By hawkeyesports.com

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa football fourth-year defensive back Zach Lutmer was named to the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List on Friday, 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 Rock Rapids, Iowa, native was also tabbed a 2026 preseason second-team All-American by The Sporting News.

Lutmer (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) started all 13 games at the CASH position in 2025, recording 71 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, one touchdown, and seven pass breakups. He was a part of a Hawkeye defense that ranked eighth nationally in scoring defense (15.6 ppg) and ninth in total defense (280.4 ypg). 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.

Presented annually since 1994, the award is named for University of Pennsylvania linebacker Chuck Bednarik.

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 on Sept. 5 hosting Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. (CT).

HAWKEYES ON 2026 WATCH LISTS
* Iose Epenesa – Polynesian Player of the Year Award
* Trevor Lauck – Outland Trophy | Lombardi Award
* Eli Ozick – Lou Groza Award
* Kade Pieper – Outland Trophy | Rimington Trophy | Lombardi Award
* Zach Lutmer – Nagurski Trophy | Bednarik Award | Lott IMPACT Trophy
* Jayden Montgomery – Wuerffel Trophy | Butkus Award
* Kamari Moulton – Doak Walker Award
* DJ Vonnahme – Mackey Award