Moulton (28) carries the football away from the reach of Iowa defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
6/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald (16) scrambles Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
7/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) throws a pass Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8/25
Iowa football QB competition 'clearly cloudy' after Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) readies for the snap Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa assistant head coach Seth Wallace huddles with defensive players Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) catches the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
11/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa running back Xavier Williams (26) carries the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
12/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa tight end DJ Vonnahme (81) catches the football as Iowa linebacker Jack Laughlin (47) defends Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
13/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa quarterback Hank Brown (9) carries the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
14/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa quarterback Tradon Bessinger (4) passes the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
15/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa defensive back Ty Hudkins (20) and Iowa tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) reach for the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The pass landed incomplete.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
16/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa wide receiver Isaiah Oliver (89) dives for the footbal as Iowa defensive back Ronnie Hill (16) defends Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa punter Boston Everitt (49) punts the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) looks to pass the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
19/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa quarterback Tradon Bessinger (4) passes the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
20/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa quarterback Hank Brown (9) passes the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
21/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa running back Xavier Williams (26) carries the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
22/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa wide receiver Jarriett Buie (0) attempts to catch the football as Iowa defensive back Darion Jones (1) defends Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
23/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa wide receiver Xavier Stinson (6) catches the football Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
24/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker waves to patients at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
25/25
Best photos: Iowa football Kids Day at Kinnick
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz talks to the football team during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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 Zach on X: @zach_hiney
