Phil Parker's Iowa defense has been nationally recognized for its consistent, lights-out play for many years, but there's a lot of question marks about this unit entering the 2026. 

The defensive line and secondary are talking points, but what about linebacker? It's been one of the Hawkeyes' most reliable positions for so long, and guys like Jay Higgins, Nick Jackson, Jack Campbell, and Josey Jewell have starred at the position in recent years. 

If there is a star on the 2026 linebacker corps, Hawkeye fans won't get to see that answer be revealed until midway through the season. There's talent in the room and like the rest of this defense, it's all about the "Next Man Up Mentality." 

Here's your 2026 linebacker preview. 

Parker and linebackers coach Seth Wallace will probably use the season opener against Northern Illinois as a trial run for this group. They're confident in what they have, but actual games is how the key players emerge. 

But who will Parker and Wallace turn to early on? The two guys most likely to receive that distinction are Jayden Montgomery and Cam Buffington. 

Montgomery is the only returning starter from last year, and he's riding a major wave of confidence. Montgomery didn't begin the season as a starter, but as the year wore on, he became a key contributor for the Hawkeye defense, collecting 44 tackles.

He finished the season with a career-best eight tackles against Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and that performance has also shifted to a stronger leadership role.

Montgomery's teammates have always praised him for his leadership going back to his early days in an Iowa uniform, and that has only helped some of the younger guys like Cam Buffington, who figures to be the other guy Parker can lean on here. 

Buffington doesn't have the experience that Montgomery has, but he showed his potential when he tallied his first-career interception against Minnesota. Buffington's instincts are off the charts, and he's more than ready to step into a starting role in 2026. 

Derek Weisskopf: Williamsburg has already produced Kaden Wetjen, and now Weisskopf appears primed and ready to join the list of Williamsburg natives to star in Iowa City. The third-year hasn't played a ton so far, but just look at his accolades in high school and you'll feel pretty optimistic about his potential. He posted 58.5 tackles during his senior year and led Williamsburg to its first-ever state championship. 

Nolan DeLong: DeLong is another name who hasn't seen much action aside from special teams, but fits the mold to potentially become another "next man up" for the Hawkeyes. The 6-foot, 231-pound DeLong played in 13 games and registered his first career tackle last year. 

Preston Reis: Reis was a playmaker on special teams last year, and it feels like it's only a matter of time before he gets his chance to shine in Parker's defense. The Monticello native tallied seven tackles in 13 games played last season. 

Landyn Van Kekerix: Van Kekerix is another special teams guy who could be ready for an increased role this year. He played in all 13 games last year and recorded 3.5 tackles, earning Iowa's Reggie Roby Special Teams Award for his outstanding performance. He was also one of eight seniors named to the 2026 Player's Council, an honor chosen by his teammates for leadership and decision-making this year. 

HawkeyeRoundtable is giving away TWO tickets to Iowa's season opener against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5! 

This is easily the biggest giveaway we've ever done on this site, and it's a great opportunity for two lucky fans to experience the joy of attending a Hawkeye football game at Kinnick Stadium. 

Click here to automatically become a member to enter the contest! Additional contest details can be found in our community section, too! 

HawkeyeRoundtable publisher Brad Schultz has covered the Iowa Hawkeyes since 2023. To send him story ideas, scoops, or criticize his writing, reach him at [email protected]