Anthony Hawkins starts at strong safety for Iowa football

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz announced that transfer defensive back Anthony Hawkins will start at strong safety for the team's upcoming season opener. The program faced a vacancy at the position following the departure of Xavier Nwankpa to the NFL and the transfer of Koen Entringer to Louisville. While the Hawkeyes initially brought in a trio of transfers including Tyler Brown to address the depth, a muscle strain has sidelined Brown for the start of the season. Ferentz noted that the 6-foot-3 Hawkins impressed coaching staff during practice and offseason workouts. Hawkins joins the Iowa roster after a 2025 campaign at Villanova where he recorded 57 tackles, two interceptions, and was named an FCS Freshman All-American. He will work alongside Zach Lutmer in the defensive secondary as he adjusts to the program's defensive schemes.

• 12:45 PMYahoo Sports — Iowa football set to start 'impressive' transfer DB Anthony Hawkins