Iowa football’s Koen Entringer hints at potential return for 2026 season

TAMPA — There’s at least some update on redshirt junior safety Koen Entringer’s status.

As the lone junior who walked during Senior Day festivities, Entringer said in November he hadn’t made any sort of decision on his future. There’s potential for him to declare for the NFL Draft, but he has that final year of eligibility remaining.

The latest update was when Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said he was under the impression Entringer was returning, during his press conference just before leaving for the ReliaQuest Bowl.

“As far as I know, he's planning on coming back, and he's working hard,” Ferentz said on Dec. 18. “He's been out there every day working really hard and really well. I don't think he has any plans of going anywhere, but I'll verify that and give that to you. I'll give you all updates when we get down there.”

But during Iowa’s first media availability in Tampa, Entringer provided a little bit more context to Ferentz’s statement.

Entringer said he’s been locked into preparing for No. 14 Vanderbilt, but that an announcement will be coming soon.

“I’m focused on kicking these guys’ butt. That’s my number one focus," Entringer said. ”I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag, if you know what I’m saying.“

He clarified that he would “maybe” make a statement on the news after the bowl game.

Entringer ended his redshirt junior season with 69 tackles, including three tackles-for-loss and four pass break ups. Entringer was also one of two defensive captains this year.

When asked about the 2026 Hawkeyes, Entringer said he had tons of advice for his teammates, particularly playing against ranked opponents like Vanderbilt. Iowa didn’t pick up a ranked win this season, losing all four opportunity by a combined 15 points.

It’s also part of the reason why Entringer said he had more he wanted to do with the Hawkeyes.

“It’s a big reminder and something I’m going to make sure I focus on and remind the team next season," Entringer said. ”...I don’t want to make any proclamations, but ideally win every single game next season and go to the (College Football Playoff). That’s always the goal.”

The Hawkeyes will already lose Xavier Nwankpa and TJ Hall this year, but have Zach Lutmer and DeShaun Lee expected to return next season. Entringer played his first full year as a starter this year, which could add a key element of maturity to a potentially young defense next season.

As for this final game, Entringer said his mentality is solely on the Commodores and giving the rest of the senior class one final proper sendoff — and making sure this year’s Iowa team is remembered for the attributes Ferentz has preached all year.

“I think we want to be remembered no matter what, as the most hungriest team that was playing, the most physical team,” Entringer said. “And I think the team did it together. I think that's the story of this team.”

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