Iowa City Today

University of Iowa senior safety Xavier Nwankpa has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after his performance in the Hawkeyes’ 25-24 win over Penn State. The conference announced the honor on Monday.

Nwankpa recorded 10 total tackles, matching his career high, and led the team with seven solo tackles against Penn State. He also forced his first career fumble in the fourth quarter and returned an interception 28 yards to the 1-yard line in the second quarter. This turnover set up a touchdown for Iowa two plays later.

In addition to these contributions, Nwankpa played a key role in Penn State’s final offensive play. With Iowa ahead by one point and just over a minute left, he pressured the quarterback on a delayed blitz, which led to an incomplete pass and secured the victory for Iowa.

This is Nwankpa’s first time receiving Big Ten weekly honors. He is also the first Hawkeye defender to earn this recognition since Aaron Graves did so on October 14, 2024.

Iowa holds a record of 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play. The team will host Minnesota (also 5-2, 3-1) on Saturday for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy game at Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Central Time, with television coverage on CBS and radio broadcast via the Hawkeye Radio Network.