Phil Parker raves about Iowa football DL Bryce Hawthorne

Defensive coordinator Phil Parker shared his admiration for Iowa defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne during the team's recent midseason coordinators interviews. The departure of experienced defensive linemen like Aaron Graves, Max Llewellyn, and Ethan Hurkett had left the Hawkeyes in a challenging position. However, the return of Hawthorne, a former starting defensive lineman, provided a boost to the Iowa defensive line.

In 2025, Hawthorne had 15 total tackles and an interception, primarily playing as a reserve. This season, he has started and has been outstanding, with 19 total tackles and 2.5 sacks by the halfway point. His performance in the second half of the season has been particularly impressive, tying with linebacker Preston Ries for the second-most sacks on the team.

Parker praised Hawthorne's effort, leadership, and hustle on the field, noting his ability to inspire his teammates to give their best effort in critical moments. Hawthorne's leadership and playmaking abilities have become instrumental in guiding a younger defensive line, which has shown significant improvement since Week 1. The Hawkeyes will undoubtedly rely on Hawthorne's experience and dedication to continue their progress as the season progresses.