Iowa football set to start 'impressive' transfer DB Anthony Hawkins

Iowa 's safety position will look different this season. Xavier Nwankpa went on to the NFL, where he has found a home with the Kansas City Chiefs . His starting safety partner, Koen Entringer, transferred to Louisville not long after.

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.

Ferentz and the Hawkeyes did 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.

However, an offseason injury has put a wrench in those plans.

Brown is still nursing a muscle strain and didn't appear on Iowa's season-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.

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.

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