Iowa football DB Zach Lutmer named to Chuck Bednarik Award watch list

As the 2026 Iowa football season swiftly approaches, fourth-year defensive back Zach Lutmer has been named to the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, which is an honor given annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.

In addition to being a Bednarik Award candidate, Lutmer was previously named to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lott IMPACT Trophy watch lists. The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Rock Rapids, Iowa, native was also tabbed a 2026 preseason second-team All-American by The Sporting News.

Lutmer started all 13 games at the CASH position in 2025, recording 71 tackles, seven pass breakups, 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown. He was a part of a Hawkeye defense that ranked No. 8 nationally in scoring defense (15.6 ppg) and No. 9 in total defense (280.4 ypg).

Ball Hawk 😤@LutmerZach ➡️ Bednarik Award Watch List 🏆 pic.twitter.com/lswLeHgGcg

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 21, 2026

Last season, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the league's coaches and a third-team selection from the media, while also being named Iowa’s Roy Carver Most Valuable Player on defense.

Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced Nov. 10, with the three finalists unveiled Nov. 24. The winner of the 32nd Bednarik Award will be announced on Dec. 10.

Iowa opens the 2026 season by hosting Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 5, with kickoff set for 3:15 p.m. CT.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football DB Zach Lutmer named to Chuck Bednarik Award watch list