The buzz around Iowa football is building, and one Hawkeye defensive back is emerging as a national name to watch. Zach Lutmer, a rising star in Phil Parker's secondary, is already being tipped by ESPN to claim one of college football's most prestigious individual honors in 2026: the Jim Thorpe Award.

Lutmer found his groove during the 2025 season, stepping into a starting role as a true sophomore and making an immediate impact. His stat line was impressive: three interceptions (including a pick-six), a fumble recovery, seven pass breakups, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 71 total tackles. That performance earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors and put him squarely on the national radar.

Now, with another year of experience under his belt, Lutmer is poised to take on even more responsibility. He'll anchor Iowa's "cash" position—a hybrid nickel cornerback and outside linebacker role—as the defense undergoes significant turnover. This increased role could be the perfect stage for Lutmer to showcase the playmaking ability that has ESPN already penciling him in for the Thorpe Award.

The Jim Thorpe Award, first handed out in 1986, honors the nation's top defensive back. Iowa has produced only one winner in its history: Desmond King, who took home the trophy in 2015 after a legendary season. Since then, the Hawkeyes have consistently churned out elite defensive backs, earning the Big Ten's Defensive Back of the Year award four times. Lutmer looks to be the next in that proud tradition, and if his trajectory continues, he could bring the Thorpe Award back to Iowa City for the first time in over a decade.