Key Iowa defensive star to return to Hawkeyes for sixth season

Iowa gets one more run from a defensive star.

The Iowa Hawkeyes always find a way. They keep their guys.

Recent news has come out from Todd Brommelkamp that defensive lineman and 2024 breakout star Ethan Hurkett will be returning to the Iowa Hawkeyes for his sixth season.

Hurkett revealed the news to Brommelkamp, the host of 1600ESPN Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, when in the studio with a few other Hawkeyes while recording a segment.

Ethan Hurkett is eligible to return as he is electing to utilize the COVID redshirt that occurred from the 2020 season.

Hurkett, the Iowa native from Cedar Rapids, came alive for Iowa this season as he registered 55 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

He was dominant down the stretch for Iowa over the final three games. Against UCLA, Maryland, and Nebraska, he tallied 22 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble.

The announcement of Hurkett’s return to the Iowa Hawkeyes could signify an avalanche of players announcing their decisions to return. Some of those players include fellow defensive lineman Aaron Graves, offensive lineman Gennings Dunker, and top punt and kick returner Kaden Wetjen.

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