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Phil Parker has had a pretty successful college football coaching career. 

Parker has been on Iowa football's coaching staff since 1999 – the same year Kirk Ferentz took over – and succeeded his mentor Norm Parker (no relation) as defensive coordinator in 2012. 

Every person that claims to be a Hawkeye fan knows this information, but what some may not know is that coaching defensive backs is Parker's bread and butter. He was previously Iowa's defensive backs coach from 1999-2011, and continued in that role when he was promoted to defensive coordinator. 

Parker was also a three-time first-team All-Big Ten defensive back for Michigan State in the mid-1980s, so he knows his way around a secondary. Bob Sanders, Cooper DeJean, Riley Moss, Desmond King, and Josh Jackson are just a few of the guys that have flourished in Parker's system, but 2026 may have to be his best coaching job yet. 

While Iowa does have returning experience in the secondary this year, its "next man up" mentality is going to be put to the test. There's a lot of talented, but unproven players that are going to be thrown into increased roles right away, and it's up to Parker to try and find out who that will be. 

Here's your 2026 secondary preview. 

The Go-To Guys 

Zach Lutmer: There's no other logical place to start than Lutmer. The Rock Rapids, Iowa native showed promise late in the 2024 season and emerged as one of, if not the best defensive player for the Hawkeyes in 2025. He tallied three interceptions (one was a pick-six), 71 tackles, and one sack, which earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches. The accolades have already begun to pile in in the preseason, with the latest being a spot on the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List – which goes to the nation's best defensive player. 

The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Lutmer can do it all on the football field. He's got fantastic awareness, agility, and speed, all of which were on display last year. Those skills will also likely lead to Lutmer being the next kick returner, a role that we saw him perform during Kids' Day on Aug. 15. That versatility could place him in a variety of roles this year. Lutmer played CASH last year, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Parker move him to safety. 

Deshaun Lee: Every secondary needs a grizzled veteran, and that's exactly what Lee provides to this room. While he hasn't had a breakout, knock your socks off performance like Lutmer, Lee's been a solid option for Parker to turn to. The 5-foot-10, 189-pound Lee has started 25 games across his last three seasons in a Hawkeye, collecting 34 tackles and a career-high six pass-break ups in 2025. 

Other Names To Watch 

Jaylen Watson: Watson's potential to be a star defensive back on this defense was clear by the end of the season, where he earned two starts. He tallied two tackles and his first career pass break-up in the regular season finale against Nebraska, but what caught everyone's eye was his performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound Watson registered a career-high seven tackles in Iowa's 34-27 victory. Outside of Lee and Lutmer, Watson is easily the other name that is likely to be relied upon early in the season. 

Rashad Godfrey Jr: Not only does Nebraska continue to lose to Iowa, the Hawkeyes' 40-16 blowout win in Lincoln last year opened the door for yet another defensive back to shin –  Godfrey Jr. The Florida product played in all 13 games last season, but his greatest moment came against the Huskers. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound Godfrey registered nine tackles and even forced a fumble in the fourth quarter. Godfrey's got the tools to be a successful contributor for this defense, so keep an eye out for him. 

Anthony Hawkins: The main theme of Iowa's 2026 transfer portal class was finding FCS talent, and Hawkins is one of those guys. He tallied 59 tackles, two interceptions, and nine pass break-ups for a 12-3 Villanova squad last year. 247Sports praised the 6-foot-3, 202-pound Hawkins for his elite ball skills out of high school, and it looks like those have carried over to the college ranks. How quickly will his game translate to the Big Ten? 

Jacob Wallace: Wallace impressed people late in the season with his ridiculous athletic ability, and though he's only played in three college football games, the potential is there for him to be a playmaker for this defense in 2026. Remember this nugget, too: Wallace was nominated to appear in the McDonalds' All-American basketball game, and that basketball skill should only help his leaping ability as a DB. 

Tyler Brown: Brown was one of two players from James Madison to transfer to Iowa in the offseason (OL Trent Wilson is the other), and he may very well be the starting free safety in Week 1 because of his pedigree. The 5-foot-10, 201-pound Brown battled what Ferentz called a "muscle strain" a few weeks ago, but it doesn't appear to be something that could keep him out. Iowa will hope he can play right away, because his 80 tackles and six pass break-ups at JMU were very impressive. 

Darion Jones: There's a lot of hype for the incoming freshman from Nebraska. The 6-foot-1, 181-pound Jones was listed by 247Sports as a four-star and the No. 23 cornerback in the country. The Omaha product may not play right away, but he certainly flashed his versatile skillset at Kids' Day. 

Marcello Vitti: The same can be said for the 5-foot-10, 201-pound Vitti, who earned some reps with the No. 1 defense at Kids' Day. He also comes to the Hawkeyes as a highly-touted four-star prospect and was named the 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year in Michigan after collecting 83 tackles and 10 pass break-ups en route to a state championship.

NIU Ticket Giveaway Closes TOMORROW!

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 bradschultz@roundtable.io

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