After discussing with family, the defensive back decided to return to the Hawkeyes to continue learning in Phil Parker's system, where he says it "prepares him like a pro."
Every college football player dreams of reaching the NFL.
Two hundred and fifty-seven college players were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and many more are eagerly waiting to see if their names will be called in the upcoming 2026 Draft, which takes place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Zach Lutmer could've heard his name called in the Steel City, but he opted to return to Iowa football and continue learning under the experienced tutelage of longtime head coach Kirk Ferentz and defensive coordinator Phil Parker.
"I didn't think I was personally ready," Lutmer told The Daily Iowan during spring football availability on March 31. "I've talked to a lot of agents out there, and I've talked to my family, and, I felt like you have to really be ready, because the NFL is going to be there when you want to go, but if you're not ready when you get there, you're not going to stay long."
Playing professional football for a long time is not an easy task. According to Lutmer, reaching that sustained level of success is built through strong preparation in college. There's few places in the country that develop athletes as well as Iowa, and Lutmer's sophomore season was a great indication of that.
Lutmer started all of Iowa's 13 games in 2025 at the "Cash" position - a hybrid role unique to Iowa's defensive scheme that combines safety and linebacker - and he rewarded the Hawkeyes with a breakout campaign. The defensive back recorded 71 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, and three interceptions (including one pick-six) during Iowa's 9-4 campaign.
Part of the reason for Lutmer's breakout 2025 season was his performance in weight room. The Rock Rapids native considered himself to be a "decent squatter" in high school, but the Hawkeyes' rigorous strength and conditioning program increased that to 575 pounds last year - a rare development for an upperclassmen.
"That's just testament to the program, in the culture here, guys are constantly improving," Lutmer said. "If you're not constantly improving, then you're not going to make it to the next level, or where you want to be in life."
The additions and subtractions of players to graduation or the transfer portal has Lutmer unsure if he'll return to the "Cash" position in 2026. Xavier Nwankpa and TJ Hall graduated, while Koen Entringer transferred to Louisville.
In response, Hawkeyes added transfer defensive backs Anthony Hawkins (Villanova), Tyler Brown (James Madison), Cody Haddad (Ohio State), and Xavier Styles (Robert Morris) from the portal.
Lutmer's job is to make sure the group is connected with each other. Meetings outside the facility have helped get everyone acquainted, but the ultimate growth comes during spring practice.
"I've seen a lot of growth from day one to day four now, of guys just learning and picking up things and becoming faster out of the field," Lutmer said.
Caitlin Clark jersey winner will be announced TODAY!
Thank you to everyone who entered the Caitlin Clark jersey contest this month! We received 21 entries, which is a really strong number. HawkeyeRoundtable will reveal the winner on Wednesday, April 1, so be sure to stay tuned to the site to see if your name gets called.
Missed the giveaway? No problem! Become a FREE HawkeyeRoundtable community member today to have a chance to win future Hawkeye prizes! We'll continue the giveaways throughout the year.
Looking for a FREE Hawkeyes community?
Don't miss out on our Roundtable community and the latest news! It's completely FREE to join.
Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the FREE Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!