Iowa football DB 'iffy' for Week 1 vs. Northern Illinois

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz announced on Wednesday morning that safety Tyler Brown is "iffy" for Week 1 against Northern Illinois due to a muscle strain. Brown, a transfer from James Madison, started all 14 games for the Dukes in 2025, recording 80 tackles, six pass breakups, five tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception.

In his absence, starting cornerbacks Zach Lutmer and Villanova transfer Anthony Hawkins will take the safety spots, with second-year Jacob Wallace filling in at CASH. Lutmer, who started all 13 games last season, amassed 71 tackles, seven pass breakups, 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and one sack. Hawkins, a freshman All-American safety from Villanova, totaled 59 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two interceptions in 2025. Jacob Wallace, who played in three games last season, contributed five tackles.

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