Zach Lutmer Named Lott IMPACT Trophy Quarterfinalist

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa fourth-year defensive back Zach Lutmer has been named a 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy Quarterfinalist, it was announced Thursday by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation.

The 16 quarterfinalists represent the finest defensive players in college football who have had the biggest impact on their teams both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

Lutmer has started the first six games at free safety in 2026, recording 34 tackles, including one tackle for a loss, and four pass breakups. The Rock Rapids, Iowa, native led the team with a career-high 12 tackles in Iowa's come-from-behind win at No. 18 Michigan, and followed it up by leading the team with 11 tackles against No. 5 Ohio State. 

In 2025, Lutmer earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. He was also selected as Iowa’s Roy Carver Most Valuable Player for defense and is a two-time Team Hustle Award recipient.

Off the field, Lutmer is a two-time CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-Big Ten selection, as well as a two-time Player Council representative (2025 and 2026).

Former Hawkeye linebacker and current Carolina Panther Josey Jewell won the award in 2017. James Morris was a finalist in 2013, while Desmond King (2016), Cooper DeJean (2023), and Jay Higgins (2024) earned recent semifinalist honors.

Semifinalists for the 2026 award will be announced in mid-November.

No. 17 Iowa (5–1, 2–1) returns to action at Minnesota (4–2, 2–1) on Saturday, Oct. 24.