Iowa football reveals transfer DB is sidelined with muscle strain

In his Friday press conference, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz revealed that one of the Hawkeyes' defensive transfer portal additions has been sidelined throughout camp.

Tyler Brown, a 5-foot-10, 201-pound defensive back that transferred in from James Madison, is dealing with a muscle strain.

"Ty Brown's been out for a little bit with a muscle strain, so, you know, he hasn't had much work back there. It's given other guys an opportunity. (Anthony) Hawkins has been working mostly at his spot," Ferentz said.

Brown started all 14 games for James Madison in 2025 at free safety, totaling 80 tackles six pass breakups, five tackles for loss, one sack and one interception in 14 games for the Dukes in 2025. He was also an honorable mention All-Sun Belt defensive back.

The Hawkeyes are replacing their two starting safeties in Xavier Nwankpa and in Koen Entringer, who transferred to Louisville.

Iowa does return cornerback Deshaun Lee, who recorded 34 tackles, six pass breakups and a pair of picks last season. Lee has started 26 games in his Hawkeye career.

Zach Lutmer returns as well after starting all 13 games last season, including 11 at CASH. Lutmer registered 71 tackles, seven pass breakups, 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and one sack.

"Defensively, just on the back end, obviously having Zach Lutmer and Deshaun Lee, they're kind of the two leaders. We've got a bunch of guys that I think are going to be capable and we're letting those guys compete, too, both at the corner and safety positions. So, it's an ongoing process right now… We're learning about those guys and just continue to do that," Ferentz said.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football reveals transfer DB is sidelined with muscle strain