Iowa defensive end Ethan Hurkett plans to return in 2025 for sixth season

IOWA CITY — Iowa defensive end Ethan Hurkett is planning to return to the Hawkeyes in 2025 for a sixth season, he told 1600 ESPN’s Todd Brommelkamp on Monday.

Hurkett, a former Cedar Rapids Xavier standout, started in all 12 regular-season games for the Hawkeyes in 2024 and had a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His three forced fumbles were tied with Aaron Graves for the team lead. He was an all-Big Ten honorable mention, as selected by both coaches and media.

Hurkett also appeared in all 13 games in 2022 and 13 of 14 games in 2023. The 2024 Music City Bowl is expected to be his 42nd career game and 13th career start as a Hawkeye.

The 1600 ESPN interview segment with Hurkett and fellow former Cedar Rapids Xavier standouts Quinn Schulte and Jaxon Rexroth will air Wednesday morning between 7 and 8 a.m.

This is the final senior class with the option to use an extra COVID-19 year of eligibility. Iowa center Logan Jones also has announced he will return for a sixth and final season of college football earlier this month.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com

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