CHICAGO - Time can sure fly by in a hurry. 

Just two years ago, Zach Lutmer was an up-and-coming backup defensive back for Iowa football's defense. All it took was one season for that to change, though. 

There were a lot of fascinating storylines throughout the 2025 campaign, but one of the best may have been Lutmer's emergence on another talented defense. 

The Rock Rapids, Iowa native was named a starter for the season opener and never looked back. He started every game at the cash position (Iowa's version of a hybrid outside linebacker/slot cornerback) in the Hawkeyes' 9-4 campaign, compiling 71 tackles, seven pass break-ups, one sack, and three interceptions.

Lutmer's entire statistic sheet was impressive, but it was the three interceptions that made him a fan favorite. Lutmer nearly engineered an upset of the then-No. 11 ranked and eventual national champion Indiana Hoosiers with a dramatic interception of Fernando Mendoza in the fourth quarter. 

Though Iowa lost that game, Lutmer continued to be one of, if not the Hawkeyes' best defensive player as the season progressed. He secured his first career touchdown (a pick-six) during the first half of a rout over Minnesota in October and maintained that high level of consistency for the rest of the year. 

Few expect Lutmer's performance to drop off in 2026. He's already found himself on multiple preseason lists, including second-team All-Big Ten, but the biggest thing Lutmer has focused on this summer is his leadership. 

Lutmer got to learn the ropes from veterans Quinn Schulte, Sebastian Castro, and Xavier Nwankpa for a few years, but those guys are long gone. The leadership role now transfers to Lutmer, who suddenly finds himself as a veteran. 

"I'm kind of the older guy in the room now, which is crazy," Lutmer said at Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday. "Like, I'm in my fourth year, and it used to be guys that were in their sixth year. It used to be guys that were in their fifth year." 

Like many underclassmen, Lutmer began his career as a lead-by-example kind of leader, which meant his stellar play could do most of the talking. While that will remain the case this year, becoming more vocal in a room featuring just one other experienced starter (Deshaun Lee) is something that defensive coordinator Phil Parker has challenged him to do. 

"He's always talked about me being more vocal, but this year it matters a little more. There's not as many old guys," Lutmer said. 

Becoming a strong leader is far more than just words, too - it involves taking whatever role your team needs to win football games.

Though Lutmer thrived in the cash position last season, he could move over to safety this year to make room for one of the young, but high-potential group of corners of either Rashad Godfrey Jr., Anthony Hawkins, Jaylen Watson, or Tyler Brown, but as long as he's contributing, Lutmer doesn't care where he lands. 

"It's kind of just to wait and see. See what we need. See what what progresses throughout the fall camp, and we'll go from there," Lutmer said. 

And don't forget about Lutmer's potential on special teams, either. He's one of many candidates that is in line to replace Kaden Wetjen as Iowa's new return man this year.

Lutmer has been working on catching punts and kicks in practice. It wouldn't be surprising to hear him privately advocate for the role, but in the end, if it helps the Hawkeyes win football games, that's good enough for Lutmer. 

"If it was up to me, I would I would love to get the ball in my hands and and do whatever I can with it," Lutmer said. "If they're one to give me that opportunity, I'll try and do my best to help the team in whatever way I can." 

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]